Credentialing Requirements |
Verification Documents |
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Additional Information/Documents Required
· HIV/AIDS training – seven hours
Licensing Requirements
1. Minimum of two academic years training in basic sciences. This must equal a minimum of 45 credits or 450 hours. The mandatory courses are:
a. Anatomy;
b. Physiology;
c. Microbiology;
d. Biochemistry;
e. Survey of western clinical sciences; and
f. Hygiene
2. East Asian medicine science courses that must equal a minimum of 75 credits or 750 hours. The mandatory courses are:
a. Fundamental principles;
b. Diagnosis;
c. Pathology;
d. Therapeutics;
e. Meridians/vessels and points; and
f. Techniques, including electro-acupuncture.
3. Clinical training that consists of a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical training to include no more than 100 hours of observation which includes case presentation and discussion. At least 400 hours must be patient treatment.
Foreign Trained
An applicant seeking licensure in Washington who is foreign trained must:
1. Have at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in East Asian medicine or acupuncture from an institution of higher learning which is approved by the foreign country’s ministry of education/health, or other governmental entity;
2. Have graduated from a program of East Asian medicine or acupuncture education with requirements substantially equal to those required of graduates of secretary-approved programs;
3. Demonstrate fluency in reading, speaking and understanding the English language by taking the required NCCAOM examinations in English or by passage of the test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) internet-based (IBT) examinations. The scores on the TOEFL IBT must be at least:
a. Twenty four on the writing section;
b. Twenty six on the speaking section;
c. Twenty one on the reading section; and
d. Eighteen on the listening comprehension section.
4. The department recognizes the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) for a credentialing evaluation report. Have the report sent directly to the department. Submit transcripts, fees and other documentation to a department approved credentialing service and they will send directly to the department; and
5. Meet all of the requirements listed above.
Process for Approving/Denying Applications
Credentialing staff review the application and supporting documents to make an initial determination on eligibility. Credentialing supervisors approve applications that don't have positive answers to personal data questions, have questionable verifying documents, or are otherwise “red flag” applications. "Red flag" applications are forwarded to the exception application process for determination by the appropriate disciplining authority. An applicant will be formally notified of a denial and has the opportunity for a hearing.
Renewal Requirements
East Asian medicine practitioners (licensed acupuncturists) must renew their license annually on or before their birthday. They are required to submit the appropriate fee and renewal card. Please keep your address updated to receive courtesy renewal notices.
Avoid an expired license
Do not let your license expire. You must make sure we have your renewal before it expires. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to practice. A timely postmark on your renewal will not prevent an expired license. Renewal sent by mail take about two weeks to process.