The qualifications and skills that you need to start a career in hypnosis depend on the responsibilities of your job. If you use hypnosis for clinical purposes, you need an advanced degree in most states. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis only offers certification for doctors, psychologists, and nurses with a master’s degree. Another professional organization, the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists, requires classroom work for certification but does not have educational or professional requirements. Hypnotherapists without a medical background can still practice hypnosis, but they cannot offer any medical services or diagnose clients.