Can You Call an Acupuncturist a Doctor?

Whether or not you can call an acupuncturist a doctor depends partially on the regulations in the state in which you live. Generally speaking, you cannot call an acupuncturist a doctor unless they hold a doctoral degree in either Chinese medicine or a related subject such as biomedicine.

Medical Acupuncturists

• Some acupuncturists are referred to as Medical Acupuncturists. These are other types of medical practitioners, such as physicians or chiropractors, who take courses in acupuncture. These acupuncturists can be called doctors.

Traditional Oriental Medicine Acupuncturists

• Most acupuncturists have degrees in Traditional Oriental Medicine. The first acupuncturists in the United States were awarded Doctoral degrees. Since then, the curriculum has been revised so that the basic degree is now a Masters. If these practitioners have no Doctoral degrees, they may not be called Doctor.

Doctoral Degrees

• In the last few years, schools of Traditional Oriental Medicine have begun to develop accredited Doctoral programs once again. New graduates who have completed their studies in these programs may be called Doctors.

State Regulations

• Every state has its own regulations regarding licensing of acupuncturists. Some do not allow the practice at all. There are others, such as Oklahoma, who only allow medical acupuncturists to practice. States such as California, allow practice by both medical acupuncturists and holders of Masters of Traditional Oriental Medicine degrees who have passed the state licensing exam.

Advertising and Promotion

• Even if the acupuncturist does have a doctoral degree, he or she may not advertise themselves as Doctor without specifying what the doctoral degree is in.