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Professional Credentials for Acupuncturists
AP
Acupuncture physicians. Licensed only in Florida, acupuncture physicians are practitioners who have completed a master's level program in oriental medicine approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This requires a minimum of 2,700 hours of supervised instruction, including 15 hours covering safety measures on needle technique, three hours on HIV/AIDS precautions, and 20 hours on Florida state statutes and rules on medical practices. Acupuncturists then receive their accreditation after passing an exam administered by the Florida Board of Acupuncture.
CA
A certified acupuncturist usually completes between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of training through an accredited program, and receives accreditation after successfully passing a board exam.
DiplAc
The DiplAc signifies completion of a diploma program at any of various nationwide schools certified by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This generally includes three academic years of study.
DiplCH
The DiplCH signifies completion of a diploma program at any of various nationwide schools certified by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This generally includes three academic years of study.
DiplOM
The DiplOM signifies completion of a diploma program at any of various nationwide schools certified by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This generally includes three academic years of study, including instruction in acupuncture and herbology.
DOM
The doctor of oriental medicine degree indicates additional training beyond state licensure to practice acupuncture, but it may also indicate a variety of training levels.
LAc
The licensed acupuncturist is certified by the state licensure board. Generally, requirements include three years of education at one of the nationwide schools certified by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and passing a state exam.
MAc
The master of acupuncture signifies completion of a master's level academic program in acupuncture. Programs generally take two to three academic years, and in most states, practitioners with the MAc degree can apply for state licensure.
MAOM
The master of acupuncture and oriental medicine is a post-graduate degree. Most such degrees offer a comprehensive curriculum, often totaling 2,500 hours of rigorous classroom and clinical experience. Many are also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
NCCAOM
NCCAOM is a non-profit organization that establishes, assesses, and promotes standards of competence and safety in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
