HLT52015 Diploma of Remedial Massage

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At a Glance

Duration1 year full-time
Part-time available for Domestic students
Study ModeBlended
Combines eLearning & on-campus learning
Campus LocationHaymarket, Sydney
On-Campus Learning1 day per week of on-campus training
1 day per week of clinic placement
Award AbbreviationDRM
Upcoming IntakesEach February, April, July and September

The Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SITCM) has been producing industry-ready health practitioners since 1984. For many years, we have been promoting the growth and development of Remedial Massage within our community and the Australian healthcare system by providing accredited courses of the highest standards.

This page contains key information about the HLT52015 Diploma of Remedial Massage, including delivery mode, modules, assessments and entry requirements.

For further details on this course, including current tuition fees, please see the Student Prospectus.

Overview

This qualification is suitable for students who wish to work as a professional remedial massage therapist. It provides students with advance massage and health assessment techniques for management of musculoskeletal and some chronic health conditions.

Students who complete this course may decide to undertake further studies in the area of Traditional Chinese medicine, such as the Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BTCM).

Course Delivery

Our course offers a dynamic and interactive learning experience through a blended approach. It combines the flexibility of self-paced eLearning with hands-on training on campus. Typically, our students engage in two days of on-campus training each week, complemented by eLearning theory sessions via our Learning Management System.

Each week, one of these on-campus days is dedicated to hands-on skill development in remedial massage. During these sessions, students practice remedial massage techniques, actively engage in scenario-based simulations, and participate in discussions, all under the guidance of experienced trainers. These activities are designed to enhance clinical problem-solving skills and provide practical experience in the delivery of massage techniques. This day also offers an opportunity for students to discuss their assessments and receive feedback from our trainers.

The other on-campus day focuses on practical, real-world experiences in our SITCM Student Clinic. Here, students apply their skills by treating clients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience under the supervision of clinical supervisors.

Throughout the self-paced eLearning phase, students have continuous access to dedicated trainers. These trainers are available online to answer questions, clarify concepts, and provide support.

Course Structure

The course is structured into four terms, each comprising three subjects when undertaken on a full-time basis. For detailed information about the specific subjects that make up the qualification, please refer to the Course Structure page. The details of each subject are summarised in the tabs below:

This subject is intricately designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to effectively establish and manage client relationships, work with diverse populations, and ensure legal and ethical compliance in a clinical setting.

This subject is designed to provide students with essential knowledge and skills to establish a foundation in remedial massage practice, emphasizing the importance of infection control, workplace health, and safety.

This subject is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in Swedish massage and other therapeutic techniques, catering to a diverse range of clients. It trains students to become adept in full-body Swedish Massage strokes, aiming to reduce stress, enhance relaxation, improve circulation, and support lymphatic function.

Students will learn to tailor massage sequences to treat diverse client groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, young individuals, and clients with special needs. The subject also introduces the techniques and benefits of seated massage, which is particularly useful in various settings, including the workplace, as a quick and effective stress relief method.

Additionally, students will learn the integration of Reflexology with other massage techniques, providing a comprehensive treatment approach. They will gain an understanding of Reflexology as both a standalone treatment and as part of a broader therapeutic approach.

The subject includes developing skills to perform thorough massage assessments, identifying clients’ unique needs, and adapting massage techniques accordingly. This ensures that treatments are both effective and safe for each individual client.

This subject focuses on the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and covers terminology and identification of bony landmarks and joints. Detailing the origin, insertion, action, and innervation of muscles that massage therapists are likely to treat. Additionally, the subject delves into the study of cells, tissues, and all 11 major systems of the body, emphasizing their integration and control.

This subject focuses on developing the ability to research and apply evidence-based practices, engage effectively with health professionals and the healthcare system, and create well-informed business plans.

This subject combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge, focusing on treating various conditions and client needs. Content includes:

  • Specialized Remedial Massage Techniques: The subject covers a variety of techniques like Thermotherapy, Seated Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Myofascial Release (MFR), Positional Release Technique (PRT), Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Neuromuscular Techniques (NMT), and Trigger Point Therapy. These techniques are designed to address specific client needs and conditions.
  • Remedial Massage Assessment Skills: Students learn advanced assessment techniques including observation, range of motion, functional tests, muscle length assessments, and specific tests for musculoskeletal conditions. These skills are crucial for creating effective treatment plans.

This subject is centered on adapting massage treatments to meet the specific needs of various clients, including the elderly, women, children, and athletes. It delves into the understanding and application of pain neuroscience, teaching students how pain interacts with the nervous system and how to manage it through massage therapy. Additionally, the subject focuses on specialized techniques for athlete care, addressing their unique requirements for optimal performance and recovery.

This subject is an important component of the course, offering students real-world, hands-on experience as emerging therapists. This subject is designed to integrate and apply the comprehensive knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course in a practical, client-facing environment.

Key Features of the subject:

  • Student-Run Clinic: Students get the opportunity to plan and manage a public clinic within the institution’s facilities. This includes handling client recordkeeping systems and various aspects of clinic operations.
  • Real-World Experience: The subject provides a unique platform for students to practice and hone their skills in a realistic setting, treating actual clients from the public.
  • Application of Skills: Students apply all the techniques and knowledge learned during the course, from basic massage techniques to advanced remedial therapies.
  • Supervision and Support: Throughout the clinical practice, students work under the guidance and support of SITCM clinical supervisors, ensuring a safe and professional learning environment.
  • Skill Refinement: The clinic setting allows students to refine their massage skills, client communication, and professional conduct, preparing them for their future roles as qualified massage therapists.
  • Feedback and Improvement: Regular feedback from clinical supervisors and clients aids in the continuous improvement and development of students’ therapeutic techniques and client management skills.

Career Opportunities

Attainment of this qualification may lead to opportunities to work as massage therapists who provide general health maintenance treatments. Practitioners may be self-employed or work within a larger health service.

SITCM actively engages with local businesses, private clinics, and health services in the remedial massage and healthcare sectors. Our goal is to introduce our students and graduates to potential job opportunities available both during their course of study and after graduation. For detailed information, please refer to our Job Opportunities for Graduates page.

Accreditation and Collaboration

The Diploma of Remedial Massage is fully accredited by the following regulators:
– Australian Skill Quality Authority (ASQA)

It is also registered on CRICOS for delivery to overseas students.

We collaborate with the following Australian professional associations:
– Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
– Federation of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Societies of Australia (FCMA)
– Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)

Fees

The VET Fee Information page provides details of the fees associated with the Diploma of Remedial Massage

Entry Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Be 18 years of age or over at the time that they commence the course for which they have applied; and
  • Either provide a copy of their Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (year 12 certificate) or overseas equivalent*; or
  • Provide a copy of an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Certificate IV or higher qualification; or
  • Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test and be assessed as competent at Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy.

*The NSW Department of Education should be contacted to determine the equivalency of overseas secondary qualifications before lodging an application.

International applicants must also have an IELTS score of 5.5 or above (or equivalent) and must provide documentation to that effect.

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