EXFRM 2733 Introduction to Dry Needling in Rehab Practice
This introductory course will provide the participant with an understanding of dry needling and how it can be integrated into rehab practice. The content includes a history of dry needling and how it differs from acupuncture, the supporting theories and techniques, and the benefits of, indications for and safety concerns for dry needling practice. In addition, current associated regulations and an overview of technique courses will be covered. This course will provide a strong evidence-based foundation for participants who are considering dry needling certification.
This course has been developed specifically for rehab practitioners who are interested in including dry needling in their clinical practice. This course’s objective is to clarify what dry needling is and what is it not, how it should be used, provide safety information on the practice as well as guidance on proper dry needling regulation and education practices. This course may also benefit rehab practitioners who are not allowed by their regulatory bodies to practice dry needling but wish to inform themselves on the practice to be able to better direct and educate their patients.
Participants should check the Dry Needling related regulatory requirements outlined by their regulatory College.
Course Registration
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Registration now available for the following sections (see details under 'How to Register')
- October 19 - November 27, 2026
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Course Hours & Recognition
The course is equivalent to approximately 12 content hours. 35 educational hours are awarded on the official certificate to reflect varying completion times.
Upon successful completion, you may also claim a digital badge issued by UofA CE—accessible through MyCreds—along with an official University of Alberta non-credit transcript
Course Facilitator
Nadine Crocker MScPT is a physiotherapist with extensive clinical, academic, and research experience. Having graduated from the University of Alberta’s Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) program in 2007, she currently serves full-time as a physiotherapist with the Canadian Armed Forces. Nadine has pursued advanced training across multiple domains. She completed her acupuncture certification in 2008, obtained Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) certification in 2015, and achieved Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT) designation in 2019. She is currently undertaking a PhD focused on improving the safety of dry needling practice.
In addition to her clinical work, Nadine is actively involved in education. She teaches Sinew Channel needling through the acupuncture program at MacEwan University and leads anatomy laboratory instruction for the physiotherapy program at the University of Alberta. Through her combined roles, she contributes to advancing both the practice and education of physiotherapy.
More Information
Step 1: Complete and submit the faculty EXFRM 2733 CE Unit application form
Step 2: Proceed to create a UofA CERegister account
Step 3: Register for a course section on CERegister
Cost: $285
Visit UofA Continuing Education for information on course withdrawal, refund, and transfer policy.
Course Objectives/Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate understanding of how dry needling was developed and
how it differs from acupuncture.
2. Students will identify key theories on which dry needling is based and be able to
explain the proposed mechanisms by which it has an effect.
3. Students will gain an understanding on how dry needling can be an
advantageous adjunct to physiotherapy practice as well as it’s limitations.
4. Students will understand key safety concerns with dry needling and how to avoid
or minimize risk.
5. Students will be familiar with dry needling regulations and variations in dry
needling courses.
The course content is delivered 100% asynchronously meaning there is no requirement to be online at a specific class date and time. Participants can complete the learning activities in a place and time of their choosing. Content is accessible twenty four (24) hours-a-day from any location with an internet connection.
There are no grades for this course. Instead, students receive a complete or incomplete score based on satisfactory completion of the course. To successfully complete the course students are required to work through all learning activities and achieve 60% on all the knowledge check quizzes at the end of each module. Students are given unlimited quiz attempts and can challenge these at any time throughout the course.
Upon successful completion of each module participants will be issued a faculty digital certificate noting the number of educational hours.