The most important thing is to keep the public safe and second to have benefits for the money they spend.  54 hours of training in needling is not enough to keep the public safe or to ensure that they get benefit.  Acupuncturists around the country spend thousands of hours learning how to use acupuncture needles safely and effectively.  If physical therapists are using acupuncture needles, even if they are calling it "dry needling", it is acupuncture and their training should be similar to ensure safety and efficacy.