Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 3/26/2006

Question
Dear Dr O'Brien,

I am a master degreed Certified Registered Nurse Anesthestist; which is a professional practice nurse specializing in the delivery of anesthesia.  I was in a car accident and suffered a brachial plexus injury of my left arm, which kept me from my job duties for 5 months while healing.  I was helped drastically by the combined therapies of acpuncture and chiropractic. I have become interested in acupunture as a pain modality and am thinking about obtaining certification in acupuncture.  Is there any program that grants a certificate type degree rather than repeating a complete master's degree again, and if so will they still allow me to practice.  Also do you see in the future the continued legal allowance of "non-MD" professionals still being able to practice acupuncture on their own?

My goal would be to incorporate acupunture with traditional anesthesia and pain modalities for surgery patients and in hospital settings.  Do you know of anywhere in the US that incorporates these?

Thank you,
Anna

Answer
Hello Anna,

   Yes, I think there will always be the legal allowance of Acupuncturists who are not doctors.  In some states if you have your masters or a doctorit you are not required to repeat some of the classes such as:Anatomy, Nuerology, etc.  This will allow you to recieve you license in 1-2years depending on the State requirements.  I think there are several private practice MD's who utilize acupuncture as part of their practice (all over the U.S.).

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.