Certification and Licensure

Graduates of Northwestern’s master’s degree programs exceed the eligibility requirements for the comprehensive national certification programs offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Graduates of the Master of Acupuncture program are eligible to take the acupuncture certification program exam modules which include Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture with Point Location, and Biomedicine.

Graduates of the Master of Chinese Medicine program are eligible to take the Oriental Medicine certification program exam modules which include the three listed above plus Chinese Herbology. Students agree to provide Northwestern with copies of their NCCAOM examination results for use in program assessment.

Professional licensure requirements for the practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine vary by jurisdiction. Students should not rely upon staff descriptions or statements regarding licensure requirements and need to consult directly with the licensure board for the profession in the state or location in which they intend to practice. In Minnesota, eligibility for acupuncture licensure is based upon active certification by the NCCAOM in acupuncture. Additional information about Minnesota acupuncture licensure may be obtained from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, University Park Plaza, 2829 University Ave. SE, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55414-3246.

Receipt of a degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University does not guarantee a license or certification to practice. States vary in the specific courses of study required and/or state-based testing for certification or licensing. Students are responsible for confirming with the appropriate board(s) to determine the specific requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice and/or seek employment.