What Training And Credentials Do Acupuncturists Have?

What Training And Credentials Do Acupuncturists Have?

In NYS acupuncturists are independent health care providers; you do not need a doctor’s referral to be treated. The requirements for licensure have changed over time. Currently, in NYS Licensed Acupuncturists are required to undertake a course of study involving 4,050 hours of classroom instruction, supervised clinical experience, and out of classroom or out of clinic study assignments. This must be done at an institution with a program registered and approved by the NYS Board of Regents. This must be done at an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board of Regents.

In addition, to obtain a license, an NYS acupuncturist must successfully complete an examination of the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The individual may then receive a License to Practice Acupuncture in the State Of New York. He or she will be designated L.Ac.

The initial license is good for a period of 3 years. Thereafter, the licensed must be renewed every three years. You can determine of a person is currently licensed by checking the NYS Department of Education Online License Verifications.

There are other designations in NYS that enable a person to practice acupuncture. These relate to medical doctors, dentists and individuals who practice acupuncture for the treatment of alcoholism, substance dependence or chemical dependency (detox practitioners).

M.D.s and Dentists are permitted to practice acupuncture after having completed 200 hours of study and 100 hours of supervised clinical experience. Detox practitioners have training provided by a hospital or other institution determined to have adequate resources and may only provide treatment in a hospital or clinical program and the practice must be limited to the treatment of alcoholism, substance dependence or chemical dependency.