International Diploma in Dry Needling & Medical Acupuncture
A comprehensive qualification providing the knowledge, skills and certification required to practise Dry Needling and Medical Acupuncture safely and professionally.
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Train as a fully qualified dry needler or medical acupuncturist
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Learn full-body MSK needling techniques with confidence
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Meet recognised standards for CPD, competency and insurance
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20+ CPD hours
12 months access
Fully certificated diploma
IAOMM Accredited
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80+ CPD Hours
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50+ Manual Therapy Techniques
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Full Diploma Certification
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IAOMM Accredited
Who is this Course for?
This course is designed for:
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Allied health professionals seeking formal qualification in dry needling
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Clinicians wanting to integrate medical acupuncture into practice
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Sports therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths and massage therapists
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Practitioners requiring recognised certification for insurance purposes
This course supports progression to fully qualified practice in Dry Needling and Medical Acupuncture and is accepted across allied health professions.
Why this Matters
Dry needling and medical acupuncture are powerful clinical tools, but only when used with strong foundations in safety, anatomy and clinical reasoning.
Many clinicians:
Many clinicians:
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Learn isolated techniques without sufficient theoretical grounding
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Feel uncertain managing risk and safety considerations
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Lack recognised certification required for insurance and governance
Without comprehensive training, confidence and consistency can suffer.
This diploma provides a complete, structured pathway from theory through to practical competence, ensuring you can apply Dry Needling and Medical Acupuncture safely, effectively and professionally.
How this Course Helps
This diploma is built on OMT’s internationally published, Amazon #1 bestselling textbook, combining theory, evidence and hands-on clinical application.
You’ll learn how to:
You’ll learn how to:
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Understand the science and mechanisms behind MA and DN
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Apply needling safely across the full musculoskeletal system
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Manage risk, consent and clinical decision-making confidently
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Integrate dry needling into real-world patient care
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Progress from foundational knowledge to advanced regional techniques
Training is supported by HD video demonstrations, downloadable ebooks and structured assessment to confirm competence.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
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Explain the physiological mechanisms of medical acupuncture and dry needlingUnderstand how scars form and how they influence movement and pain
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Apply safe needling techniques across the full MSK system
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Select appropriate needles, techniques and treatment approaches
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Manage risk, consent and safety in clinical practice
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Treat acute and chronic pain presentations confidently
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Demonstrate competence through formal examination
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Apply for professional liability insurance post-qualification
How it Works
You’ll progress through theory, safety and practical application using a structured, self-paced format.
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Online, self-paced access for 12 months
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87+ HD practical technique videos
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5 supporting PDF ebooks covering theory, research and safety
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Full-body MSK training including specialist regions
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End-of-course multiple-choice examination
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Fully certificated International Diploma
Ready to qualify in Dry Needling and Medical Acupuncture?
Gain the confidence, certification and clinical competence to practise safely and professionally. Enrol now and begin your qualification journey.
Course Curriculum
This diploma provides a structured progression from theoretical foundations through to comprehensive full-body needling techniques.
Theories
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This section establishes the essential knowledge required for safe and effective practice.
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Core theory of medical acupuncture and dry needling
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Pain modulation and acupuncture-induced analgesia
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Trigger point theory and clinical relevance
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Neurophysiological mechanisms of pain relief
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Safety principles, risk management and consent
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Clinical decision-making and professional practice
Techniques
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You’ll develop extensive, region-specific practical needling skills.
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Cranial, facial and TMJ needling techniques
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Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine techniques
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Shoulder girdle and scapular stabiliser needling
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Upper limb and hand musculature techniques
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Hip, pelvis and lower limb needling techniques
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Foot, ankle and tendon-specific applications
Learn more about what you'll cover:
Dry Needling & Medical Acupuncture Theory
Provides the foundational knowledge required before progressing to practical skills, including terminology, pain mechanisms, research evidence and physiological responses to needling.
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Safety, Risk Management & Professional Practice
Covers core safety principles, informed consent, glove use, needle handling, complication management and professional decision-making. Includes certification in safety for MA and DN.
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Upper MSK Techniques Using Medical Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Covers needling techniques for the head, neck, shoulder girdle, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, upper limbs and core musculature, with clear anatomical and clinical guidance.
