Course overview:
Hybrid course with 1 online and 1 onsite modules. 22 hours including 8 hours of hands-on labs in:
- Canine Tui-na (Chinese Medical Massage and Manipulation) techniques
- Contraindications for manual therapy
- Soft tissue assessment
- How to teach Tui-na to clients
- TCVM diagnoses
Course objectives:
- Closely assist the veterinarian in performing soft tissue assessments
- Understand contraindications for Tui-na
- Understand TCVM diagnoses
- Understand and correctly perform Tui-na techniques
- Be able to perform a full Tui-na treatment session based on criteria such as veterinarian diagnosis, temperament of the patient, and treatment goals
- Be able to teach Tui-na techniques to clients
Admission Requirements
Credentialed veterinary technician OR successful completion of a 2-year veterinary technician program OR veterinary assistant with at least 5 years experience in a small animal veterinary clinical setting.
Letter of recommendation from a licensed veterinarian certified in TCVM (Acupuncture, Tui-na, Herbal medicine or Food Therapy) or currently attending courses for certification in TCVM. The letter of recommendation should briefly detail your relationship to the veterinarian writing it, why you would be a good candidate for the class, and how it would benefit you and your clinic. There is no length requirement, but one half to one full page is suggested.
Completion of the TCVM for Vet Techs course.
Certified Tui-na for Veterinary Technicians
Taught in English
For veterinary technicians and assistants only
22 CE hours
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Students must:
- Credentialed veterinary technician OR successful completion of a 2-year veterinary technician program OR veterinary assistant with at least 5 years experience in a small animal veterinary clinical setting.
- Letter of recommendation from a licensed veterinarian certified in TCVM (Acupuncture, Tui-na, Herbal medicine or Food Therapy) or currently attending courses for certification in TCVM. The letter of recommendation should briefly detail your relationship to the veterinarian writing it, why you would be a good candidate for the class, and how it would benefit you and your clinic. There is no length requirement, but one half to one full page is suggested.
- Completion of the TCVM for Vet Techs course OR equivalent.
Curriculum
Canine Tui-na for Technicians
Dr. Han Ping’s Six System
2h
Introduction to Tui-na in Small Animal Practice
1h
Tui-na Techniques in Dogs with live dog demos
2h
Tui-na techniques in cats with live cat demo
1h
How to integrate Tui-na in pain management and neurological cases in dogs and cats
2h
How to use Tui-na to help TCVM doctors
2h
Tui-na Tools for Geriatrics and End-of-Life Care
2h
Bai-dong -fa
1h
Mo-ca-fa
1h
Ji-ya-fa and Zhen-dong-fa
1h
Kou-ji-fa Special Manipulations and putting together all techniques
1h
Practice Tui-na techniques 1-6 on Dogs
4h
Review
2h
Certification
CCTVT Certification
- Complete all 2 modules
- Pass the written and practical exams with 75% or above each.
- CCTVT (Certified Canine Tui-na Veterinary Technician): For the student who is a Registered Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Technician.
- CCTVA (Certified Canine Tui-na Veterinary Assistant): For the student who is NOT a Registered Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Technician.
- Note: A CCTVA holder can update their certificate to CCTVT once they become a Registered Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Technician.
Instructors
Stacie Atria
DVM, CVA, CVMMP, CVTP
Dr. Atria earned her Bachelor's degree in music and biology from the University of Miami and her DVM from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Dr. Atria completed the Mixed Animal Acupuncture course at Chi in December 2006 and was granted certification from Chi and China's National Society of TCVM. She has completed both the Equine and Small Animal Advanced TCVM courses, as well as the Food Therapy course and all five TCVM Veterinary Herbal modules at Chi. Dr. Atria recently completed a one-year clinical internship in acupuncture at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Xie. At UF, Dr. Atria did clinical research investigating the use of acupuncture and herbal therapies for the treatment of anhydrosis and recurrent airway obstructive diseases in horses.
