To complete your 500-hr Acupressure Professional Program choose one of these 3 options-

OPTION 1:
1)   150-hour Basic Acupressure Program
2)   100-hour Advanced Acupressure Supplement
3)   250-hour Professional Specialization Program.

The first two steps of this option allow a student to meet the hours (250) and subject area requirements necessary to apply for the California Massage Therapy Council’s (CAMTC) Voluntary Certification as a Certified Massage Practitioner.  With the addition one of our Professional Specialization 250-hour Programs, students can meet the requirements necessary to apply for the CAMTC’s Voluntary Certification as a Certified Massage Therapist.  

In addition, completion of this option allows one to apply for-

1.   Membership as a Certified Practitioner of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). Application and membership fees apply.

2.  The highest membership in the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), as an ABMP Certified Therapist, once CAMTC Certification is received.  Membership fees apply. ABMP membership can provide professional liability insurance for an additional fee.

3.  To take the Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) exam given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  Students who wish to take this exam should take the 250-hour Professional Specialization Program with their Specialization Area being Asian Bodywork Therapy, with elective classes being those recommended for preparation for the ABT exam. Application fees, test fees, and certification fees apply. (ABT recommended class list)

Additional requirements to be met for AOBTA and NCCAOM.
1.  First Aid class and CPR class for NCCAOM and AOBTA requirements
2.  Ten sessions from AOBTA Certified Instructors for AOBTA requirements

OPTION 2:
1)   150-hour Basic Acupressure Program
2)   100 hours of Advanced Classes or Elective classes not previously taken
3)   250-hour Professional Specialization Program.

This option is for those who wish to practice Acupressure in California, but are not interested in certification via CAMTC and/or NCCAOM. Certification is not presently required for acupressure professional practice in the State of California (although some cities/counties may require CAMTC certification.)  This option is well suited for self-development and for those learning to work on family and friends.  This option is also well suited for those who have 100 hours of Anatomy and Physiology from other schools.
In addition, completion of this option allows one to-

1.  Apply for membership in the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA).
Application and membership fees apply.
2.  Apply for Professional Level Membership in ABMP. Membership fees apply. ABMP membership can provide professional liability insurance for an additional fee.

OPTION 3:
Two 250-hour Professional Specialization Programs

This option is well suited for students who come to the Acupressure Institute with other massage, bodywork, or energy work training. 

In addition, completion of this option allows one to-

Apply for certification as a Certified Massage Therapist, as long as they meet the requirement of 100 hours of Anatomy & Physiology, Ethics, Heath, Hygiene, and Contraindications.  If a student meets these requirements via other schools or includes these requirements in their two Professional Specialization 250-hour programs, the student may also be eligible to apply for the certifications and professional organization memberships listed above.