How To Get Dry Needling Certified In Texas

Dry needling is an increasingly popular technique among rehab professionals, offering targeted relief for muscular pain, trigger points, and movement dysfunction. If you're a physical therapist or other eligible healthcare professional  thinking about adding dry needling to your skillset, understanding the requirements, training pathways, and scope-of-practice rules is crucial. 

This guide breaks it down step-by-step, helping you navigate dry needling in Texas confidently.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before diving into training, make sure you are eligible to perform dry needling in your state. The technique is primarily performed by:

• Physical Therapists (PTs) – dry needling is within the PT scope of practice. 

• Other Clinicians – including Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Athletic Trainers (ATCs), Chiropractors, Medical Physicians, Physician Assistants (PAs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and advanced DPT students (3rd-year). 

Important: Each profession is regulated by its own licensing board. Regulations and competency requirements vary by state and profession, so always verify your specific guidelines before performing dry needling.

Step 2: Understand the Scope of Practice

For physical therapists in Texas, dry needling is fully recognized as within the PT scope of practice. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE) does not prescribe specific hours or credentialing. Instead, it emphasizes that clinicians must:

• Be competent in the technique before performing it.

• Maintain proper documentation of training and experience.

• Obtain informed consent from every patient. 

This approach puts the responsibility on the clinician to ensure safety, effectiveness, and professional accountability¹.

Step 3: Complete an Accredited Dry Needling Course

While the Board doesn’t mandate exact contact hours, a reputable dry needling certification course is the most reliable way to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform dry needling safely.

Look for courses that offer:

• Hands-on training in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular anatomy, trigger point theory, and safe needle techniques.

• Practical instruction for evaluating and treating common musculoskeletal conditions.

• Clinical scenarios or case studies for applying dry needling in orthopedic and sports rehab settings.

• Guidance on risk management, patient communication, and informed consent procedures. 

By completing a structured program, you ensure your skills are clinically sound, professionally credible, and ready for immediate application in your practice.

Step 4: Verify State-Specific Regulations

Texas PTs are afforded flexibility, but other professions have their own rules.

For example:

• PTAs, OTs, ATCs, and chiropractors must follow their respective boards’ guidance on dry needling competency.

• Some states require formal hours, supervised sessions, or specific exams, while others allow broader discretion. 

Pro Tip: Always check with your state licensing board to confirm current requirements and any updates before practicing.

Step 5: Integrate Dry Needling Safely Into Practice

After completing your training:

• Start under supervision if possible, gradually building your clinical confidence.

• Keep detailed records of treatments, patient outcomes, and continuing education.

• Stay up-to-date on new research, techniques, and regulatory updates to ensure ongoing competence. 

Remember: safe and effective integration of dry needling not only protects your patients—it strengthens your reputation as a skilled, knowledgeable clinician.

Step 6: Continue Learning and Advancing

Dry needling is a powerful tool, but it’s just one component of a clinician’s skillset. Consider advanced courses, specialty certifications, or residency programs to deepen your expertise in:

• Orthopedic rehabilitation

• Sports injury management

• Manual therapy integration 

Combining dry needling with broader clinical knowledge will help you maximize patient outcomes and expand professional opportunities.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're a clinician in Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, or Houston, TX, looking to gain hands-on dry needling experience, check out IAR Education’s Regenerative Dry Needling Courses. Our courses are designed for PTs, ATCs, OTs, and other licensed professionals, with practical instruction and expert guidance to help you confidently integrate dry needling into your practice.

References

1. Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Scope of Practice FAQ: Dry Needling. TBPTE website. 

2. IAR Education. Dry Needling Certification Program Overview. IAR Education.

American Physical Therapy Association. Dry Needling: Clinical Guidance for PTs. APTA website.