Acupuncture License Requirements - New York

General Requirements

The practice of acupuncture or the use of the title "licensed acupuncturist" within New York State requires licensure as an acupuncturist, unless otherwise exempt under the law. Licensed physicians and dentists may be certified to practice acupuncture in New York State, but the requirements and application process are different from those for licensure in acupuncture. Physicians and dentists who seek certification to practice acupuncture should contact the Office of the Professions at 474-3817 ext. 560 for additional information.

To be licensed as an acupuncturist in New York State you must:

* be of good moral character;
* be at least 21 years of age;
* meet education and examination requirements; and
* demonstrate proficiency in English if you are a candidate whose application is based upon credit granted for the completion of courses of study in a country where English is not the principal language spoken.

General Requirements

The practice of acupuncture or the use of the title "licensed acupuncturist" within New York State requires licensure as an acupuncturist, unless otherwise exempt under the law. Licensed physicians and dentists may be certified to practice acupuncture in New York State, but the requirements and application process are different from those for licensure in acupuncture. Physicians and dentists who seek certification to practice acupuncture should contact the Office of the Professions at 474-3817 ext. 560 for additional information.

To be licensed as an acupuncturist in New York State you must:

* be of good moral character;
* be at least 21 years of age;
* meet education and examination requirements; and
* demonstrate proficiency in English if you are a candidate whose application is based upon credit granted for the completion of courses of study in a country where English is not the principal language spoken.

Examination Requirements

You must successfully complete the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's (NCCAOM) Acupuncture, Foundations of Oriental Medicine and Point Location Modules examinations and the Clean Needle Technique course. If you successfully completed NCCAOM's Acupuncture Written examination, Point Location examination, and Clean Needle Technique course prior to June 2004, you meet the examination requirement for licensure.

For information regarding the examinations and course, including costs, dates of administration, and content, contact:

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone 703-548-9004
Fax 703-548-9079
E-mail info@nccaom.org
Web www.nccaom.org

English Proficiency Requirement

If your licensure application is based upon credit for the completion of courses of study in a country where English is not the principal language spoken, you must demonstrate English proficiency. If you took the NCCAOM licensing examinations in English and passed them, you have met the requirement. Otherwise, you must pass an examination in English proficiency acceptable to the Department (such as TOEFL). Additionally, you can present proof of credit-bearing postsecondary study offered in English at a university or college if the study was in an area such as humanities or English. Courses in mathematics, computer science, and English as a Second Language cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. An acceptable course must be worth at least 3 semester hours or the equivalent. It is your responsibility to see that verification of English proficiency is submitted directly to the Department from the testing agency or college or university.

View Full article at Office of Profressions, New York State Education Dept., Acupuncture

Admission requirements to NYCTCM Acupuncture School