Different accreditations / qualifications of masseurs

Accredited massage courses

The Australian Association of Massage Therapy lists colleges across Australia at which Massage Therapists can study recognised courses. The College offers Australia-wide accredited massage courses such as the Government-recognised Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice and a Diploma of Remedial Massage. The Certificate IV Massage Therapy course covers all aspects of massage and includes subjects such as: Clinical Aromatherapy, Massage Therapy Foundations, Human Biology, Safe Practices, Healthcare Businesses, and Massage Practice. The Diploma goes on to cover subjects which include Deep Tissue Massage, Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Sports Massage and Remedial Massage. The Certificate IV in Massage Therapy includes eight subjects and these can be covered in three months full-time or in twelve months part-time study. The Diploma course includes the above subjects plus an additional eight subjects, and will take nine months full-time or two years part-time. Both courses require attendance at practical classes where the students are tested on the application of the massage techniques learnt throughout the course. There are a number of organisations in Australia that offer a broad range of courses and accreditations. Courses include lessons on the different types of massage therapy available such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Remedial Massage, Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies. There are also courses in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, hot stone therapy, Kinesiology, Reiki, Reflexology, and so many more. Not all of these courses have Government accreditation.

More than a back rub

Massage is more than just a back rub. Most massage courses are a combination of theory and practice. Students will need to fully understand the principles behind their chosen massage discipline, the benefits of the practice and how to effectively put what they have learned into practice on their clients. Most courses have a practical test that students will need to pass to be able to get a certificate. Many occupations include massage therapy as an expansion on top of other core qualifications such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Aged Care, Mother Craft, Nursing, etc. Massage is sometimes incorporated into training, or therapists may choose to undertake further courses in massage therapy.

Follow local guidelines

Although there are many courses available and some that are accredited, there is no standard set of Australia-wide regulations for setting up a massage practice. Some of the State Government websites list Health Guidelines which therapists are required to follow. Councils can also have localised requirements for massage therapists so it is best to seek out more information if you a planning on setting up a practice. If you are interested in studying to become a massage therapist, consider what you want to do with your qualifications and find a course that will meet your future goals. For example, some courses such as the Certificate IV and the Diploma courses are recognised by some Health Funds and this means that clients with certain types of cover will be able to claim back a percentage of their treatments costs. If you are considering training to become a massage therapist, make sure you carefully research the courses available and contact the massage training course providers to learn more about your options and opportunities.

If you are interested in massage as a therapy contact a Massage Therapist and enquire about their massage style, qualifications and experience.