Editor’s Note: Mina Larson is the CEO of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). This is the first in a three-article series on the new Job Analysis (JA) survey findings.
The NCCAOM is excited to announce the completion of its 2023-2024 Job Analysis (JA) Executive Summary report. The JA is a pivotal initiative aimed at defining the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent practice in the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession.
This comprehensive survey, distributed to all licensed acupuncturists and herbal medicine practitioners on March 13, 2024, remained open until May 5, 2024. The data collected from this survey is essential for updating the NCCAOM exam content outlines at the entry-to-practice level, ensuring the certification exams are relevant, fair, and legally defensible.
The JA survey also offered incentives for participation, including up to 12 Professional Development Activity (PDA) points and eligibility for random prize drawings for those who completed the survey. The survey was able to be completed in multiple sessions, making it convenient for practitioners to participate. The results of the survey will be used to advance the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession with government agencies, employers, and other institutions.
Methodology
The methodology used in the 2024 NCCAOM Job Analysis survey was designed to ensure comprehensive and accurate data collection. Here are the key steps involved:
- Choosing Representatives: The NCCAOM recruited a panel of 8-12 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to represent the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession. These representatives were chosen based on their expertise and experience in the field.
- Collecting Relevant Job Information: The panel collected relevant job information, including job descriptions, job specifications, and demographic data. This information was used to develop a comprehensive survey.
- Developing the Survey: The survey was developed to include questions about job tasks, demographic information, and clinical practice. The survey was beta-tested to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Administering the Survey: The survey was distributed to more than 30,000 licensed acupuncturists across the United States. It remained open from March 13 to May 5, 2024. Participants could complete the survey in multiple sessions.
- Analyzing Survey Results: The survey results were analyzed to identify the most important tasks for entry-level practitioners. Statistical analyses, such as means and standard deviations, were used to ensure the reliability and validity of the data.
- Creating New Exam Content Outlines: Based on the survey results, new exam content outlines were created. These outlines reflect the current practices and realities of the profession, ensuring the certification exams remain relevant and legally defensible.
Demographic Data
The survey also collected extensive demographic data from respondents, which is crucial for understanding the diverse backgrounds and work environments of acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioners. This information not only aids in tailoring the certification exams to better reflect the realities of the profession, but also plays a vital role in federal and state advocacy efforts.
By highlighting the diversity within the field, this data allows the NCCAOM to more effectively advocate for the profession, demonstrating its wide-reaching impact and the unique needs of its practitioners to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
Key demographic data highlights include work settings, geographic distribution, years of experience, and practice settings. The NCCAOM invited representatives from ACAHM, CCAHM and ASA to participate in development of the demographic questions.
Importance
The 2024 NCCAOM Job Analysis is a crucial initiative that will shape the future of the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession. By collecting comprehensive data from practitioners across the U.S., the NCCAOM can ensure that its certification exams remain relevant and fair.
The demographic and clinical data gathered from the survey provide valuable insights into the diverse backgrounds, work environments, and clinical practices of practitioners, helping to tailor the certification process to better reflect the realities of the profession.
As the results of the survey are analyzed and implemented, the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession will continue to advance, benefiting practitioners, patients, and the health care system as a whole.
In our next JA 2024 update, we will delve deeper into the clinical sections of the survey and share the full technical report.
