Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)
New Jersey Laws & Details
Formal Education Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from a school within the United States and graduate from an acupuncture program, given by a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation, or the United States Department of Education.
-OR-
Obtain the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree from a school in another country and complete either:
- i) An acupuncture program, which meets the requirements of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation, or the United States Department of Education.
- -OR-
- ii) An acupuncture program that is part of the baccalaureate degree program or its equivalent in another country.
Other Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must be 21 years of age and of good moral character and pass the acupuncture safety and jurisprudence examination in English administered by the Board. A candidate who received his or her undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking country or a country wherein the language is other than English shall submit a TSE with a minimum score of 50 or its equivalent taken within the previous five years.
Written Exam: The NCCAOM exam in English.
Practical Exam: The NCCAOM PEPLS and the New Jersey state licensure exam.
Licensed physicians, surgeons and dentists may practice acupuncture provided their coursework or training included acupuncture.
A medical doctor or osteopath may practice acupuncture after completing 300 hours of training, including 150 hours of clinical training approved by the board.
Acupuncture is not within the scope of practice of podiatrists, physician assistants or chiropractors.
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.
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
State Board of Medical Examiners
Acupuncture Examining Board
P.O. Box 46021
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 273- 8092
Practice Act: N.J.S.A. 45:2C-1 and The Acupuncture Act
*While Acufinder.com does its best to give the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. State rules and regulations are subject to change, therefore, you should always confirm current legislation and requirements for licensure with your State Board.
If you see information here that needs to be revised, please let us know.
Ask The Acupuncturist
Q: I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and surgery is being discussed as the next step. Are there other alternatives?
A: Yes. Both of these conditions fall into the category of repetitive strain injury, a generic term encompassing many cumulative trauma disorde... Read More