Dr. Riccarda Iannotta
DVM, CVA, CVMB, CVTP
Dr. Riccarda Iannotta graduated with honors in Veterinary Medicine in 1982 from the University of Bologna. During her undergraduate training, she completed six years of clinical internship in Surgery at the University’s Institute of Surgery. In 1986, she pursued advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of equine Kissing Spine at the Helsingborg Veterinary Clinic.
In 1990, she attended the International School of Homeopathy “F. del Francia” and, in 2004, began formal training in Veterinary Acupuncture through the Italian Society of Veterinary Acupuncture (S.I.A.V.). From that time forward, she has dedicated her clinical and educational career to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), with a primary focus on equine practice.
In 2015, Dr. Iannotta achieved certification as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) at Chi University, Spain. She has continued her advanced education through multiple postgraduate programs, including Equine TCVM Diagnosis, Classical Acupoints and Advanced Acupuncture Techniques (2015), Certified Veterinary Tui-na Practitioner with Dr. Bruce Ferguson (2016), Japanese Acupuncture Training Program with Dr. Rodrigo Fagundes (2017), and the Certified Acupuncture Program – Balance Method with Dr. Antonio Alfaro (2018).
She currently serves as an instructor in the Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Program and the Certified Veterinary Tui-na Program in Italy, and coordinates advanced training and continuing education programs in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Silvia De Lucchi
DVM, CVA, CVBMA
Dr. Silvia De Lucchi graduated from the University of Parma, Italy, in 2006 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she began practicing small animal medicine, focusing primarily on internal medicine and surgery.
Her interest in rehabilitation led her to attend the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) program at the University of Tennessee in 2012.
In 2013, Dr. De Lucchi earned her Veterinary Acupuncture Certification at Chi Spain, marking the beginning of her journey into Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). She has completed advanced acupuncture training, studied Japanese acupuncture and is certified in Balance Method acupuncture. Her commitment to ongoing learning is evident as she is currently pursuing advanced training in Chinese herbal medicine and Tui-na.
Dr. De Lucchi offers a comprehensive and integrative clinical approach at her specialized rehabilitation clinic in Vicenza. She primarily treats small animals, combining acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and food therapy. Dr. De Lucchi is currently the Director of Chi University Italy and is an instructor for the Small Animal Acupuncture Program. She also organizes advanced TCVM courses to spread awareness and knowledge of this ancient medical tradition within the veterinary community.
Directors
Silvia De Lucchi
DVM, CVA, CVBMA
Dr. Silvia De Lucchi graduated from the University of Parma, Italy, in 2006 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she began practicing small animal medicine, focusing primarily on internal medicine and surgery.
Her interest in rehabilitation led her to attend the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) program at the University of Tennessee in 2012.
In 2013, Dr. De Lucchi earned her Veterinary Acupuncture Certification at Chi Spain, marking the beginning of her journey into Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). She has completed advanced acupuncture training, studied Japanese acupuncture and is certified in Balance Method acupuncture. Her commitment to ongoing learning is evident as she is currently pursuing advanced training in Chinese herbal medicine and Tui-na.
Dr. De Lucchi offers a comprehensive and integrative clinical approach at her specialized rehabilitation clinic in Vicenza. She primarily treats small animals, combining acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and food therapy. Dr. De Lucchi is currently the Director of Chi University Italy and is an instructor for the Small Animal Acupuncture Program. She also organizes advanced TCVM courses to spread awareness and knowledge of this ancient medical tradition within the veterinary community.
Enrollment Options
Semester
2026
Schedule & Tuition
If you are a TecnicVet member, kindly send your membership proof to Dr. Silvia De Lucchi at Italy@chiu.edu prior to registration to receive the promo code for a €100 discount.
Canine Tui-na for Technicians
Online Portion
Sep 1 - Dec 31, 2026
On-site Portion in Treviso, Italy
Dec 5 - 6, 2026
Includes the CCTVT Certification
€1,250.00
Payment Information
A €100.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.
Payment is due 30 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.
Promotional Partner
Tecnivet is a nonprofit organization that supports the education, professional development, and well-being of veterinary technicians across Italy.