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Frequently Asked Questions
How are practitioners trained in the U.S.?
Licensed Acupuncturists obtain a 3 to 4-year master's degree with 2000-3000 hours of training exclusively in this field and undergo an extensive clinical internship with hands-on treatment of patients. They can additionally become Board Certified and be awarded the Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.) designation by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) after passing a rigorous examination. Continuing education is then required to maintain Board Certification status.
Most medical doctors, osteopaths and chiropractors
who use acupuncture as an adjunct to their primary
practice are Certified rather than Licensed.
Certified Acupuncturists need only about 200 hours of training in acupuncture and are not required to take the standard competency exam. Their preparation in Oriental Medical principles and diagnostic procedures is therefore minimal. As a result, they typically limit themselves to using acupuncture for the treatment of pain, whereas Licensed Acupuncturists treat pain along with a broad range of health issues including chronic disease, internal medicine, rehabilitation, and prevention based on Oriental Medical theory.
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