Acupuncture is an ancient medical practice that can trace its roots back thousands of years. Acupuncturists place needles in the skin along the body’s natural meridians or energy points to promote healing and treat a range of health problems. Today, acupuncture is still practiced in health clinics and wellness centers across the country.
In order to become an acupuncturist, you must obtain a license through your state’s appropriate licensing body. In the state of Florida, that is the Florida Board of Acupuncture.
“Florida offers a wide variety of patients to see of all ages,” wrote Rebekah Johnson, Executive Director of the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida. “The fact that Florida defines acupuncture as a form of primary health care ensures a rich environment in which to practice.”
Although each state sets their own requirements, the requirements to become an acupuncturist in Florida are pretty similar to most other jurisdictions. If you’re thinking about becoming an acupuncturist in Florida, read on to find out what you need to do before you can start your career.
Requirements for becoming an acupuncturist in Florida
To practice as an acupuncturist in Florida, you must apply for a license through the Florida Board of Acupuncture. Their licensure requirements are as follows:
Must be at least 21 years of age
Submit an application and pay the appropriate fee
Complete an approved training program
Pass allexaminations offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) or a “state examination approved by the board as substantially equivalent”
Submit proof of English language proficiency only if an applicant passed the national written exam in a language other than English
Submit proof of professional liability insurance coverage
Education and training requirements
In order to satisfy the education requirement, Florida acupuncturists must complete a four-year master’s level acupuncture program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), or a candidate for ACAHM accreditation, which includes at least 2,700 hours of supervised instruction. A foreign equivalent program may also be accepted.
The program must include coursework on:
Western anatomy
Western physiology
Western pathology
Western biomedical terminology
First aid
CPR
Candidates must also complete the following, which may or may not already be incorporated into their education program:
15 hours of supervised instruction in universal precautions for needle techniques
20 hours of Florida state laws and rules
60 hours of injection therapy
“Our acupuncture program curriculum includes studies of history and literature, theory, practical and lab training, inner development, immersion in nature and community engagement. It includes adjunctive studies (like Qi gong), and western studies (like integrative medicine, research, pharmacology, psychotherapy, etc.), national board exam preparation and practice management,” Johnson said. “Our nationally-accredited programs prepare students to sit for the NCCAOM acupuncture board examinations. They also satisfy the licensure eligibility standards of most U.S. states.”
Johnson said that having an open mind and willingness to learn is crucial when beginning your acupuncture studies. “As long as you meet the prior requirements, it does not matter what your previous field of study was. Having good people skills, a nonjudgemental and respectful attitude and a willingness to work hard are important to being successful in the healthcare field.”
Exam and licensing requirements
The Board of Acupuncture uses NCCAOM’s certification examinations as their licensing examination. Candidates must contact NCCAOM directly in order to schedule and take the exams.
The Board of Acupuncture states that you must pass the following NCCAOM certification examinations:
Acupuncture with point location
Oriental medicine
Chinese herbology
Biomedicine
Once you complete your education, pass the exams and the complete the remainder of the licensure requirements, you should be ready to apply and receive your acupuncture license.
Continuing education requirements
Florida acupuncturists must renew their license every two years to keep it active. In order for their license to be renewed, they must pay a fee and report their required continuing education (CE) hours.
Acupuncturists must complete a total of 30 hours of CE each renewal period. Those 30 hours must include:
Two hours of Florida laws and rules
Five hours of biomedical sciences
Two hours of medical error
Legal considerations for acupuncturists in Florida
Transferability: Out-of-state acupuncturists
Out-of-state acupuncturists can apply for a Florida license via endorsement two ways:
Through another state license: Submit proof of being actively licensed in another state which has equivalent or more stringent examination requirements. That state’s acupuncture board must contact the Florida Board of Acupuncture to attest to and indicate the status of the applicant’s current license.
Through national certification: Submit proof of being actively certified in Oriental Medicine through NCCAOM.
Applicants educated outside of the United States may need to have their education reviewed by the Board to make sure it is deemed equivalent to programs accredited by the ACAHM.
Professional conduct and ethical guidelines
Acupuncturists, like other health professionals, must follow strict professional conduct and ethical guidelines or face the possibility of disciplinary action and/or risk their license getting denied or revoked. These rules are outlined in Chapter 456 (Health Professions and Occupations) and Chapter 457 (Acupuncture) of the Florida Statutes.
Scope of practice
Chapter 457 of the Florida Statutes defines acupuncture and the practice thereof as “a form of primary health care, based on traditional Chinese medical concepts and modern oriental medical techniques, that employs acupuncture diagnosis and treatment, as well as adjunctive therapies and diagnostic techniques, for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and the prevention of disease.
Acupuncture shall include, but not be limited to, the insertion of acupuncture needles and the application of moxibustion to specific areas of the human body and the use of electroacupuncture, Qi Gong, oriental massage, herbal therapy, dietary guidelines and other adjunctive therapies, as defined by board rule.”
Insurance and liability
Applicants for a Florida acupuncture license must submit proof of professional liability insurance coverage as part of their application. This can be obtained through numerous different insurance providers, including but not limited to the American Acupuncture Council.
