Dry needling in Delaware: the rules for physical therapists
Delaware law puts dry needling in the PT scope of practice. PTAs, aides and athletic trainers can't do it.
Allowedfor PTs
A board-approved program of at least 54 hours, finished within 2 years, plus 2 years of clinical practicetraining before you start
Rules to know
- You need at least 2 years of active clinical practice as a licensed PT and a license in good standing.
- Keep current CPR certification.
- Perform it yourself; it can't be delegated. Use clean needle technique and OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards.
- Keep documented proof of your training.
Official sources
- 24 Del. Admin. Code 2600, section 15.0 (Justia copy, current through September 2024)
- Delaware Register: final order adding the dry needling rule (May 2015)
A plain-language summary, last checked October 24, 2026. Dry needling rules change often and some states regulate it through board statements rather than law, so confirm with your board before you dry needle. OTs and athletic trainers have their own rules.
Dry needling courses in Delaware
No in-person dry needling courses are listed in Delaware right now. See dry needling courses in every state.
Common questions
Can physical therapists dry needle in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware law puts dry needling in the PT scope of practice. PTAs, aides and athletic trainers can't do it.
How much training do PTs need to dry needle in Delaware?
A board-approved program of at least 54 hours, finished within 2 years, plus 2 years of clinical practice.
More for Delaware clinicians
- Delaware PT and PTA CEU requirements
- Delaware OT and OTA CEU requirements
- In-person courses in Delaware 7
Dry needling rules in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming