What Does L Ac stand for?
Acupuncture treatment
About Licensed Acupuncturists
If you've ever considered acupuncture as a career or have been curious about the qualifications of your acupuncturist, you may have come across the term "L Ac or L.Ac," which stands for Licensed Acupuncturist.
But what does it mean to be a Licensed Acupuncturist in the United States? In this blog post, we'll delve into the various aspects of becoming and being an acupuncturist, including acupuncture certification, licensure, and salary statistics.
Acupuncture Certification: Licensed vs. Certified Acupuncturist
An acupuncturist is a healthcare professional that is licensed to practice acupuncture after successfully completing the locally required prerequisities.
In the United States, the gold standard for acupuncture certification is the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). An NCCAOM certification is often a prerequisite for becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac).
However, it's essential to distinguish between a Licensed Acupuncturist and a Certified Acupuncturist. While both may have undergone training, a Licensed Acupuncturist has met the stringent requirements set by the NCCAOM and state licensing boards, whereas a Certified Acupuncturist may not have the same level of comprehensive training and board certification. More and more hospitals and medical doctors (MD) are incorporating acupuncture and alternative medicine in integrative medicine settings.
To obtain an acupuncture license in many states requites NCCAOM board certification. Some states require training and examinations in both acupuncture and herbal medicine.
To find a NCCAOM board certified acupuncturist you can find a practitioner on their website.
How Long to Become an Acupuncturist: Acupuncture School
The journey to becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist is a long one. How long is acupuncture school? Acupuncture school typically lasts about 3-4 years for a Master's degree, which is the minimum educational requirement for licensure in most states. Some practitioners even go on to complete a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which can take an additional two years.
Acupuncture Board Exam
After completing their education, aspiring acupuncturists must pass the acupuncture board exam administered by the NCCAOM. This exam tests both theoretical knowledge like locating points on the body, clinical experience, and practical skills, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to provide safe and effective treatments. Using acupuncture needles in a safe way is paramount and licensed acupuncturists also have to complete a clean needle technique training before becoming licensed.
Acupuncture Styles and Schools
There are various styles and schools of acupuncture, each with its unique approach and techniques. Some of the most popular styles include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Classical Acupuncture, and Japanese Acupuncture. Schools like the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the New England School of Acupuncture offer specialized training in these different styles.
There are many acupuncture styles that can treat a wide number of conditions.
Acupuncturist Salary: How Much Do Acupuncturists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for acupuncturists was $72,220 as of May 2022. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors like location, years of experience, and specialization. This data does not include self-employed individuals. For more in-depth statistics on health and acupuncture, you can refer to our previous blog post here.
How Many Acupuncturists are in the US?
According to the BLS report from May 2022, there are approximately 7,800 acupuncturists in the United States. The NCCAOM practitioner directory lists approximately 15,000 acupuncture and Chinese medicine practitioners. The variation may be due to the omission of self-employed practitioners in the BLS survey.
Which State Has the Most Acupuncturists?
Acupuncturists by state:
California: 2,550
New York: 640
Texas: 630
Washington: 410
Colorado: 200
This is according to the BLS data for acupuncturists as of May 2022 and does not include self-employed acupuncturists.
The NCCAOM also offers data on number of board certified acupuncturists by state (as of October 2023):
California: 2.334
New York: 1,234
Oregon: 937
Florida: 933
Colorado: 860
Washington: 763
Texas: 605
There are less California NCCAOM board certified acupuncturists than are represented in the BLS data since California has its own state licensing exams and requirements that does not include NCCAOM board certification.
Where Do Acupuncturists Work?
The field of acupuncture offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, allowing practitioners to work in various settings based on their interests and specializations. Here are some common places where acupuncturists work:
Private Practice
Many acupuncturists opt for private practice, where they have the freedom to set their schedules, choose their treatment approaches, and build a clientele. Private practices can range from solo operations to partnerships with other healthcare providers.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
With the growing acceptance of acupuncture as a complementary treatment, more hospitals and healthcare facilities are incorporating acupuncturists into their staff. In these settings, acupuncturists often work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
Sports Teams
Acupuncturists are increasingly being employed by sports teams to help athletes with pain management, injury recovery, and performance optimization. They may work for professional sports teams, college athletic departments, or even individual athletes.
Rehabilitation Centers
Acupuncture is effective in treating various types of pain and aiding in recovery, making it a valuable addition to rehabilitation centers. Acupuncturists in these settings often work with patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or dealing with chronic pain conditions.
Wellness Centers and Spas
Wellness centers and spas often offer acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being. In these relaxed settings, acupuncturists may focus on stress reduction, cosmetic acupuncture, or general wellness.
Academic and Research Institutions
Some acupuncturists choose to work in academic settings, teaching the next generation of practitioners. Others may be involved in research to further the scientific understanding of acupuncture and its mechanisms.
Corporate Settings
Companies are increasingly recognizing the benefits of wellness programs, and some hire acupuncturists to provide on-site treatments for employees as part of their wellness initiatives.
Community Clinics
Community acupuncture clinics offer treatments in a group setting at a lower cost, making healthcare more accessible. Acupuncturists working in these settings focus on providing effective treatments that can be administered efficiently to multiple patients.
By choosing a work setting that aligns with their interests and skills, acupuncturists can find fulfilling and rewarding careers in this growing field.
Acupuncture and Medicare
As acupuncture gains mainstream acceptance, more insurance plans, including Medicare, are beginning to cover acupuncture treatments for specific conditions like chronic lower back pain. This is a significant step forward in integrating acupuncture into conventional healthcare systems and offers promising prospects for Licensed Acupuncturists.
Unfortunately, since licensed acupuncturists are not Medicare providers, they cannot directly administer the treatment and must be under the supervision of a Medicare provider like a medical doctor (MD). Many patients are left disappointed when they find out that acupuncturists are not Medicare providers and they will not receive coverage for the treatments.
Acupuncture Abbreviations and Titles
When navigating the world of acupuncture, you'll come across various acronyms that may seem confusing at first. Here's a list of acupuncture titles and abbreviations:
LAC: Licensed Acupuncturist
DACM: Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
DAOM: Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
MSOM: Master of Science in Oriental Medicine
TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine
CMT: Certified Massage Therapist
DOM: Doctor of Oriental Medicine
NADA: National Acupuncture Detoxification Association
NCCAOM: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
AAAOM: American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
CAOM: Council of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
CCAOM: Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Dipl. ABT: Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy
Dipl. Ac.: Diplomate in Acupuncture
Dipl. CH: Diplomate in Chinese Herbalism
Dipl. OM: Diplomate in Oriental Medicine
Understanding these acronyms can help you better navigate the field, whether you're considering acupuncture as a treatment option or thinking about becoming a practitioner yourself.
Conclusion
Becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist is a rigorous process that involves years of education, passing a board exam, and obtaining NCCAOM certification. The field offers various styles and schools to specialize in, and the earning potential is promising, with more and more people interested in drug-free treatment for pain and other symptoms. To learn more about our qualifications, visit our About Us page.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be interested in learning more about acupuncturists.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022: 29-1291 Acupuncturists
NCCAOM: Find a practitioner
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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