Tallgrass is pleased to have practitioners worldwide and the number of people participating from around the world grows each year, becoming a part of a worldwide community of people who truly care about the health and well-being of animals.

The Tallgrass program is design for the adult learner. Half of the courses are Online and half are Hands-on. Though the training program is self-directed, our staff is available to help you design your training program. Courses are held throughout the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and other countries.

TALLGRASS INSTRUCTORS

Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow are the founders of Tallgrass and pioneers in the field of pet acupressure.They are the authors of three animal acupressure texts, manuals, DVDs, and meridian charts. Nancy developed the first handbooks, continues to publish, and has been instrumental in creating the TgAAI curriculum while making Tallgrass the leader in the field. Amy, as the Director of Education, teaches and lectures worldwide while also writing for publicatons in all English-speaking nations.

Kim Bauer, Lead Tallgrass Instructor & "Dean of Students," has helped to develop the hands-on Practitioner Training Program. She has a background in animal care and Traditional Chinese Medicine plus a Masters in Education. Kim is available to guide you through the program so that you can achieve your goal of becoming a Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Practitioner.

TALLGRASS COURSES

The 330-hour Tallgrass Training Program is designed for the adult learner. You are welcome to take any course at any time since it is a self-paced program. Below is the sequence of courses we suggest to receive the maximum learning benefit, especially if you are becoming a Certified Practitioner.

INTRODUCTORY LEVEL COURSES

#1 - ONLINE: Overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine

#2 - HANDS-ON: Introduction to Animal Acupressure - Small Animal or Equine therapy

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL COURSES

#3 - ONLINE: Meridian Theory

#4 - ONLINE: Introduction to the Five-Element Theory

#5 - HANDS-ON: Meridians & Specific Conditions I & II

#6 - ONLINE: Acupoint Classifications

ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES

#7 - ONLINE: Acupoint Energetics & Landmark Anatomy

#8 - HANDS-ON: Acupoint Energetics & Landmark Anatomy

#9 - ONLINE or HANDS-ON: Equine or Canine Pathology

#10 - HANDS-ON: Indicators & Assessment

#11 - HANDS-ON & WRITTEN: Practicum

ELECTIVES

Two elective courses (40 hours) are required to complete the Practitioner Certification Program.

POST-GRADUATE COURSES

Tallgrass offers a variety of post-graduate courses to enhance our pratitioner’s knowledge and skills. The Tui Na, original Chinese meridian massage course, for instance, is taught to increase hands-on techniques and expand knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Equine & Canine Fascial Energetics is another example of courses that will add to the practitioner’s medicine bag.

ACCREDITATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

All of the Tallgrass courses are approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Additionally, Tallgrass is approved by the Department of Higher Education Vocational Schools for the State of Colorado (DPOS).

Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow are founding Members of the Board of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (NBCAAM). Nancy, Amy, and Kim Bauer are Adjunct Faculty in the Equine Alternative Therapies Department at Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio.

Techniques presented in these courses and learning tools are designed to enhance the healing process and are not intended to replace conventional medical or veterinary healthcare. Tallgrass Practitioners do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe medications or perform surgery. Seek licensed veterinary care when indicated.