Titles and licensure requirements vary from state to state. So do the scopes of practice. Check with your state government for specific information. Below are the most common titles.

L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist In some states herbology is included in the scope of practice

D.Ac. Doctor of Acupuncture In some states herbology is included in the scope of practice

D.O.M. Doctor of Oriental Medicine All methods of Oriental Medicine

R.Ac. Registered Acupuncturist In some states herbology is included in the scope of practice

BOARD CERTIFICATION

The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) administers a certification exam for practitioners. Candidates must meet minimum eligibility requirements to allowed to take the exam. After passing the exam practitioners are considered “national board certified” and “Diplomates" in Acupuncture”. The abbreviation for the title is Dipl. Ac.

The NCCAOM also administers a Chinese Herbal Medicine certification exam and a another certification in Oriental Bodywork.

The NCCAOM acupuncture certification is required by many but not all states as a condition for licensure or registration. Several states have their own exams and requirements. There is a hyperlink to the NCCAOM directory of practitioners and state laws on the links page.

Many pertinent issues are matters of personal preferences for the practitioner. What is your opinion of Western Medicine? At what point do you refer? Whom do you refer to (profession and person)? Do you practice any other healing arts? If you accept insurance who does the billing?

 

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