Healing hands a priority: not all massage qualifications in today's market are the same

OURIMBAH, Australia - April 2, 2013 - PRLog -- The Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice qualification was upgraded in mid-2012 to include Work Health & Safety and Sustainability units.

The latest version, HLT40312 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice, is essential for eligibility to complete HLT50307 Diploma of Remedial Massage.

Prospective students and existing massage therapists are advised that HLT40307 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice has been superseded, as have certain units in the HLT50307 Diploma of Remedial Massage qualification.

College of Natural Therapies VET Manager, Jo Woodroffe, said up-to-date qualifications are essential for a practitioner’s long-term industry and private health fund recognition.

“With touch therapies in high demand and continued high employment prospects forecast for one of Australia’s fastest growing industries, it pays for existing and prospective massage therapists to ensure their skills and qualifications are current.

While it is easy for prospective students to identify the latest version of the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy in Practice by its course code, identifying the most recent Diploma of Remedial Massage can be a little more difficult.

It’s important that people understand certain units in the HLT50307 Diploma of Remedial Massage have been upgraded, and not all Diploma of Remedial Massage courses incorporate these upgrades.

I strongly encourage prospective students to research any massage qualifications to ensure they are enrolling in the most recent version,” she said.

Prospective students can visit www.training.gov.au to find out more about the most recent nationally accredited qualifications and Registered Training Organisations approved to deliver them.

Mrs Woodroffe added that remedial massage therapists must have completed a current Diploma in of Remedial Massage at through an Australian Registered Training Organisation to be recognised by private health funds.

“Being a private health fund recognised practitioner means your clients may be able to receive  a rebate when they utilise your services if they have private health insurance,” she said.

The Federal Government’s current Review of the Private Health Insurance Rebate for Natural Therapies (including massage); which reviews clinical efficacy, cost effectiveness, safety and quality relating to natural therapy; is also a reminder of the importance of current qualifications.  

Recent College of Natural Therapies graduate, Andrew McLeod-Warner, finished his Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice and was on track to complete his Diploma of Remedial Massage under the old training package but decided to upgrade to the most recent qualification before graduating last year.

“Upgrading to the latest qualification means that I am eligible for a health find provider number so my privately health insured clients are eligible for a rebate when they receive a massage from me.

“It’s important for my career, my employer and my clients!” he said.

Now working as a massage therapist at Feather Touch Massage & Wellness Centre at Erina, Andrew said the training and clinical practice he received at College of Natural Therapies provided him with a great start in the manual therapies industry.

“I wanted to make people feel better and massage seemed the right choice for me.

“Studying locally allowed me to start networking with many wonderful students, teachers and practitioners.

“It was a wonderful experience and an unforgettable time in my life,” said Andrew.

Full and part-time courses in HLT40312 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice and HLT50307 Diploma of Remedial Massage at College on Natural Therapies commence in the week beginning Monday 29 April. Enrolments are now open.

Free information sessions for prospective students and existing massage therapists will be held at College of Natural Therapies, 28 Clyde Road, Holgate/Erina at the beginning of April.

MASSAGE THERAPY INFORMATION SESSIONS

Tuesday 9 April between 10am - 11am

Wednesday 10 April 2013 between 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Prospective students and existing massage therapists can attend an information session at the College of Natural Therapies to find out more about the most up-to-date qualifications available.  
Please register your interest by emailing info@cccc.nsw.edu.au or calling 4367 4277. Individual consultations can also be arranged for anyone unable to attend the information sessions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CAREER: MASSAGE THERAPIST, REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST

Gain work in a private clinic with provision for health fund rebates, larger health service alongside chiropractors, physiotherapists, naturopaths, complimentary or medical service providing injury management and rehabilitation, national & international sporting environment

QUALIFICATION

HLT40312 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice

Covers:Therapeutic Massage, Remedial Massage, Administer a Practice , Communication, Aromatherapy Introduction, Anatomy & Physiology Level I, II & III, Infection Control
Work Health & Safety, Emotions and Grief, Australian Traditional Medicine Society Seminar Wet Lab (optional), 50 hours supervised Student Clinic, An elective of your choice

Pre-requisites

·         General reading and writing skills

HLT50307 Diploma of Remedial Massage

Covers:Pathophysiology, Myofascial Release Technique (plus 30 hours clinic), Nutrition, Sports Therapy Massage Technique (plus 30 hours clinic), Specialised services for people with life challenging illness, chronic diseases or conditions, Trigger Point Release Therapy (plus 30 hours clinic), Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Manage and Practice, Emotions and Grief

Pre-requisites:

·         General reading and writing skills

·         Successful completion of HLT40312 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice

·         Member of a professional association, i.e Australian Traditional Medicine Society

TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR MASSAGE THERAPY COURSE

Is the course nationally recognised?

Does the training organisation hold membership of an industry professional association?

Does the course include the full curriculum of the most recent qualification (HLT40312 or HLT50307)?