Diplomas
Diploma in Therapeutic Massage
Based on the practice of soft tissue manipulation, massage is one of the oldest forms of treatment known to man. In today's world it has fast become a respected and essential therapy for a broad group of clients. This includes working with sporting and accident injuries, illness rehabilitation, pain relief, stress management and the easing of emotional tension. This wide range of application places graduates in good stead for forging a successful career as a massage therapist.
Course Outline
This qualification provides core knowledge and skills for professional clinical practice in Therapeutic Massage. NCNZ is a recognised course provider for the Diploma in Therapeutic Massage by the national industry association, Massage New Zealand.
Subjects studied include:
- An in-depth base knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
- Pathophysiology for massage therapy
- Postural analysis and physical examination
- Advanced client case taking
- Business management for clinical practice
- Application of massage and stretching techniques
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
- Joint mobilisation
- Muscle energy techniques
- First Aid - this is not included in your fees. It is the responsibility of the student to undertake a First Aid course to complete the Diploma in Therapeutic Massage.
Course Duration
This diploma is 18 months full time (approximately 30 hours per week). In addition to the normal hours of study students are required to provide a Portfolio of Evidence which documents 150 hours of therapeutic massage given to a cross section of clients.
Workshop Requirements
Workshops are a compulsory and essential part of the diploma training offering students the opportunity to expand and develop their skills, network with fellow students and benefit from the knowledge of our tutors. The workshops are very interactive with lots of practical skills both taught and assessed.
You are required to attend three compulsory workshops during Module 2, 3 and 4. These are 5, 4 and 5 days in duration respectively. At the end of the third workshop you will be required to sit the final examination.
Students must not confirm any travel arrangements until workshop bookings are scheduled and confirmed by the Student Support Officer. The College reserves the right to cancel workshops where, in rare cases, the minimum number of students required is not met. Students must consider this when making travel arrangements. It is therefore recommended that ‘flexi options’ be considered when confirming travel arrangements.
Workshop Dates
| Workshop | Start Date | Finish Date |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop 1 | To be confirmed | To be confirmed |
| Workshop 2 | To be confirmed | To be confirmed |
| Workshop 3 | To be confirmed | To be confirmed |
Examination Requirements
At the end of the course students undertake final theory and practical examinations. In addition, where unit assessments have practical components these will be assessed during workshops.
Portfolio of Evidence
This is a practical component required to complete the Diploma in Therapeutic Massage. At the completion of your course you are required to produce evidence of 150 hours of practical massage work in the form of a Portfolio of Evidence. This is a clinical record of all practical work completed throughout your training. Students are required to arrange their own practical sessions. The portfolio does not include the 30 hours per week of study or your hours of attendance at a workshop.
Entry Criteria
The prerequisite for this course is a National Certificate in Relaxation Massage (NC0752) or equivalent qualification. We strongly recommend that you have completed the Certificate in Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent before entering into this Diploma, however this is not a prerequisite.
Applicants must have completed Year 11 or equivalent secondary school education, must be at least aged 18, able to read, speak and comprehend English language (for international non-English speaking applicants a level 6.5 IELTS).
Intakes
The next intake for Therapeutic Massage is subject to sufficient enrolment numbers. Once numbers are reached the course will proceed at the following intake.
Fees
Course fees are $3200 for both years. Text book costs, medical equipment and administration fees are in addition to this. For detailed information on fees please go to the enrolment section.
Career Pathways
- Self employed as a therapeutic massage practitioner
- Working within a natural therapy group practice
- Integrative practice with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and midwives
- Employment in the sport and fitness industry, including sports massage and rehabilitation
- Working in specialist areas e.g. elderly
- Employment in the spa and tourism industry
- Teaching workshops and community education
- Corporate massage
Course Curriculum
YEAR 1, MODULE 1
| DTM1A | |
|---|---|
| Medical Sciences TM (a) | |
| The Integumentary System | |
| Cells and Tissues | |
| Articulations and Movements of the Musculoskeletal System | |
| Medical Sciences I | |
| Human Structure and Function II | |
| Constituents of Blood | |
| Defence Mechanisms and Immunity |
| DTM1B | |
|---|---|
| Medical Sciences II | |
| Principles of Human Chemistry | |
| Special Senses of the Human Body | |
| Digestive System | |
| Processes of Metabolism | |
| Urinary System | |
| Reproductive System | |
| Medical Sciences TM (b) | |
| Pathology TM | |
| Professional Development II | |
| Developing Communication Skills |
YEAR 1, MODULE 2
| DTM2A | |
|---|---|
| Body Therapies TM (a) | |
| Fascial Release Techniques | |
| Massage and Stretching |
| DTM2B | |
|---|---|
| Body Therapies III | |
| Trigger Points Therapy | |
| Palpation in Massage | |
| Clinical Practice II | |
| Determine Treatment Objectives |
YEAR 1, MODULE 3
| DTM3A | |
|---|---|
| Medical Sciences III | |
| Bones, Muscles and Skeletal Tissues | |
| The Lymphatic System | |
| The Nervous System | |
| Neurophysiology | |
| Medical Sciences IV | |
| Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid Base Balance | |
| The Cardiovascular System | |
| The Respiratory System | |
| The Endocrine System |
| DTM3B | |
|---|---|
| Clinical Practice II | |
| Developing a Health Care Programme | |
| Professional Development III | |
| Business Development | |
| Body Therapies TM (b) | |
| Muscle Energy Techniques |
YEAR 2, MODULE 4
| DTM4A | |
|---|---|
| Body Therapies TM (c) | |
| Research and Clinical Application in Massage |
| DTM4B | |
|---|---|
| Body Therapies TM (d) | |
| General Articular Mobilisation |
| 20 Case Studies | |
| Theory Examination | |
| Portfolio of Evidence – 150 hours | |
| Practical Examination |
To gain the National Diploma in Massage you are required to hold a current First Aid Certificate. You may be required to complete a Comprehensive Two Day First Aid Course or Refresher training as appropriate. The cost of any training is the responsibility of the student. A copy of your valid First Aid Certificate must be sent into the College.
