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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Pennsylvania Licensure Requirements

    Completion of Acupuncture Program

    1 Examination

    No Experience Requirement

    3 Hours of Continuing Education (initial license)

    $110.00 Initial Fee

    $75.00 Renewal Fee
     

    An individual registered to practice acupuncture by the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine. Acupuncture is the stimulation of certain points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or alleviate the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control, for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body.

    Degree Requirement:

    Completion of Acupuncture Program

    The State Board will register as an acupuncturist a non-osteopathic if the applicant has successfully completed an acupuncture program which includes a course in needle sterilization techniques. If the acupuncture education program is taken within the United States, the applicant shall complete 2 academic years of acupuncture training and shall complete 2 academic years of a college level educational program.  If the educational program is taken outside of the United States, an applicant shall graduate from a college with a program of study including oriental medicine and document 300 class hours of study in acupuncture training.

    Examination Requirement:

    1 Examination

    The applicant must obtain a passing grade on an acupuncture examination or has been certified by the  National

    Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine  (NCCAOM). The NCCAOM must also verify completion of the Clean Needle Technique Course.

    Experience: 

    No experience requirement for licensure.

    Continuing Education:

    3 Hours (for initial licensure) 

    Applicants must complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure. 

     

    2 Hours (for renewal of license)

    In order to renew license, 2 hours of state board approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements must be completed.

    Initial Licensing Fee: 

    $110.00

    Licensure Renewal Fee:

     $75.00

    Biennial renewal of license.

    Licensure by Endorsement & Licensure by Act 41:

    The state board may accept by endorsement currently licensed osteopathic physicians qualified by either the National Board or by Flex examination or by any other state or territorial examination acceptable to the board for the purpose of licensure.

    Act 41 allows for portability of out-of-state professional licensees coming to work in Pennsylvania. Act 41 does this by granting all boards and commissions within the Commonwealth the authority to endorse licensees from other states, territories or jurisdictions (with substantially equivalent licensing requirements) who are active, in good standing and without discipline against their license or criminal conviction.