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Lower MSK Techniques Using Medical Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Focuses on needling techniques for the hip, pelvis, thigh, lower leg, foot and key tendons, supporting pain reduction, mobility and functional recovery.
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You're Always in Safe Hands with OMT
Did you know?
OMT's course leaders have published SIX internationally available books. So you can be confident that all our courses are grounded in research-driven fundamentals and adhere to the highest clinical quality standards.
OMT Training is Trusted by Elite Global Institutions.
Why Trust Anyone Else?
Level Up Your Learning
All OMT courses are accredited by the International Association of Manual Medicine (IAOMM)
Frequently Asked Questions
What prior experience do I need?
Most OMT courses are designed for qualified manual therapists and allied health professionals, including osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, sports and massage therapists.
Some courses are postgraduate or advanced, meaning you must already hold specific qualifications (for example in dry needling, acupuncture, or HVLA manipulation) before enrolling. Any entry requirements or restrictions are clearly stated on the individual course page.
If you’re unsure whether a course is suitable for your background, we recommend reviewing the course description or contacting the OMT team before enrolling.
Some courses are postgraduate or advanced, meaning you must already hold specific qualifications (for example in dry needling, acupuncture, or HVLA manipulation) before enrolling. Any entry requirements or restrictions are clearly stated on the individual course page.
If you’re unsure whether a course is suitable for your background, we recommend reviewing the course description or contacting the OMT team before enrolling.
Is the course accredited for CPD?
Yes. OMT courses are designed to meet recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) standards and are widely accepted across allied health professions.
Each course lists the number of CPD hours awarded on completion. Courses are commonly recognised by professional and regulatory bodies, including (but not limited to) osteopathic, chiropractic, physiotherapy and sports therapy organisations.
Acceptance can vary by profession and country, so learners should always confirm requirements with their own governing body.
Each course lists the number of CPD hours awarded on completion. Courses are commonly recognised by professional and regulatory bodies, including (but not limited to) osteopathic, chiropractic, physiotherapy and sports therapy organisations.
Acceptance can vary by profession and country, so learners should always confirm requirements with their own governing body.
What's included in the course fee?
Your course fee includes:
- Full online access to all course content for 12 months
- High-definition video tutorials
- Supporting theory and downloadable resources (where applicable)
- Structured learning modules and clinical demonstrations
- CPD certification on completion
How long do I have access to the course?
All OMT courses include extended online access, for 12 months, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit content as needed.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. On successful completion of an OMT course, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Many courses award a fully certificated diploma, and some include an educational transcript outlining learning outcomes and CPD hours.
Certificates can be used as evidence for CPD, professional development.
Many courses award a fully certificated diploma, and some include an educational transcript outlining learning outcomes and CPD hours.
Certificates can be used as evidence for CPD, professional development.
How does the insurance work?
Students may already be covered through their existing professional indemnity and public liability insurance, particularly where they are qualified healthcare or allied health professionals completing the course as postgraduate CPD within their existing scope of practice.
Where additional cover is required, insurance may be available through independent insurance providers, subject to the student’s qualifications, professional scope, country of practice, declarations, policy terms and exclusions.
Students are responsible for checking with their current insurer, employer, professional body or another suitable insurance provider before using any new skill in practice. OMT Training is not an insurance provider or broker and cannot guarantee insurance cover for every student.
What's your refund policy?
OMT aims to be fair and transparent.
Because courses provide immediate access to digital content, refunds are generally limited once access has been granted.
Full refund terms are outlined in OMT’s terms and conditions, which should be reviewed before enrolling.
If you’re unsure whether a course is right for you, we recommend reviewing the course details carefully or contacting the OMT team prior to purchase.
Because courses provide immediate access to digital content, refunds are generally limited once access has been granted.
Full refund terms are outlined in OMT’s terms and conditions, which should be reviewed before enrolling.
If you’re unsure whether a course is right for you, we recommend reviewing the course details carefully or contacting the OMT team prior to purchase.
Secure your qualification
Complete this internationally recognised diploma and confidently integrate Dry Needling and Medical Acupuncture into your practice.
Enrol today and become fully qualified.
Enrol today and become fully qualified.
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