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Education Required to Be an Acupuncturist

As a relatively new field of treatment in the United States, acupuncturist educational requirements vary, depending on the state, from apprenticeship to post-graduate degrees. About 40 states have established standards to become a certified acupuncturist.

  1. History

    • The healing art of acupuncture is a Chinese tradition that goes back further than recorded history. It has been part of the Tao philosophy for at least 8,000 years.

    Prerequisites

    • Some states require the standing of medical doctor or chiropractor before you can become certified in acupuncture. Others will accept a master's of acupuncture as the equivalent of certification.

    Features

    • To complete acupuncture training in the United States at an accredited school takes about four years. Then the candidate must pass their particular state's license exam in order to practice.

    Professionals

    • Medical doctors and other medical professionals, like chiropractors and dentists, must complete an approved 300 hour course of acupuncture education, as well as have two years of medical acupuncture experience.

    Accreditation

    • To maintain their license, acupuncturists must regularly update their knowledge with Continuing Education Credits.

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