Dry needling in New Jersey: the rules for physical therapists

New Jersey's law P.L. 2021, c.382 (signed January 18, 2022, effective April 18, 2022) lets PTs dry needle after a board-approved program.

Allowedfor PTs

A board-approved program with at least 40 hours of in-person academic instruction and 40 hours of supervised hands-on practice, finished within 2 years, plus 2 years of clinical practice in New Jerseytraining before you start

Rules to know

You also need a DPT degree, or a New Jersey PT license issued before 2003, plus current CPR certification.
Keep it up with 10 credits of dry needling continuing education each biennial renewal.
It can't be delegated to PTAs or PT students. Use only the techniques you were trained and shown competent in.
Get written informed consent that clearly states the patient is not receiving acupuncture, and give the patient a copy. Use only FDA-labeled filiform needles.

Official sources

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 New Jersey

11 upcoming in-person courses. Make sure a course's hours and format meet New Jersey's rules before you register.

October 2026

Fri–Sun, Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 1 Price on provider site · 27 contact hrs · Cinnaminson Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration

November 2026

Fri–Sun, Nov 6–8, 2026 · 3 days IDN Complex Persistent Pain Course $1,295 · Deptford Integrative Dry Needling· The Training Room - DeptfordDry Needling Details and registration
Nov 15 – Dec 6, 2026 · 22 days Dry Needling 1 (all Sundays) Price on provider site · Freehold Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration

December 2026

Fri–Sun, Dec 4–6, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 3 (DN-3) $895 · Newark AAMT· Newark, NJDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Dec 4–6, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 2 Price on provider site · 27 contact hrs · Short Hills Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Dec 11–13, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 2 (DN-2) $895 · East Brunswick AAMT· East Brunswick, NJDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Dec 11–13, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 1 Price on provider site · 27 contact hrs · Chatham Intricate ArtDry Needling Details and registration

January 2027

Fri–Sun, Jan 15–17, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 1 (DN-1) $895 · Secaucus AAMT· Secaucus, NJDry Needling Details and registration

March 2027

Fri–Sun, Mar 12–14, 2027 · 3 days Dry Needling 2 (DN-2) $895 · Secaucus AAMT· Secaucus, NJDry Needling Details and registration

April 2027

Fri–Sun, Apr 9–11, 2027 · 3 days Pelvic Floor Dry Needling (PFDN) $895 · Edison AAMT· Edison, NJDry Needling Details and registration

November 2027

Sat–Sun, Nov 13–14, 2027 · 2 days Dry Needling Level 1 Price on provider site · 24 contact hrs · Cherry Hill IARDry Needling Details and registration

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Common questions

Can physical therapists dry needle in New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey's law P.L. 2021, c.382 (signed January 18, 2022, effective April 18, 2022) lets PTs dry needle after a board-approved program.

How much training do PTs need to dry needle in New Jersey?

A board-approved program with at least 40 hours of in-person academic instruction and 40 hours of supervised hands-on practice, finished within 2 years, plus 2 years of clinical practice in New Jersey.