08/24/2026
What does it actually take to become a licensed animal acupressure practitioner? š“
Along with getting asked, āWhat exactly is acupressure?ā (I shared that in my previous post and added it below, too), I also get asked what it takes to become licensed.
Becoming licensed in Large and/or Small Animal Acupressure isnāt something you can knock out over a weekendāor even a week. š
It requires approximately 300 hours of schooling, which works out to about two years of education. And once you graduate, you still have to pass the National Board Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) exam.
And let me tell youā¦this isnāt an easy test.
Itās a proctored exam thatās around 7 hours long, taken in a room where you are closely monitored while testing. Itās designed to be challenging and, honestly, a little intimidating. You better know your stuff, because the pressure is REAL. š
But thatās the point.
You want someone working on your animal who has put in the time, done the studying, can handle the pressure, and has taken the steps necessary to earn your trustāand your money.
Thereās a reason professional credentials exist. ā¤ļø
Acupressure is not a ātake a weekend course and start working on animalsā kind of profession. It takes education, commitment, hands-on learning, testing, and a whole lot of dedication.
And thatās exactly who you want working on your animal.
And yesāI also teach for an amazing school if learning more about animal acupressure and going down this road yourself is something youāve ever considered. š“āØ
Drop me a message if you want to know more!
š And if you missed my last post, Iāve included āWhat is acupressure?ā below, too.
Acupressure is a safe and effective way to participate in your horses health, internally and externally. Ā It works off their pressure points (same as we have) and can influence the flow of blood, joint fluids, immune system boosting, etc. Ā This is a noninvasive, yet very powerful way to get and keep your horse healthy. Ā Acupressure derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine, and while itās about 5,000 years old, still newer to those of us on the Western side of the world.
