Connecticut Laws & Details

Formal Education Requirements:  Successful completion of a course of study in acupuncture in a program which, at the time of graduation, was in candidate status with or accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and which included a minimum of 1,350 hours of didactic and clinical training, 500 of which were clinical.

Undergraduate Requirements:  60 semester hours, or its equivalent, of postsecondary study in an institution of postsecondary education, which, if in the United States or its territories, was accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body or, if outside the United States or its territories, was legally chartered to grant post-secondary degrees in the country in which located.

Written Exam:  The NCCAOM written examination.

Practical Exam:  The NCCAOM PEPLS examination.

Other Eligibility Requirements:  Must have successfully completed a course in clean needle technique prescribed by the department.

Reciprocity/Endorsement: Applicant must present evidence of licensure or certification as an acupuncturist in another state or jurisdiction whose requirements for practice are substantially similar to or higher than those of Connecticut and that there are no disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints pending.

Medical doctors,  chiropractors, dentists, physical therapists, podiatrists, homeopaths, naturopaths, optometrists and veterinarians may practice acupuncture in Connecticut without any specific training. 

Acupuncture may be practiced by a physician assistant or nurse under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor.  A physician assistant must have graduated from an accredited physician assistant program and passed the national physician assistant examination.

A physical therapist may practice acupuncture provided he or she is licensed as a physical therapist.

NOTE: Look for a physician with formal training in the practice of acupuncture.  Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is an art and a science that takes years to master. While any licensed physician can stick needles into you, for a positive experience and results, find an acupuncturist with experience treating a similar condition (with acupuncture) to what you have.

Acupuncture Licensing Section
Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Ave., MS#12 APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
(860) 509-8388
(860) 509-8457 (Fax)

Practice Act: Chapter 384C