HLT52215 Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies – Discover the Path to Professional Practice in Holistic Healthcare
Are you intrigued by the world of holistic healing? Do you find yourself drawn to the wisdom of Shiatsu, and Oriental Medicine? The Australian Shiatsu College (RTO Code: 3609) offers the nationally recognised Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies [HLT52215], designed for those seeking to develop professional skills in this specialised healthcare field.
A Respected Education Provider
With over 35 years of experience in vocational education, the Australian Shiatsu College has supported hundreds of students in developing the knowledge and skills required for professional practice in Shiatsu and Oriental therapies. Our graduates work in various healthcare settings, applying their specialised skills to support client wellbeing.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The HLT52215 Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies provides a thorough education in both theoretical and practical aspects of Shiatsu practice:
- Foundational Techniques: Learn specific Shiatsu methods including palpation techniques, meridian theory, and Makko Ho exercises
- Traditional Principles: Study the philosophical foundations of Yin/Yang and Five-Element theory that inform Shiatsu practice
- Clinical Assessment: Develop skills in client assessment and treatment planning based on Oriental medicine principles
- Professional Practice: Understand practice management, ethical considerations, and ongoing professional development requirements
Practical Experience
The Australian Shiatsu College emphasizes hands-on learning to develop professional competence:
- Supervised Clinical Practice: Our program exceeds the minimum 200 hours of clinical work and 60 client treatments required in the training package
- Student Clinic: Apply your developing skills in our supervised student clinic with members of the public
- Supported Learning: Practice sessions in class and documented home practice help build your confidence and proficiency
Learning Environment
The Australian Shiatsu College is located within the CERES environmental park, providing a peaceful setting for study and practice. Our facilities include:
- Comfortable classrooms for practical study and treatments
- A supportive community of students and educators
- Easy access via public transport
Flexible Study Options
We provide an online learning platform where knowledge-based classes are available on demand, allowing you to fit your studies around your schedule. Informational content is delivered through a mixture of prescribed readings and recorded video lectures mixed with self-directed learning activities. All online learning is supported with live tutorials, either in-person or online, to answer questions and consolidate learning with practical case study applications.
Practical skills, such as Zen Shiatsu and other techniques, are learned through in-person tuition and supervised student clinics. These experiences provide you with the opportunity to apply your skills in a supportive and professional environment, fostering your confidence and competence. A logbook records your clinical practice throughout the duration of your study, both in supervised clinics and home practice.
We offer study arrangements to accommodate different circumstances:
All Students
- Duration:
- Full-time: Complete within 2 years
- Part-time: Complete within 3-4 years
- Learning Approach: Combination of online theoretical content and in-person practical training
- Tutorial Schedule: Weekly online tutorials are scheduled to support your understanding of the theoretical learning components of the course
Local Melbourne Students
- Practical Class Schedule: Practical classes on Thursday afternoons/evenings and supervised student clinics on Friday afternoons/evenings.
- Study Commitment: Typical study load of 10-15 hours per week for full-time students (including scheduled tutorials/classes, self-directed learning, and home practice)
National/Rural Students (Intensive Model)
- Practical Class Schedule: Four week-long practical intensives In Melbourne per year
- Study Commitment: Typical study load of 8-10 hours per week for full-time students (including scheduled tutorials, self-directed learning, and home practice – excluding intensive weeks)
- Support: Local mentorship arrangements to support ongoing skills development
- 2026 Intensive Schedule (Melbourne-based):
- Tuesday 17th March – Sunday 22nd March
- Monday 25th May – Sunday 31st May
- Monday 10th August – Sunday 6th August
- Monday 9th November – Sunday 15th November
Limited Enrolment
To ensure quality education and adequate supervision:
- Melbourne stream: Maximum 12 Diploma students
- Remote stream: Maximum 10 Diploma students
Enrolment Process
To begin the enrolment process for the HLT52215 Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies:
- Complete a Diploma Expression of Interest
- Complete a Diploma Enrolment Form
- Complete your Language, Literacy and Numeracy re-enrolment assessment
- Book an Enrolment Interview
Professional Opportunities
Diploma graduates may pursue various career paths:
- Independent Shiatsu practitioner
- Practitioner within multi-disciplinary healthcare settings
- Community wellness provider
Shiatsu practitioners work with clients experiencing a range of health concerns including musculoskeletal issues, stress management needs, and support for general wellbeing.
Our next full time Diploma intake starts in February, with limited spaces available. Part-time mid year enrolments are also welcome. We invite you to explore whether a career in Shiatsu aligns with your professional goals.
FAQ
Enrolments open mid-late September and close in mid-December for Diploma studies the following year. Subject to availability, late enrolments may be accepted from mid-January to February.
HECS/FEE-HELP does not cover our Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies. Our students self-fund their investment in Shiatsu education, with some electing a part-time study option to facilitate more space for work.
Centrelink does not include the Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies (HLT52215) as an eligible course for AUSTUDY. Our students may choose a part-time study option to facilitate more space for work, with our timetabling options structured to minimise impact on a regular working schedule
Our Diploma students’ yearly tuition fees are based on the number of units of competency they are enrolled in for a specific year. Fees are paid in ten equal monthly instalments by direct debit.
We enrol a maximum of 12 Diploma students in a cohort to ensure that there is adequate space and supervision for student clinics. The practical classes may have a total of 24 students including those participating in Short Course studies with us (eg Zen Shiatsu).
Our online classes combine students from our local, national and short course cohorts. These larger groups contribute to more lively and engaging discussions and activities in our tutorials as we can enjoy the input and experience of a wide range of participants.
We have full-time (2 years) and part-time (4 years) options for Diploma studies. We generally recommend students studying the intensive program engage in full-time study during their first year to allow for the most appropriate development of knowledge and skills. Should students require a change of pace during their enrolment, then this can also be facilitated.
There are two ways to get credit for what you already know:
1. Credit transfer:
- Applies to formal training you’ve completed, like courses or certificates from other registered training organizations (RTOs).
- If your previous training matches part of the diploma program (ie it involves the same unit of competency), you can get credit for it without redoing it.
- NB You may be invited to participate in some componets which contextualise this knowledge into the Shiatsu environment
2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
- Applies to skills and knowledge you’ve gained from work, life experiences, or informal training.
- You’ll need to provide evidence like portfolios or references to show your competence.
- If assessed as competent, you can get partial credit for the relevant parts of your program.
- NB An RPL applicant will typically complete a range of assessment tasks to demonstrate currency of their knowledge.
Benefits of both:
- Save time and money by not having to redo what you already know.
- Get recognized for your existing skills and knowledge.
- Feel more confident in your studies.
Talk to your us to see if credit transfer or RPL is an option for you!
We have pathways available for upgrade. Please visit our Shiatsu Diploma upgrade page to explore your options
Yes! With the recent review of Natural therapies to be included in private health fund rebates, Shiatsu therapy will soon be back on the list of eligible modalities
Professional recognition of our nationally recognised training of HLT52215 Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies
