The mission of the NCCAOM is to assure the safety and well-being of the public and advance the professional practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine by establishing and promoting national evidence-based standards of competence and credentialing. Achieving NCCAOM certification demonstrates the mastery of specific core competencies including knowledge, skills, and abilities required within an AOM professional practice; therefore, the focus of NCCAOM recertification is to maintain the core competencies and advance the professional growth and development of the Diplomate. To that end, the Professional Development Activity or “PDA” program was created as NCCAOM’s department of continuing education. All NCCAOM approved programs satisfy recertification requirements for NCCAOM Diplomates. The PDA program was created to provide an avenue for NCCAOM Diplomates to earn “PDA Points” (CEUs) for participating in recognized programs that apply toward NCCAOM recertification requirements. In turn, the NCCAOM PDA Department partners with individuals and organizations to provide these quality education programs.

NCCAOM’s PDA program began in 1990’s and has grown to over 1,500 PDA Providers and 5,200 approved courses. In 2007, 2011, and 2018 significant advances were made in the PDA Department demonstrating dedication to the NCCAOM Diplomates and PDA Providers.