Working as an acupuncturist in Florida
How much do acupuncturists make in Florida?
Unfortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lacks salary data for acupuncturists for many states and metropolitan areas. Their only data from the state of Florida includes the metro areas of Daytona Beach and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach. These areas have median annual wages of $65,630 and $71,870, respectively, according to their data.
The BLS reports that acupuncturists in Atlanta, Georgia—the closest state to Florida geographically—have a median annual wage of $104,080.
Acupuncturists
10%$41,600
25%$52,000
50%$78,220Median
75%$99,740
90%$140,660
Median Hourly Wage$38
Job growth5.3%
Total Employment9,370
State
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Alaska
$79,510
$31,620
$143,730
Arizona
$81,080
$46,610
$88,450
California
$77,390
$42,540
$145,030
Colorado
$39,520
$36,280
$63,000
Florida
$71,870
$42,000
$203,110
Idaho
$33,790
$16,890
$40,120
Indiana
$59,780
$30,600
$117,510
Kansas
$99,740
$96,010
$100,900
Kentucky
$74,800
$67,480
$79,040
Maine
$65,040
$42,000
$85,400
Maryland
$47,990
$35,340
$107,640
Minnesota
$93,010
$65,440
$138,490
Missouri
$102,970
$58,000
$135,530
Nevada
N/A
N/A
N/A
New Jersey
$96,880
$53,580
$126,660
New Mexico
$53,140
$29,910
$80,000
New York
$82,520
$52,000
$127,000
North Carolina
$76,960
$24,710
$91,870
Oregon
$73,900
$47,070
$208,000
Rhode Island
$104,460
$63,980
$145,860
South Carolina
$79,130
$41,460
$79,130
Tennessee
N/A
N/A
N/A
Texas
$78,810
$28,790
$93,480
Washington
$70,820
$43,770
$141,820
Wisconsin
$62,440
$41,050
$104,480
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Finding employment opportunities
According to the BLS, the employment of acupuncturists nationwide is expected to grow 5.3% through 2032, which is a little faster than average across all occupations.
The public is turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments more and more, however, meaning growth trends for acupuncturists could be even greater in the years to come. One report estimates, for example, that the global CAM market will more than triple between 2021 (valued at $100 billion) and 2027, when it is expected to reach over $315 billion.
“The acupuncture field is growing in Florida, and it will continue as integrative practices improve and Chinese medicine is considered in the practice of western medicine,” Johnson said. “In Florida, legislation is being proposed which, if passed, would update and clarify the role of the licensed acupuncturist as a provider of primary care. Many insurance companies are now already providing some acupuncture coverage, and even the Veterans Administration (VA) has included acupuncture reimbursement in its Community Care Network.”
“Most acupuncturists are practicing privately, though some clinics and hospitals keep acupuncturists on staff, particularly those practitioners who are licensed registered nurses or medical doctors,” Johnson continued. “Aspiring acupuncturists who are interested in private practice should consider any city in Florida that is experiencing relatively new population growth. Florida is seeing many cities increase in population as more individuals move in from out of state. As acupuncture treatment coverage expands in the insurance industry and social programs, the treatment will become accessible to more people and in regular demand. As western medicine professionals like medical doctors, physical therapists and behavioral therapists more regularly recommend acupuncture as a complementary treatment, more people will hear about acupuncture and seek it out.”
Setting up a private practice
An acupuncturist that wants to start their own private practice can only do so once they have obtained a valid business license. These are typically issued by your local county or municipality (or both in some cases). Since this process can differ depending on where you live and want to practice, be sure to research your local business licensing laws to find out exactly what you need to start an acupuncture practice.
“Aspiring acupuncturists should think about which populations they might prefer to serve and explore the specialties of hospital systems that exist around the state to better position themselves to serve those communities. Some regions are virtual acupuncture deserts, and there are opportunities to be the first, or one of only a few, in the area,” Johnson said. “Start with a Google search for acupuncturists in different areas and see how saturated the market might be in those areas.”
Staying up to date on industry developments and trends
One of the primary ways that healthcare professionals stay current on trends and developments within their industry is through the continuing education courses they must take.
Acupuncturists are no different—not only is CE a way to keep your knowledge and skills sharp, but it’s a requirement to maintain your license to practice. Joining a professional membership organization (or several) is a great way to find CE opportunities and receive numerous other perks that organizations may offer, including discounts, networking events, liability insurance coverage and more.
Consider some of the following professional organizations that may be relevant to your practice as an acupuncturist in Florida:
All acupuncturists must receive proper education and training before they can get licensed to practice, including in Florida. This means getting a master’s level degree in acupuncture before you can take the national certifying exam through NCCAOM, which the Florida Board of Acupuncture uses as their state licensing exam. To get started, begin by researching education programs accredited by the ACAHM to prepare for a rewarding career in acupuncture in the Sunshine State.
How to become an acupuncturist in your state
As you know, in most states, you need certification to earn licensure to become an acupuncturist. Here are in-depth explorations of what you’ll need to do in some key states:
