Certified Dry Needling Practitioner™ (CDNP)
For Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and Pain Management Professionals
Our Certified Dry Needling Practitioner (CDNP) program offers a patient-centered diagnosis-focused approach through our dry needling courses. Classes are taught in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Texas to chiropractors, physical therapists and pain management professionals to learn effective strategies to manage commonly encountered injuries, and pathologies seen in orthopedic and sport rehabilitation, includingthe treatment for chronic low back pain, acute tendon pain, muscle strains, TMD, headaches, chronic neck pain, and more.
The curriculum was developed by Dr. Thomas Kauffman DC, CSCS, CDNP USAW, CFL1, FRC with the goal Current science and research is presented, along with a vast amount of clinical experience and pearls, allowing immediate application of dry needling into the clinicians’ professional practice.
DRY NEEDLING COURSES 2025
52-hour Dry Needling certification in St. Louis for chiropractors and physical therapists. Learn how, when and why to dry needle in two pre-scheduled weekends with lifetime access. Get credentialed, and start helping patients immediately.
$1,750
52-hour Dry Needling certification in Kansas City for chiropractors and physical therapists. Learn how, when and why to dry needle in two pre-scheduled weekends with lifetime access. Get credentialed, and start helping patients immediately.
$1,750
52-hour Dry Needling certification in Dallas, TX for chiropractors and physical therapists. Learn how, when and why to dry needle in two pre-scheduled weekends with lifetime access. Get credentialed, and start helping patients immediately.
$1,750
52-hour Dry Needling certification in Springfield, MO for chiropractors and physical therapists. Learn how, when and why to dry needle in two pre-scheduled weekends with lifetime access. Get credentialed, and start helping patients immediately.
$1,750
Can't recommend enough and love having all of the content and muscles to review when needed. 10/10!
Can't recommend enough and love having all of the content and muscles to review when needed. 10/10!
Read LessThis course exceeded all of my expectations. This course provides high quality educational content as well as plenty of hands on experience. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. I highly recommend this course to everyone!
This course exceeded all of my expectations. This course provides high quality educational content as well as plenty of hands on experience. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. I highly recommend this course to everyone!
Read LessI had a great 2 weekends learning from Dr. K and getting to practice a new skill set. I found him to be very informative and easy to learn from. I look forward to taking part in more of his courses. I’m leaving the weekend excited to start dry nee...
Read MoreI had a great 2 weekends learning from Dr. K and getting to practice a new skill set. I found him to be very informative and easy to learn from. I look forward to taking part in more of his courses. I’m leaving the weekend excited to start dry needling !
Read LessThis was an amazing experience. We learned so much using a hands on approach that will be easily applicable to patients in the future. This class was fast pace and a lot was covered! Highly recommend!
This was an amazing experience. We learned so much using a hands on approach that will be easily applicable to patients in the future. This class was fast pace and a lot was covered! Highly recommend!
Read LessWhat a great course, such much knowledge, the instructor was so knowledgeable in this field and willing to be versatile to ensure learning. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to get into needling!
What a great course, such much knowledge, the instructor was so knowledgeable in this field and willing to be versatile to ensure learning. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to get into needling!
Read LessThis has been an incredible learning opportunity. Not just on how to dry needle, but why dry needling can be used. Can not recommend it enough!
This has been an incredible learning opportunity. Not just on how to dry needle, but why dry needling can be used. Can not recommend it enough!
Read LessGreat Course and Instructor! Highly Recommend!
Great Course and Instructor! Highly Recommend!
Read LessAmazingly informative! Procedures and treatment options available to use on Monday morning. Dr Kauffman creates a comfortable environment to mentor and teach the student that builds your confidence
Amazingly informative! Procedures and treatment options available to use on Monday morning. Dr Kauffman creates a comfortable environment to mentor and teach the student that builds your confidence
Read LessOur Certified Dry Needling Practitioner course is a two-weekend pre-scheduled course delivering 52 hours of Dry Needling education to students like yourself, who want the support, resources, and experience necessary to become proficient in Dry Needling.
Unlike some Dry Needling programs that only teach you how to needle as an individual modality — our courses are crafted for practitioners who need to be ready for any patient that walks into their clinic. That means we'll show you how to effectively integrate dry needling with your adjustments, rehab programs and other soft tissue modalities you may already know.
We believe efficiency is key in patient care—you must be proficient in assessing, treating, re-assessing and progressing your patients. To be a truly effective practitioner, it’s essential to combine the right needling techniques, adjustments, and exercises at the precise moment.
Our Certified Dry Needling Practitioner course aims to cover all areas of the body, from the TMJ, the craniocervical, thoracic, and lumbo-pelvic regions all the way to the upper and lower extremities, including shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. By the end of the course you’ll be equipped to handle any muscle, tendon, or joint case with confidence.
Through our course, you will not learn Acupuncture. You'll learn the principles of dry needling and musculoskeletal rehabilitation to enhance your clinical reasoning, and improve your patient's outcomes.
By the end of the Certified Dry Needling Practitioner course you'll graduate with ample practice under the supervision of your instructor to help you be confident in your needling treatments. Additionally, you'll have lifetime access to your course lectures, materials and technique videos through your online profile.
Our Certified Dry Needling Practitioner course is led by a fitness-forward chiropractor dedicated to improving movement quality, enhancing patient outcomes and maximizing the effectiveness of every patient interaction.
SmartCARE Education is recognized by the PACE program of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards.
Physical Therapists may submit hours for individual state approval.
You must have an active license as a DC, DPT, OT, or AT at the moment, or be enrolled in an accredited college. Student verification is required to obtain a pre-licensed discount.
We have a pre-licensed price for anyone enrolled in an accredited institution pursuing a degree in chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy and athletic training at the moment. Pleas e-mail us at: [email protected] with a copy of your unofficial transcript. Transcript must be within the last 15 days from the email.
No, Dry Needling and Acupuncture are very different modalities even if they use the same tool, and every state has written different legislation on them.
Yes. Every course at SmartCARE Education comes with lifetime access to course updates. Course updates do not count as continuing education credits. If you need continuing education hours/credits you can purchase individual courses or save time and money with one of our membership.
Yes, all our courses have been PACE approved for continuing educations for Chiropractors. Keep in mind, not all states accept PACE approved courses.
Yes, we have developed our curriculum to fit the requirement for physical therapy state boards. We do not have individual pre-approval, but you may submit your hours to your state board for credit.