Acupuncturist Credentials & Qualifications in North Carolina

At Medicus Staffing Solutions, we ensure that every acupuncturist we place meets the highest standards of education, licensure, and professional competency required to practice in North Carolina. Below are the qualifications an acupuncturist must obtain to legally practice in the state.

1. Education Requirements

To become a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in North Carolina, practitioners must complete:

  • A four-year Master’s or Doctoral degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from an accredited institution.

  • Programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) or an equivalent body.

  • Coursework typically includes:

    • Chinese Medical theory, diagnostics, and treatment strategies

    • Acupuncture point location and needling techniques

    • Western biomedical sciences - anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, disease etiology, etc.

    • Ethics and professional practice standards

2. Clinical & Supervised Training

  • Acupuncture programs require at least 660 hours of supervised clinical training.

  • Hands-on experience is gained through internships, residency programs, or clinical rotations at accredited schools or healthcare settings.

3. National Certification (NCCAOM)

Acupuncturists must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examinations, which include:

  • Foundations of Oriental Medicine

  • Acupuncture with Point Location

  • Biomedicine

  • (Optional) Chinese Herbology for those practicing herbal medicine

Successful completion of these exams leads to certification as a Diplomate of Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.).

4. North Carolina State Licensure

  • Acupuncturists must apply for licensure through the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board (NCALB).

  • Requirements include:

    • Proof of education and clinical training

    • Passing scores on the NCCAOM exams

    • Completion of a Clean Needle Technique (CNT) certification from the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM)

    • Background check and character attestations

5. Continuing Education & License Renewal

  • Licensed acupuncturists in North Carolina must renew their license every two years.

  • Continuing Education (CE) requirements include 40 hours of approved coursework per renewal period, with a focus on:

    • Clinical techniques

    • Ethics and patient safety

    • Biomedical integration

By ensuring that all acupuncturists meet these rigorous standards, Medicus Staffing Solutions provides hospitals and clinics with highly qualified, licensed professionals who are equipped to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based acupuncture care.