Medical / Healthcare Vocational Schools in Japan
This article covers Healthcare / Medical vocational schools, which are a subset of various vocational schools in Japan. Typically, these specialized institutions offer a 2-3 year curriculum focused on healthcare-related subjects. We have compiled a list of some schools that accept foreign students. However, it is important to note that in addition to language proficiency, there are other requirements for studying at Japanese vocational schools. For more detailed information, please refer to vocational schools.
What is a Medical Vocational School?
Medical vocational schools are institutions where students can acquire specialized knowledge and skills directly relevant to the healthcare field. The healthcare domain is vast, encompassing numerous subfields, each with its own distinct professions and job roles. For each of these subfields, schools and departments are tailored to provide practical curricula aimed at developing immediate proficiency in real-world healthcare settings.
Medical vocational schools provide a diverse array of fields such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dental hygiene, and others, each with specialized schools, departments, and courses dedicated to their respective areas.
Additionally, careers in the medical field often require candidates to pass national exams, which is a notable requirement. Medical vocational schools play a crucial role by offering comprehensive education that includes relevant certifications to help students prepare for these exams.
Upon completing the curriculum, students are generally eligible to sit for national exams. Furthermore, the strong connections and networks maintained by each vocational school within the medical industry contribute significantly to high employment rates by facilitating job placements.
Even for those with a general interest in healthcare-related careers, exploring the various disciplines within these schools can assist individuals in pinpointing their desired career path and selecting the most suitable institution.
What are the departments in medical vocational schools?
At medical vocational schools, you can learn the knowledge and skills required for various healthcare-related professions. There are numerous departments in medical vocational schools. Here are some examples of common fields and their content that you can learn at medical vocational schools.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department: You will study traditional Eastern medicine techniques like acupuncture and moxibustion. These methods aim to relieve pain and adjust the body's balance. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapist is a national qualification.
Anma Massage Shiatsu Therapy Department: Anma Massage Shiatsu Therapists are professionals who hold a national qualification enabling them to perform therapeutic treatments involving pressing and kneading affected areas to improve circulation and relieve stiffness in the body. Anma massage shiatsu therapist is a national qualification.
Dental Hygienist Department: In the dental hygienist department, you'll learn essential knowledge about oral hygiene and dental patient care. Topics covered include teeth cleaning, preventive procedures, and providing advice to patients. Dental hygienist is a national qualification.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) Department: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are national qualifications responsible for observing and providing necessary treatment to injured or ill individuals from the scene of an incident until they are transported to a medical facility, handling pre-hospital care.
Judo Therapy Department: A Judo therapist is the only national qualification holder, aside from doctors, who can treat injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and sprains. They can open their own practice and work not only in osteopathic and orthopedic clinics but also as sports trainers and functional training instructors in sports and welfare fields. This is a national qualification.
Medical Office Administration: You will learn skills necessary for administrative tasks in medical institutions, such as managing patient appointments, processing insurance claims, creating medical documents, and overseeing the overall operations of medical facilities.
Nursing Department: In the nursing department, you will learn about basic medical care, assisting in diagnoses, developing patient care plans, health assessments, and more. Clinical practice is also included to acquire skills in patient health management and nursing techniques. This is a national qualification.
Occupational Therapy Department: This department focuses on techniques and strategies to improve daily activities and promote independence among individuals with disabilities. You'll provide activities and advice to enhance patients' quality of life. This is a national qualification.
Physical Therapy Department: In this department, you'll learn about assessing physical function and impairments, designing and implementing exercise therapy, and creating rehabilitation plans. You'll be involved in helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses. This is a national qualification.
Medical Professional Collages Accepting International Students in Japan
Each school offers unique curricula. Please visit the respective school's website for specific details. Additionally, there are other schools not listed here, so please use this list as a starting point for your search.
Fukuoka Iryo College (Fukuoka)
Departments: Physical Therapy / Radiological Technology / Nursing / Judo Therapy / Sports Trainer / Acupuncture and Moxibustion / Dental Hygiene
Duration: 3 years
Hokkaido College Of Oriental Medicine (Hokkaido)
Department: Acupuncture and moxibustion
Duration: 3 years
Kokusai Toyo Iryo Gakuin (Osaka)
Departments: Judo-Seifuku Therapy, Sports trainer, Acupuncture, Beauty therapist
Duration: 3 years
https://kokusai.ac.jp/index.html
Shuto Iko College of Medical Care & Welfare (Tokyo)
Departments: Emergency Medical Technician / Nursing / Dental Hygiene / Acupuncture and Moxibustion / Judo Therapy / Physical Therapy / Speech and Hearing Sciences / Nursing Care and Welfare / Athletic Trainer
Duration: 1-4 years
https://academy.shiseido.co.jp/
Tokyo College of Medicine, Secretarial Studies, Dental hygienist & IT (Tokyo)
Departments: Web design ＆ IT／ Medical Secretary ／ Medical Office Assistant／ Medical Information Manager／ Medical Nursery／ Dental Hygienist
Duration: 3 years
https://www.sanko.ac.jp/tokyo-med/
Tokyo Electronics College (Tokyo)
Departments: Medical Radiological Sciences, Clinical Engineering, Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Duration: 3 years
https://www.tokyo-ec.ac.jp/course/med/
Tokyo Medical Sports College (Tokyo)
Departments: Judo Therapy, Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Physical Therapy
Duration: 3 years
https://www.tokyo-medical.ac.jp/
Tokyo Iryo Fukushi College (Tokyo)
Departments: Anma Massage and Shiatsu, Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Judo Therapy
Duration: 3 years
https://www.tokyoiryoufukushi.ac.jp/
Yoshida Gakuen Iryoshika College (Hokkaido)
Departments: Dental Hygiene / Dental Technology / Medical Office Clerk / Orthoptics / Clinical Engineering / Clinical Laboratory Science / Emergency Medical Technician
Duration: 2-3 years
