License Information

Acupuncture was first licensed in three states in the U.S. in 1973 and there are now statues and regulations regarding its practice in 42 states, including New York, and the District of Columbia.

Any use of the title acupuncturist within New York State requires licensure. Licensure in New York is overseen by the Office of the Professions of the New York State Education Department. New York requires a licensed acupuncturist to have completed a three-year professional training program in acupuncture after a minimum of two years of college education.

Graduates of the Acupuncture Program at the Swedish Institute are eligible for New York State licensure, provided they meet all other requirements.

In addition to general requirements and graduation from an accredited school, candidates for licensure must pass a comprehensive national exam administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the Clean Needle Technique course, administered by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM).

For more information

A detailed description of New York State licensing requirements can be obtained from the Office of the Professions at

NYS Education Department
Office of the Professions
Division of Professional Licensing Services
State Education Building, 2nd Floor
Albany, New York 12234
518.474.3817
www.op.nysed.gov/acupun.htm.

Details and dates for the national exam given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can be obtained from

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.548.9004
www.nccaom.org.

Details and dates for the Clean Needle Technique course administered by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can be obtained from

Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
7501 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 820
Greenbelt, Maryland 20770
301.313.0868
www.ccaom.org.

Licensing status of other states is available at the web site of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, www.aaaomonline.org.

Guidelines for Practice >