License and Certification

Who can perform Acupuncture?

In NYS, only a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) can administer acupuncture.

The educational requirements are a minimum of 3,000 plus hours of training in an accredited 3 year Masters level acupuncture program. After passing the National Board Certification Exam, a license can be obtained. Medical doctors and Dentists who have undergone an accredited certificate program of 300 hours may also perform acupuncture.

Education requirements and standards vary from state to state. In deciding which practitioner to use, it is important to ask the practitioner what kind of training they have undergone to help you decide on the practitioner you will use.

For more information about educational standards see Links & Resources.