Acupuncture Practitioner Licensing and Training by Jurisdiction

Why credentials matter

Acupuncture risks depend on how well it is delivered. An overview of safety reviews said patient safety should be a core part of acupuncture education, and that referrals should consider the credibility of an acupuncturist's training. [1] Requirements differ by country, state and province, so this page names the jurisdiction for each statement. It does not list or recommend practitioners.

United States

• Licensing is by state. NCCIH says most states license acupuncturists, and requirements vary from state to state. [2]
• Certification. In most states acupuncturists must be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) or pass its exams to be licensed. [3]
• Training programs. The U.S. Department of Education has authorized the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to accredit acupuncture programs. [3]
• States use different approaches: mandatory licensure, title licensure or registration, and the services allowed vary widely. [3]

To check a license in the U.S., use your state licensing board's own lookup. We could not read NCCAOM's site this session, so we do not describe its directory.

Canada: British Columbia

The College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia regulates traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists in that province. [4] Other provinces differ and we did not read their regulators.

Australia

The title "acupuncturist" is protected under the National Law. Registered Chinese medicine practitioners, and practitioners from other registered professions endorsed by their Board, can use it; unregistered people cannot. [5]

England and the rest of the United Kingdom

The NHS says that other complementary therapists and herbal medicine practitioners (unlike chiropractors and osteopaths) do not need to be registered by law, and advises choosing a therapist registered with a professional organization accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, whose website lets you check a practitioner. [6] This reflects NHS wording for complementary therapists in general, so confirm for your own nation and profession.

Other health professionals who use needles

Some doctors, nurses and physical therapists use acupuncture or dry needling within their own licenses. Training and rules differ by jurisdiction; see acupuncture vs dry needling.

How to check, and questions to ask

1. Ask for the practitioner's license or registration number and look it up with the official regulator, not an advertisement.
2. Ask where they trained and whether the program is accredited.
3. Ask about single-use needles and how they handle your medicines and conditions.
4. Ask what the treatment is meant to achieve and how progress is judged.

More prompts are on questions to ask before a session and choosing a qualified practitioner. In England, remember the NHS advice to tell your GP about complementary treatment. [6]