Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

Overview

Learn the skills you require to provide general health and well-being treatments, with specific expertise in the treatment and prevention of muscle soreness and relaxation techniques for your clients. Job outcomes for this qualification may include self-employment, a day spa therapist or working in a multi-disciplinary health care team. This qualification may also provide you with credits towards the Diploma of Remedial Massage.

Duration

9-12 months

Requirements

• Successful applicants for this course will be required to obtain a Working with Children's Check and may be asked to apply for a National Police check prior to placement. On receipt of your course application, you will be emailed an 'Application Requirement Questionnaire' electronic form, and you will be required to provide evidence of a Victorian Working With Children's Check (WWCC).
• Students need to be aware that this course has a large practical component that requires physical activity, and close peer work. Students will participate in treatment of each other including giving and receiving massages with other students in the classroom setting.
• You will need a high level of maturity and responsibility to cope with the demands of academic and practical aspects of this course.
• It is recommended that students have access to a personal computer or laptop in order to access the online resources and complete the directed online activities in their own time.
• It is recommended that students allow for 15 hours per week outside of class times to complete directed learning activities.

Field Placement

Clinical Placement Students must be a minimum of 17 years of age at the time of their first clinical placement. Students will complete 80 hours of clinical placement throughout the course. During relevant stages of the course, all students will be scheduled to take part in a supervised student massage clinic at Wodonga TAFE, which is open to the public. There is also an expectation that students will practice their skills in the broader community.

Students will also participate in on-site placement opportunities which will be arranged by your placement coordinator. The times and days of these sessions may vary to suit the establishment of which the student will be attending. Students will be required to have current police check and Working With Children Check to attend specific clinical placement venues.

Assessment

The method of assessment varies and can include (but is not limited to):

• Observation in the workplace or simulated environment
• Written tasks, including quizzes
• Research tasks, including projects
• Portfolios
• Oral presentations
• Group work

Skills Developed

• Establish and manage client relationships
• Work with diverse people
• Manage legal and ethical compliance
• Confirm physical health status
• Provide first aid
• Manage the prevention and control of infection
• Develop massage practice
• Assess client massage needs
• Provide massage treatments
• Manage work health and safety
• Undertake small business planning
• Facilitate the empowerment of older people
• Address the needs of people with chronic disease.

Certification

By successfully completing this course you will receive a nationally recognised AQF Qualification

Compulsory Units

Fees

Fees Additional Information

Additional course costs that may apply Please note depending on individual circumstance there may be additional costs that apply throughout the completion of your qualification. These will be discussed further with your Course Coordinator, and may include:

• National Police Check, and the Working With Children Check
• Linen purchase and associated laundering costs for practical sessions and clinic
• Workwear requirements for placement
• Travel to placement service providers.

Additional fee assistance may be available for eligible individuals, as part of State & Commonwealth government initiatives. Materials fees may apply.

The student tuition fees published are indicative only and can be subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Funding made available to eligible individuals by State and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect future opportunities to access additional funding in the future. For more information see 'Fee information and eligibility' under the 'How to Apply' tab on our website.

Materials

• Clinic manual
• Clinic uniform shirt
• Essenza Day Spa excursion
• Name badge
• Wet lab anatomy excursion
• Work books

Pathways

Continue your studies into the Diploma of Remedial Massage and then to the Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy to add further knowledge and practical experience to your range of professional skills. Your additional studies in the Diploma of Remedial Massage may also lead you into further studies in the following courses at various universities, including Bachelor of Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy), Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine), and Bachelor of Rehabilitation. Please check with individual universities for further information.

Careers

Job outcomes for this qualification may include self-employment, working as a day spa therapist or working in a multi-disciplinary health care team.

How To Apply

Applying for a course at Wodonga TAFE is a simple 4-5 step process. You can learn more here: Understanding the application process