Looking to Qualify As A Massage Therapist ?
Massage Therapy Qualifications In Australia
Massage Therapy is a popular career path for people of all ages, but is it important to qualify as one? Massage therapists play a hands-on role within Australia’s therapeutic and rehabilitation industries, providing relief to people suffering from stress, tension and soft tissue ailments ranging from the mild to the severe. By using their understanding of physiology, kinesiology and different massage techniques, massage therapists are able to treat injuries, promote circulation, improve mobility and provide improvement in general health and wellbeing to their clients. In order to work as a massage therapist, you’ll need to undergo extensive training to gain a deep understanding of anatomy, body systems and how different types of massage techniques affect the body
Industry Standards in the practice of massage therapy are set by the national qualifications authority. The current industry standards for Australian qualification are set out in the Health Package (HLT) and offer the following qualification levels. View these courses, their competencies and structure.
- Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Therapy (HLT42015)
- Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52015)
- Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Remedial Massage (HLT2115)
These qualifications can be completed at a TAFE or or Private Training Organisation that is registered with the appropriate State Authority to deliver the National Health Training Package.
If you wish to gain Approved Provider Status with Private Health Funds, you will need to provide evidence that you have successfully completed a Nationally Recognised Qualification. While either of the above qualifications allow for application both Massage Network Professional Membership, your eligibility as a Health Fund provider rests with the Health Funds approval of the program of study offered by your College or Training provider.
It is also important to know that not all Health Funds will accept the lower level Certificate IV as their approval criteria, preferring the Diploma as a minimum qualification requirement.
What skills do I need to be a massage therapist?
Massage therapy is a job that requires you to be neat, clean and inviting, able to comfortably talk with their clients about their needs in a professional manner. As massage therapy is such a hands-on job, a respectful approach must be taken to the treatment of your client’s body. You’ll need to be an excellent communicator, with a calming and competent demeanour able to explain why certain techniques are being used and how they will help. A genuine care for the health and wellbeing of others will make this job a rewarding and attractive career path for many.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Respect for clients’ personal space and privacy
- Manual dexterity and strength
- Professional demeanour
- Understanding of body systems
- Desire to nurture wellbeing through alternative health therapies
- Respect for cultural and gender diversity
For more information about National Qualifications in Massage Therapy and those colleges approved to deliver them, choose the qualification link: Certificate IV or Diploma,
