AcuWellness5NP is dedicated to expanding access to the 5-Needle Ear Acupuncture Protocol for individuals impacted by chronic stress, trauma and addiction. Our training program — led by POCA-certified trainers — prepares practitioners to safely and effectively deliver 5NP treatments.
About 5NP Training & Certification
Accessibility begins with a greater number of certified 5NP providers. AW5NP is committed to offering high-quality training and certification programs that prepare practitioners to safely and effectively deliver 5NP treatments.
Nobi and Chuck have facilitated more than 20 5NP training sessions across five states since 2020, with class sizes ranging from 5 to 30 participants. Each training ensures quality instruction with a minimum ratio of one trainer per ten trainees. Both Nobi and Chuck are certified to teach the 5NP training program developed by the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA).
Trainees gain access to POCA’s comprehensive and user-friendly online 5NP Training Manual and, upon successful completion of the course, are awarded an Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT) certificate from POCA.
(Learn more at pocacoop.com under “Ear Trainings.”)
5NP Training Location
YWCA House of Neighborly Service
📍 243 W. 33rd Street, South Tucson
Training Overview
Curriculum Topics Include:
- History and development of the 5NP protocol
- Location and therapeutic use of the five ear acupuncture points
- Safe and effective needle placement and removal
- Clean needle technique and universal precautions
- Trauma-informed care practices
- The social justice foundation of 5NP
Each trainee receives a starter kit with enough supplies for 100 treatments and a carpenter’s apron for practical use.
Certification Requirements
To receive the POCA-issued AAT certificate, each trainee must complete:
- 40 supervised ear treatments
- A clinical training segment during the course
- Additional supervised clinical hours, if needed, through AW5NP clinics or events
This certificate qualifies the trainee to apply for state certification in Arizona through the Arizona Acupuncture Board. No prior health or educational background is required—however, a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card is necessary for the state application. Nobi and Chuck continue to support trainees throughout the state certification process.
Note: If you plan to practice 5NP outside of Arizona, please contact Chuck before enrolling. He can walk you through your state’s unique requirements and any licensing restrictions.
Training Program Cost
- Training Fee: $350
- POCA Application Fee: $50 (required before training to access the training manual)
- Arizona State Certification Fee: Approximately $200, depending on fingerprint clearance costs
- Annual State Recertification Fee: $100