Dry Needling
Dry Needling in Maryland
PTs must register with the Maryland Board of Examiners OR you cannot practice dry needling in Maryland.
✨ NEW! ✨
The fee to register with the Board is $100, payable via the payment center. A copy of the payment receipt must be uploaded with your application.
To view the status of your application, go the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners verification of license portal. If you enter in your last name or license number, you will see “Specialty” and if Dry Needling is noted then you have been approved. If nothing is noted, your application may still be under review.
Questions regarding the dry needling regulations, please email them to: Silke Esner or call 443-931-1586.
Courses Approved for Dry Needling Registration
Courses must be approved by either APTA Maryland, FSBPT, or the United States Armed Forces, or they will not count – check with your course educators.
Regulations (COMAR 10.38.12)
- To perform dry needling in Maryland, a physical therapist must be registered with the Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
- The physical therapist shall have practiced physical therapy for at least two years before performing dry needling in Maryland.
- The physical therapist shall have completed 80 hours of instruction in dry needling, which includes:
- a total of 40 hours in theory and application (technique, indications/contraindications, infection control, emergency preparedness and response, documentation)
- a total of 40 hours of practical, hands-on instruction.
- The instruction required shall be in person at a face-to-face session or in real time through electronic means (simultaneous interaction with the instructor).
- The instruction shall be provided by approved course providers or under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner competent in dry needling with at least five years of experience.
- Attest to practical training on the Self-Certification form (must be notarized).
- Eligible dry needling courses are listed on the APTA Maryland’s website.
