Graduate Certificate in Health Science (Tuina Massage Therapy)

The perquisite to the Graduate Programmes is registration as an acupuncturist and the Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) or equivalent to ensure the required knowledge and understanding of Chinese medicine to extend their scope of practice to Tuina massage Therapy and / Chinese Herbal medicine. Learners will preferably be currently practising upon enrolment so there is access to clients for the clinical component of the relevant graduate programme. An applicant must be registered with a professional body being Acupuncture NZ or New Zealand Acupuncture Standards Authority Inc., who will have assessed or recognised their education and / or training to be equivalent to the undergraduate education required in Aotearoa. Learners/ākonga must have a valid first-aid certificate for the duration of their study in the graduate programme(s).
English language requirements
An applicant is expected to have a level of English sufficient to enable study at the level of the programme. International learners whose first language is not English must have an international English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) issued within the last two years, or equivalent.

What can I expect out of this qualification?

The aim of the Graduate Certificate in Health Science (Tuina Massage Therapy) is to prepare registered acupuncturists, with a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) or equivalent, to be able to extend the scope of their practice in the field of Tuina Massage Therapy. On completion of the programme graduates will have the knowledge and skills, within the traditional Chinese medicine worldview to practise within safe, lawful and professional boundaries in a manner that is culturally appropriate in Aotearoa New Zealand. They will have an enhanced ability to acquire relevant new skills in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Graduates will have the ability to expand their scope of practice as a Kaiwero Ngira Hauora to encompass Tuina massage therapy and the academic base required for further tertiary study in a variety of health and/or policy fields (education outcome) dependant on the requirements of each educational institute.
Qualified acupuncturists may wish to work in a more physically connected, hands-on way with clients and massage therapy enables this. Tuina massage uses the same fundamental Chinese medicine theory as acupuncture but extends the knowledge of the structure of the body, muscles, and connective tissues. Massage therapy is an excellent adjunct for those learners who specialise in musculoskeletal conditions, treatment of and rehabilitation from injury, paediatrics, and treating anyone who prefers not to receive needles.

Status one year after study

Employment rate two years after study

56%

Employment rate two years after study

Main Campus Office

Phone: (09) 6303456
Fax: (04) 473 9040
Email: admin@nzsao.com
Web: http://www.acupuncture.ac.nz