In modern society, people are increasingly focused on holistic health and natural therapeutic approaches. Massage and Acupressure is gradually becoming an attractive career choice for many people, particularly those interested in traditional approaches to health and wellness.

To meet the growing demand for highly skilled practitioners, the Academy of Medical Sciences has developed a 300-hour Foundation Program in Massage and Acupressure. This foundational course equips learners with both essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to confidently enter professional practice after graduation.

The program is built around three core pillars:

1. Structured Knowledge: Learners receive systematic training in Traditional Medicine, meridian theory, and acupoint principles.
2. Practical Proficiency: 70% of the course is dedicated to hands-on practice, developing Massage and Acupressure skills using anatomical models and supervised practice with real clients.
3. Professional Practice Orientation: Learners develop client communication skills, professional practice principles, relevant legal requirements, and professional ethics.

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Perform Massage and Acupressure procedures safely and correctly.
• Apply supportive therapeutic techniques for pain relief and functional rehabilitation.
• Confidently work at spas, therapy clinics, physical rehabilitation centers, or establish an independent practice where legally permitted.

Who is this course suitable for?

• Beginners with no prior foundation in Traditional Medicine.
• Spa and wellness center employees who want to improve their professional skills.
• People interested in natural therapeutic approaches and seeking a sustainable career.
• Individuals looking for a stable supplementary career or source of income.
• People interested in establishing a wellness spa or therapeutic practice, subject to applicable regulations.

The Academy of Medical Sciences applies an integrated “Learn – Practice – Apply” training model:

• Learn: Build theoretical knowledge through structured curricula, visual learning materials, and engaging presentations.
• Practice: Develop techniques using anatomical models under close supervision from instructors.
• Apply: Practice procedures with real clients under controlled supervision while developing communication, consultation, and real-world problem-solving skills.

This approach enables learners not only to master technical procedures but also to understand how to adjust pressure, technique, and acupoint application appropriately for different individual conditions.

The following table presents the detailed curriculum organized by subject area and training hours:

Subject	Core Content	Duration (hours)
Introduction to Traditional Medicine	History, concepts, and principles of Traditional Medicine	10
Human Anatomy	Basic anatomy, musculoskeletal structures, and joints	20
Meridian and Acupoint Systems	Locations and functions of commonly used acupoints	30
Principles of Massage and Acupressure	Mechanisms of action and fundamental techniques	20
Fundamental Massage Techniques	Gliding, kneading, rubbing, rolling, compression, and vibration techniques	50
Advanced Acupressure Techniques	Acupressure procedures for different body regions	50
Basic Therapeutic Protocols	Developing protocols for common pain and discomfort conditions	30
Model-Based Practical Training	Group practice, technique correction, and pressure control	40
Supervised Practice with Real Clients	Service procedures and real-world case management	30
Communication and Professional Ethics	Consultation and client care skills	10
Legal and Professional Regulations	Practice regulations and occupational safety	5
Final Assessment	Theory and practical examination	5

Total: 300 hours

Compared with many Massage and Acupressure training providers, the Academy of Medical Sciences program stands out through:

• Experienced Professional Instructors: Faculty members include Traditional Medicine physicians and experienced physical therapy practitioners.
• Professional Training Facilities: Practice rooms are equipped with therapy beds, anatomical models, and specialized training equipment.
• Internationally Informed Training Model: Learning materials, presentations, and teaching procedures draw on international curricula and are adapted to the local context.
• Practical Placement Opportunities: Learners may be introduced to partner spas and rehabilitation centers for supervised practical experience.
• Certificate Support: Upon successful completion, learners receive a Foundation Certificate in Massage and Acupressure, subject to applicable certification regulations.

The 300-hour course is designed with flexible learning options:

• Daytime or evening classes: Suitable for working learners.
• Intensive or weekend study: Easier to fit into different schedules.
• Midterm and final assessments: Support objective evaluation of learner competency.

On average, learners can complete the course within 2–3 months with intensive study, or up to 6 months through part-time study.

Upon graduation, learners will be able to:

• Identify and accurately locate acupoints, muscle groups, and therapeutic areas.
• Perform fundamental massage techniques including gliding, kneading, rolling, compression, and vibration.
• Perform acupressure safely using appropriate pressure and established protocols.
• Develop a complete client service process from reception and consultation through treatment and post-treatment care.
• Recognize and appropriately manage contraindications to help ensure client safety.
• Confidently work independently or within professional therapy and wellness facilities, subject to applicable regulations.

Demand for restorative health services, stress relief, and natural therapeutic approaches continues to grow. In Vietnam, wellness spas, Traditional Medicine clinics, and rehabilitation centers increasingly seek practitioners with structured professional training.

Graduates of the Academy of Medical Sciences Foundation Program in Massage and Acupressure may pursue opportunities such as:

• Working at spas, clinics, wellness centers, or therapy facilities.
• Working independently or providing home-based wellness services, where legally permitted.
• Establishing a private wellness or therapeutic practice in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Advancing their education through intermediate, advanced, or specialized Physical Therapy programs.

The Academy of Medical Sciences is committed to:

✔ Ensuring that 100% of learners complete the required practical training hours.

✔ Providing close instructor supervision and individualized technical feedback.

✔ Maintaining transparent course fees without undisclosed additional charges.

✔ Supporting employment and career development after graduation.

✔ Supporting learners throughout the process of developing their own professional practice, from initial planning to implementation.