Advisory Statement - Acupuncture Requirements 2015 and On

The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists issues Advisory Statements to provide guidance to members on practice issues. This Advisory addresses the required Acupuncture Canada education level for those adding acupuncture to their treatment techniques from June 2015 and onward. This will not impact those currently practicing acupuncture regularly in their practice.

WHAT HAS CHANGED?

In discussion with Acupuncture Canada, it has come to our attention that they have again changed the way they teach their acupuncture education program. They have informed us that registrants of the Level I and Level II components of their education program are not tested on the points they are taught. They are observed for needle selection and point finding, but not tested for competency in needling or treatment techniques. This does not happen until the written and clinical exams after Level II.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

College Members starting to use acupuncture in their practice will now be required to complete both Levels I and II and the examination component of the AC program before practicing acupuncture in Nova Scotia.

This is in keeping with the College requirement of having completed a program that:

…evaluates the physiotherapist's competency with the points demonstrated and used during the course. Physiotherapists shall only use acupuncture points and procedures in accordance with the level of training successfully completed.

WHAT IF I ALREADY USE ACUPUCTURE IN MY PRACTICE?

This will not impact those currently practicing acupuncture, but will mean that from now on there must be a clear evaluation/testing component to any program taken and the certificate must not be one of attendance, but rather one confirming competency in needling of the points taught, and successful completion of the course. You are (and always have been) only permitted to use the

needling points taught and tested in a formal education program. 

May 2015