An Acupuncturists training can vary state-by-state. Most states require that Acupuncturists be certified by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). An NCCAOM certified Acupuncturist has, "completed at least 3-4 years of Acupuncture schooling at the master's degree level in an Acupuncture program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM)". They must also take board exams to demonstrate their competency. Some states, such as California, have additional requirements and their own board exam.
In addition, many acupuncturists now have doctoral training. There are many variations for a doctoral degree for Acupuncture with different titles attached such as DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) and DACM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine) there are also PhDs which are awarded to practitioners who have done doctorate level training with a research focus.
In some states you may see Acupuncture offered by healthcare providers who are not Acupuncturists. It may be called Acupuncture or Dry Needling. In most of these situations the healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, medical doctor, nurse or physical therapist has elected to take a 100-300 hour certification class so that they can provide a base level acupuncture services.
Dr. Nicole Anderson L.Ac., DAOM is certified by the National Acupuncture Board and maintains a Missouri Acupuncture license. She has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2013 specializing in pain management, women's health, emotional wellbeing and internal medicine. She currently practices in the Saint Louis area.
