A certified acupuncturist uses needles to treat patients with a variety of health issues.
An acupuncturist is alternative medicine practitioner who uses non-conventional methods to treat patients with a variety of physical issues. This includes using needles, herbs and other items to help individuals with migraines, back pain and other conditions that traditional medical treatment has failed to relieve. Given the nature of work, many acupuncturists choose to become certified to demonstrate that they are thoroughly trained and proficient in their profession.
Description
Most acupuncturists choose to become certified by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) because many states follow its guidelines for regulating the practice of acupuncture. When an acupuncturist has completed the NCCAOM certification process, they are able to use the Diplomate in Acupuncture designation, and are listed in the NCCAOM's directory of certified acupuncturists. Certification benefits both the acupuncturist, who is able to use the credential to improve his employment opportunities, and the public, who are assured that the acupuncturist is competent and well-trained.
Requirements
In order to be eligible for certification, acupuncturists must complete a minimum of three years or 1,905 hours of education in an acupuncture program. The program must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). In addition, applicants must complete 660 hours of clinical work with patients to become certified. Students who have not yet graduated from an accredited acupuncture program are eligible to sit for the certification exam, but they must have completed at least 1,350 hours of training if they entered the program prior to July 1, 1999 or 1,490 hours if they entered after July 1, 1999. In some cases, acupuncturists who have completed an apprenticeship and received practical training instead of formal classroom training are eligible for certification if they have treated at least 500 patients through each year of their apprenticeship. A combination of formal training and apprenticeship work may be acceptable as well. All applicants must also complete clean-needle training courses to ensure that they have been educated in the safe use of acupuncture needles, and agree to follow a code of ethics regarding acupuncture practice.
Exam
Once the candidate's application for certification has been accepted, he must sit for the NCCAOM certification exam. The test is administered year round throughout North America. Students take the exam on computers, and have two and a half hours to complete 100 questions. Preliminary results are shown to the student immediately after completion of the exam, but certification is not official until formal scores are sent out, which usually occurs within 20 to 30 business days of the exam date. An examination study guide can be found on the NCCAOM website.
Licensure
Licensing requirements for acupuncturists vary from state to state, but many require successful completion of the NCCAOM certification exam as a condition of licensing. Students must request that NCCAOM send verification of their certification to their state, and make sure that they have met all other licensing requirements as well. Consult your State Board to verify if NCCAOM certification fulfills licensing requirements.
Recertification
Certification for acupuncturists is good for four years. The NCCAOM requires continuing education courses as part of the recertification process. Acupuncturists must complete 60 credits of approved professional development activities prior to the expiration of their certificate to be recertified. In addition, CPR certification is also required for recertification, but those training hours may not be counted toward the safety recertification requirement.
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