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.

  • Train as a fully qualified dry needler or medical acupuncturist
  • Learn full-body MSK needling techniques with confidence
  • Meet recognised standards for CPD, competency and insurance
Write your awesome label here.
20+ CPD hours
12 months access
Fully certificated diploma
IAOMM Accredited
  • 80+ CPD Hours
  • 50+ Manual Therapy Techniques
  • Full Diploma Certification
  • IAOMM Accredited

Who is this Course for?

This course is designed for:
  • Allied health professionals seeking formal qualification in dry needling
  • Clinicians wanting to integrate medical acupuncture into practice
  • Sports therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths and massage therapists
  • 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:
  • Learn isolated techniques without sufficient theoretical grounding
  • Feel uncertain managing risk and safety considerations
  • 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:
  • Understand the science and mechanisms behind MA and DN
  • Apply needling safely across the full musculoskeletal system
  • Manage risk, consent and clinical decision-making confidently
  • Integrate dry needling into real-world patient care
  • 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:
  • Explain the physiological mechanisms of medical acupuncture and dry needlingUnderstand how scars form and how they influence movement and pain
  • Apply safe needling techniques across the full MSK system
  • Select appropriate needles, techniques and treatment approaches
  • Manage risk, consent and safety in clinical practice
  • Treat acute and chronic pain presentations confidently
  • Demonstrate competence through formal examination
  • 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.
  • Online, self-paced access for 12 months
  • 87+ HD practical technique videos
  • 5 supporting PDF ebooks covering theory, research and safety
  • Full-body MSK training including specialist regions
  • End-of-course multiple-choice examination
  • 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

Write your awesome label here.
This section establishes the essential knowledge required for safe and effective practice.
  • Core theory of medical acupuncture and dry needling
  • Pain modulation and acupuncture-induced analgesia
  • Trigger point theory and clinical relevance
  • Neurophysiological mechanisms of pain relief
  • Safety principles, risk management and consent
  • Clinical decision-making and professional practice

Techniques

Write your awesome label here.
You’ll develop extensive, region-specific practical needling skills.
  • Cranial, facial and TMJ needling techniques
  • Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine techniques
  • Shoulder girdle and scapular stabiliser needling
  • Upper limb and hand musculature techniques
  • Hip, pelvis and lower limb needling techniques
  • Foot, ankle and tendon-specific applications

Learn more about what you'll cover:

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 healthcare professionals, including osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, sports therapists, and massage therapists.

Some courses are advanced and require specific prior qualifications, such as dry needling, acupuncture, or HVLA manipulation training. Any prerequisites will be clearly listed on the individual course page.

If you are unsure whether a course is suitable for your qualifications or experience, please review the course information or contact the OMT team before enrolling.

Can I claim CPD hours/points?

Yes. OMT courses are designed to support Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and include a specified number of CPD hours upon completion.

Our courses are widely recognised across manual therapy and allied healthcare professions, including osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, sports therapy, and massage therapy.

As CPD requirements can vary between professions and countries, we recommend checking with your own professional or regulatory body if you require confirmation of acceptance.

What's included in the course fee?

Your course fee includes:

  • Full access to all online course content for 12 months (unless stated otherwise)
  • High-definition video tutorials and clinical demonstrations
  • Structured learning modules designed to support step-by-step learning
  • Supporting theory, practical guidance, and downloadable resources (where applicable)
  • CPD certificate upon successful completion of the course


You can study at your own pace and revisit the materials at any time during your access period.

How long do I have access to the course?

All OMT courses include 12 months (unless stated otherwise) of online access, giving you the flexibility to study at a pace that suits your schedule and learning style.

Throughout your access period, you can revisit video tutorials, theory modules, clinical demonstrations, and supporting resources as often as you need to reinforce key concepts and refine your practical skills.

You can learn anytime, from anywhere, on your preferred device, whether you complete your training in a few days or spread it over several months.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Upon successful completion of an OMT course, you will receive a digital certificate recognising your achievement and confirming your participation in the programme.

Many of our courses also award a fully certificated diploma, while selected programmes include an educational transcript detailing the course content, learning outcomes, and CPD hours completed.

These certificates and diplomas can be used as evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ongoing postgraduate education. They provide a valuable record of your training and may support professional portfolios, appraisals, insurance requirements, or membership renewal with relevant professional bodies, where applicable.

The type of certification awarded is clearly stated on each individual course page.

How does 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?

At OMT, we are committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and professional approach to all course bookings and enrolments.

As many of our programmes provide immediate access to digital learning materials and video content, refunds may be limited once course access has been granted. This reflects the nature of digital educational products and online learning.
We strongly encourage all learners to review the course description, learning outcomes, entry requirements, and course format carefully before enrolling to ensure the programme is suitable for their needs and professional background.
Full details of our refund, cancellation, and transfer policies are outlined in the OMT Terms and Conditions, which should be reviewed prior to purchase. If you have any questions about a course, eligibility requirements, or whether a programme is appropriate for your level of experience, our team will be happy to assist before you enrol.

Our goal is to ensure that every learner can make an informed decision and enjoy a positive learning experience from the outset.

How are courses assessed?

Assessment requirements vary between courses and are designed to ensure learners have achieved the intended learning outcomes and can demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and practical competence.

Depending on the programme, assessment methods may include:

• Multiple-choice examinations (MCQs)
• Knowledge-based quizzes and theory assessments
• Case-based learning activities
• Reflective practice exercises
• Practical competency assessments
• Clinical skills evaluations
• Submission of video-recorded practical demonstrations for assessment and feedback

For courses that require practical competency assessment, learners may be asked to submit video evidence demonstrating specific techniques, clinical reasoning, patient positioning, safety procedures, communication skills, and treatment application. These submissions allow assessors to evaluate practical proficiency and confirm that the required standards have been achieved.

Some courses are completed through online knowledge assessments alone, while others require successful completion of both theoretical and practical components before certification is awarded. The assessment format, pass requirements, and certification criteria are clearly outlined within the individual course information and learning materials.

All assessments are designed to encourage reflective learning and to help ensure that learners can apply their knowledge and skills safely and effectively within their scope of practice.

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.