Action | Practice of dry needling |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 12/30/2015 |
The Facts on Training Requirements
LACs (Licensed Acupuncturists) Requirements to obtain M.S. (Master of Science) degree in Acupuncture
- at least 1905+ hours (1245 hours didactic, 660 hours clinical) http://www.acaom.org/documents/accreditation_manual_712.pdf
NOTE: Most ACAOM credited schools far surpass those requirements to 1500 hours didactic 1200 hours clinical.
MDs/DOs (Medical Doctor / Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) Requirements to become a Fellow in Medical Acupuncture and perform Dry Needling / Acupuncture
- 220 hours of formal training (120 hours didactic, 100 hours clinical)
- 5+ years of western medical experience or board certified in their specialty
- 4+ years of clinical acupuncture experience
AAMA (American Academy of Medical Acupuncture), the only recognized MD/DO acupuncture association by the AMA (American Medical Association). http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/ForPhysicians/Membership/BecomeaFellow.aspx
Physical Therapists in Virginia requirements to perform Dry Needling Acupuncture
- 54 hours (54? hours didactic, 0? hours clinical)
If you aren't willing to allow your loved one to be treated with acupuncture needles by a PT with 54 hours of didactic instruction.... then you shouldn't allow Virginians to be treated by PTs either.