Texas Health and Science University

MIssion Statement

 

New Federal Careers in Acupuncture

 

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM) National Board-Certified Acupuncturists™, who are also state licensed, now have an established qualification standard for employment positions within the VA Health Administration, according to the newly published Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Handbook.  

 

Acupuncturists in the VA now have a government standard (GS) range of GS 9 -12, depending on the Acupuncturist’s level of education, training, and experience. This allows for an Acupuncturist to grow within their job title or have advanced placement within the system, depending on their experience and education; however, all Acupuncturists must be actively NCCAOM National Board-Certified. This news comes at a crucial time when the U.S. is facing a national opioid epidemic and acupuncture has emerged as a powerful, evidence-based, safe, cost-effective, and available treatment modality suitable to treat pain and has also been shown effective for reduce the use of opioids. This new government occupational standard will enable the most experienced and qualified acupuncturists to treat the thousands of veterans who are suffering from debilitating pain and addiction to over-prescribed opioids at the many Veterans hospitals and medical centers.

 

THSU is approved by the Texas Veteran’s Commission for the training of veterans and other eligible persons.