What type of training does an acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist have?
Generally, licensed acupuncturists must first complete a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM). This involves 3-4 years of intense medical training in both TCM and modern biomedicine. Jeanette completed over 3500 hours of intensive training, including over 700 hours of clinical work as an intern. Graduates are eligible to take the National board exams given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). After successful completion of four modules of board exams the NCCAOM confers the title of Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac), alternatively if an additional optional exam on Chinese herbology is successfully passed, the candidate is recognized as a Diplomat in Oriental Medicine (Dipl. OM) thereby becoming board certified in both acupuncture and Chinese herbology. This is the most distinguished and complete certification offered by the NCCAOM. Although this title is legally not necessary to use Chinese herbal medicine in m
