About Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
About Practitioners
Education
Each practitioner must complete a minimum of three years of graduate study at a nationally accredited school for acupuncture and Oriental medicine. This training includes required hours in both the classroom and in clinics treating patients with supervision.
There are two accredited schools in Minnesota:
- Northwestern Health Sciences University www.nwhealth.edu
- American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine www.aaaom.org
Accreditation and Licensing
In addition to formal education, practitioners must also pass national certification board exams, as well as a Clean Needle Technique exam. Upon successful completion of these exams, practitioners become nationally certified.
Once certified, a practitioner must then apply for licensure through the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Once licensed, practitioners are designated as a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). To maintain the license, a practitioner must complete continuing education about acupuncture and Oriental medicine, first aid, and ethics.
There are many traditions in this medicine, and thus the background, style and specific training can vary from one practitioner to another.
Code of Ethics
All practitioners operate inside the ethical codes set forth by The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) as well as the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice.
For more information, please consult the following links:
•National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) www.nccaom.org
•Minnesota Board of Medical Practice www.bmp.state.mn.us
•American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine www.aaaomonline.org