The difference is a major one. A licensed acupuncturist has studied for 3-4 years from an accredited college or program in Chinese Medicine, usually graduating with either a master’s degree or doctoral degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. S/he is also knowledgble in Chinese herbal formulas. S/he has passed comprehensive, national exams along with other state requirements. A medical acupuncturist is a western medical practitioner who has taken additional coursework (typically 100 – 300 hours) and may or may not have taken any exams for competency in point location, Chinese Medicine theory and understanding. They usually do not have the depth of knowledge or time/experience in treating patients with Chinese Medicine, which a licensed acupuncturist has developed. They typically do not have knowledge of Chinese Herbs. If you are uncertain about your practitioner, please ask them if they are NCCAOM certified (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).