Acupuncture is practiced at health clinics, spas, wellness centers and other healthcare facilities around the world and throughout the United States. This ancient healing practice has been around for about 3,000 years and traces its roots back to China and Egypt. Acupuncture as we know it today is one of the foundations of a holistic practice known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The practice first gained in footing in the United States in the late 1960s, and today serves as important health and wellness treatment for millions of Americans.
“In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we’re talking about meridians, or channels in the body. As acupuncturists, we’re accessing those channels at places where they lie closer to the skin’s surface, or where it’s been found over time they can be stimulated. To put it in very simplified terms, acupuncture aims to make sure that energy is flowing freely in all the body’s channels. Anything that is an issue or a concern health wise, we think of that as block in the channel,” Dr. Brandy Valentine, acupuncturist and owner of Lotus Acupunture in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, explained.
Oklahoma is one of only two states in the country that doesn’t require a license in order to practice acupuncture. However, optional certification is available for acupuncturists in the state. Additionally, credentialing for acupuncturists is being discussed in the Oklahoma State government. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s possible that licensure requirements could be introduced as early as late 2024.
If requirements are introduced, they’re likely to be similar to those in other states, and to those currently required for optional certification. Read on to learn more about working as an acupuncturist in Oklahoma.
Requirements for becoming an acupuncturist in Oklahoma
There are no official requirements you need to meet before becoming an acupuncturist in Oklahoma. However, optional certification is available from the Oklahoma Acupuncture Association (OKAA). OKAA certification can help you establish yourself as a professional, and might be required by some employees. The OKAA offers multiple routes to earn certification. Applications can apply for certification if they meet any of these criteria:
Have received at least 850 hours of formal acupuncture education from any NCCAOM or state licensed Vocational Acupuncture School in the U.S.
Have completed at least 2,000 hours of approved acupuncture practice under the apprenticeship of a preceptor approved by the NCCAOM or the OKAA.
Have been in professional practice as an acupuncturist for at least two years with at least 500 hours of documented patient interactions.
Education and training requirements
There are no formal educational requirements in Oklahoma. However, you’ll need to complete a NCCAOM approved degree program if you want to obtain OKAA certification. Programs approved by the NCCAOM are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). They will be at least graduate-level and will talk at least three years to complete.
To satisfy CCCAOM certification requirements, acupuncture programs must include coursework that covers:
Acupuncture theory
Oriental medicine
Biomedicine
Acupuncture clinic
Counseling
Communications
Ethics
Practice Management
It’s also common to find coursework in areas such as bodywork, herbology and nutrition.
“Most acupuncturists who are practicing have at least a master’s degree. Some also have a doctorate,” Dr. Valentine said.
Exam and licensing requirements
There’s no exam requirement for the state of Oklahoma or for OKAA certification. Acupuncturists wishing to pursue national NCCAOM certification, however, will need to take and pass the NCCAOM acupuncture exam. You’ll be asked to submit proof of your education to NCCAOM before you can take the exam. You’ll also need to take an approved Clean Needle Course and pass a Clean Needle Test (CNT). You can take the Clean Needle Course and CNT entirely online.
The NCCAOM acupuncture exam is a computer-based, 100-question test. You’ll receive a preliminary result of pass or fail before you leave the exam room. Your full results will be available online in about seven to 10 days. You’ll then receive your certification in the mail in about six weeks.
Continuing education requirements
There are no continuing education requirements for acupuncturists holding OKAA certification. Acupuncturists in Oklahoma who’ve earned NCCAOM certification will need to renew their certification every four years. To be eligible for renewal, the NCCAOM asks the acupuncturists to complete 60 hours of professional development activity/continuing education coursework during each four-year cycle.
Legal considerations for acupuncturists in Oklahoma
Since there are currently no official licensure requirements or regulations in Oklahoma, acupuncturists use the credentials they already have when relocating to the state. Additionally, the OKAA accepts NCCAOM certification as well as out of state apprenticeships, education and professional experience. This means that new residents can often easily qualify for the optional OKAA certification.
Professional conduct and ethical guidelines
Acupuncturists in Oklahoma don’t have set guidelines or board that oversee their conduct. However, like all healthcare professionals, there are expectations for those who work as acupuncturists. Any acupuncturist certified by NCCAOM is subjected to discipline, including having their license suspended or revoked, for ethical violations such as:
False advertising of services
Not obtaining informed consent from patients
Breaches of patient confidentially
Obtaining or attempting to obtain fraudulent compensation
Failing to maintain appropriate boundaries with patients
Inappropriate sexual contact with patients
Performing treatments while under the influence
Refusing to treat patients for discriminatory reasons or engaging in discrimination during treatment
Insurance and liability
Acupuncturists in Oklahoma can acquire insurance from many providers. Although it’s not required, professional liability insurance or medical malpractice insurance can be a good idea for people who want to practice in the state. If you want to open an independent acupuncture practice, you might need a small business license. The rules for this are set by county and city governments. It’s best to search the rules in your location when planning to open a clinic or office.
Working as an acupuncturist in Oklahoma
How much do acupuncturists make in Oklahoma?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t have acupuncture salary data for every state in the country. There isn’t any data on the site for acupuncturists in Oklahoma. In neighboring Texas, acupuncturists made a median annual salary of $82,170, slightly higher than the national median of $78,140 for the same year.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that overall average incomes are typically less in Oklahoma than in Texas. However, the cost is living is also much lower in Oklahoma than in the Lone Star State. In fact, Oaklahoma consistently ranks as one of the states with the lowest costs of living nationwide.
Finding employment opportunities
The BLS is predicting a nationwide growth of 6.8% percent for acupuncturists through 2034. That’s a little faster than average across all occupations, making acupuncture a career choice with a lot of opportunity. In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in holistic healthcare options, such as acupuncture. Additionally, new medical research has found that acupuncture is a viable, scientifically backed treatment for some conditions. As a result, insurance companies, including Medicare, have begun to offer some acupuncture coverage.
Dr. Valentine said she’s seen first-hand how people’s interest in acupuncture has grown in recent years.
“Years ago, people [in Oklahoma] didn’t really know what acupuncture was. They thought it was tied to a religion. That’s a problem I used to have a lot. But that was a long time ago. It was twenty years ago. Now a lot has changed, and people have a lot more openness. More people realize that it’s a medicine. I’ve gone from a tiny one room office to having multiple clinics.”
Setting up a private practice
You’ll need a business license to set up your own practice. The exact requirements for a business license will depend on your city and county. It’s important to check with your local government to see what’s required to start a practice. You’ll normally be able to find this information online.
Staying up to date on industry developments and trends
In all industries, it’s a good idea to stay on top of current trends and the latest developments. All acupuncturists in Oklahoma can benefit from being involved with professional associations and organizations. Even if you choose not to pursue any certifications, staying up-to–date can help you ensure that you’re delivering the best care possible, and that you don’t miss any important news.
In Oklahoma, acupuncturists can consider:
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM): The oldest national organization for acupuncturists and other Oriental medicine (AOM) practitioners in the country.
Oklahoma Acupuncture Association(OKAA): In addition to certification, OKAA offers events and advocacy for professionals in the state.
The Oklahoma Society of Acupuncture & Asian Medicine (TOSAAM): TOSAAM advocates for licensure of acupuncturists in Oklahoma.
Getting started
It’s always a great idea to start your acupuncture career with a strong educational foundation. A solid degree program from an accredited school can help pave the way for opportunities in Oklahoma and around the country. If you’re ready to start exploring program options, our find schools button can help.
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:
