Maryland Department of Health
Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

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​Dry Needling Registration (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. 
  • Eligible dry needling courses are listed on the APTA Maryland’s website.

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.​​


Registration Application

​Approved Courses for Dry Needling Registration

APTA of Maryland Dry Needling Sponsored Courses

https://www.aptamd.org/dry-needling-sponsored-courses/​

​​To verify a physical therapist is registered to perform dry needling, click here.

Question? Email [email protected] or call Manager Elsner at 410-764-4727​

Want information about dry needling from the American Physical Therapy Association? Click here​.​




Questions? Contact Us!​​