Facts about California Licensed Acupuncturists (LAc):
Most people are not aware that California Licensed Acupuncturists
(L.Ac.) can be elected as a Primary Care Provider. This high level of
responsibility is granted because of extensive education required of an
L.Ac. The required education and training covers both Eastern and Western Medicine. More important points:
In California, Licensed Acupuncturists
(L.Ac.) are required to hold a Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine – A Professional Master’s Degree (MS).
Currently, the Master's of O.M.
Program is 3000+ hours of training and clinical work. This is more hours than
are required for Lawyers.
MDs & DCs sometimes also practice acupuncture. They generally receive far less training than L.Ac.'s, sometimes they are only require to take 80 hours of class time to practice.
Like other professions, Licensed
Acupuncturists often specialize in certain areas of practice. It is
generally best to see a specialist when seeking health care.
The mission of the California Acupuncture Board is to benefit, educate and protect
the public through regulation of licensure; development of education standards;
provision of consumer information; and enforcement of the Acupuncture Licensure
Act. Basically, the California Acupuncture Board is entirely focused on protecting you, the public.
