HLT40307 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice Massage involves the movement and manipulation of soft tissue resulting in increased blood flow, removal of toxins and improved muscle tone. Massage therapists apply a range of massage technqiues to reduce muscular tension, aches and pains, increase healing abilities and bring about a general sense of health and wellbeing.

Quick Course Guide

Qualification HLT40307 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice

Start Dates

Monthly enrolment for Distance Education or contact a Course & Career Advisor for On Campus intake dates

Course Length

Full-time: 16 weeks (14 weeks tuition) on campus & 26 weeks DE Part-time: 32 weeks (28 weeks tuition) on-campus & 1 Year DE

Pre-requisites None Refer to entry requirements below.

Assessment

A variety of written & practical assessments, journal, logbook and clinical based training

Finance Options Flexible payment options available

Delivery Method On Campus or by Distance Education

Delivered by Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT)

What You Will Learn This course represents the entry point of an exciting career in massage therapy. You will learn a variety of techniques focusing on Swedish massage, relaxation and therapeutic techniques, including study in anatomy and physiology and how to work professionally in the health and wellness industry.

Entry Requirements To enter this course you will need to have: Completed NSW Higher School Certificate, or equivalent (if you are under the age of 18 years at course commencement you may be required to participate in an interview to assess your suitability for the course) or Be 21 years or over at course commencement. Overseas students are required to demonstrate an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5 (Academic) overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each skill.

Location, Study Time & Start Dates This course is delivered at the Sydney campus in Surry Hills and Brisbane campus in Fortitude Valley; the course can be completed in 16 weeks full-time, 32 weeks part-time or 26 weeks full time via Distance Education or 1 year part time via Distance Education. Contact your consultant now for upcoming intake dates.

Course Subjects The Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice covers the following 9 subjects. These ACNT subjects include 15 units of competency (10 common and 5 specialisation units) from which the student will be assessed.

ACNT Subject Name

ACNT Subject Code

Unit of Competency Code

Unit of Competency Name

Teaching Hours

Communication Skills for Manual Therapists

C4MACSM11

BSBWOR203A Work effectively with others

34 *HLTCOM404B

Communicate effectively with clients

*HLTHIR301A Communicate and work effectively in health

Massage Assessment Techniques

C4MAMAT11 *HLTREM408B

Apply massage assessment framework

28 *HLTREM409B

Perform massage health assessment

Practice Administration

C4MAPA11 HLTCOM405B Administer a practice 28

Safe Practices C4MASP11 *HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes

18 *HLTIN301B

Comply with infection control policies and procedures

Anatomy & Physiology

C4MAAP11 *HLTAP401A Confirm physical health status 82

First Aid C4MAFA11 *HLTFA301B Apply first aid 10

Client Referrals C4MACR11 *HLTCOM406B

Make referrals to other health care professionals when appropriate

28 HLTCOM408B

Use specific health terminology to communicate effectively

Massage Techniques

C4MAMT11

*HLTREM407B Plan massage treatment

130 *HLTREM401B Work within a massage framework

*HLTREM406B Provide massage treatment

Massage Therapy Clinic

C4MAMTC11

*HLTCOM404B Communicate effectively with clients

64 *HLTCOM406B Make referrals to other health care professionals when appropriate

*HLTAP401A Confirm physical health status *HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes

ACNT Subject Name

ACNT Subject Code

Unit of Competency Code

Unit of Competency Name

Teaching Hours

*HLTFA301B Apply first aid

*HLTIN301B Comply with infection control policies and procedures

*HLTHIR301A Communicate and work effectively in health

*HLTREM401B Work within a massage framework

*HLTREM407B Plan massage treatment *HLTREM406B Provide massage treatment

*HLTREM408B Apply massage assessment framework

*HLTREM409B Perform massage health assessment

Total Hours 422 *Please note that the following units of competency are delivered across multiple subjects. Students must complete all subjects satisfactorily in order to be deemed competent in these units:

HLTCOM404B Communicate effectively with clients HLTCOM406B Make referrals to other health care professionals when appropriate HLTAP401A Confirm physical health status HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes HLTFA301B Apply first aid HLTIN301A Comply with infection control policies and procedures in health work HLTHIR301A Communicate and work effectively in health HLTREM401B Work within a massage framework HLTREM407B Plan massage treatment HLTREM406B Provide massage treatment HLTREM408B Apply massage assessment framework HLTREM409B Perform massage health assessment

Hands-on Training to Complete Your Qualification You will be required to complete clinical training which you will undertake at ACNT's campus in Sydney or Brisbane. If you live outside of Sydney or Brisbane, you can undertake your training at an approved local clinic or practice (Distance Students only). Contact your Course & Career Advisor for more information about these requirements. This massage course requires first aid training as part of the course curriculum. If you've previously completed a first aid course which meets the national competencies for the National Training Package HLTFA301B - Apply First Aid (including St. John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate), you'll receive credit for this part of the course. NB: Students will not be able to start Massage Therapy Clinic subject until a valid first aid certificate has been sighted by the Clinic Supervisor.

C4MACSM11 Communication Skills for Manual Therapists This subject covers the skills and knowledge required to work and communicate effectively in a health setting, with clients, staff, visitors, suppliers and others This subject provides the skills required by practitioners to establish and maintain effective communication with the client at all times; as appropriate to facilitate the treatment or health service being provided (and provide basic counselling as required).Additionally, the subject covers the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in a group environment; promoting team commitment, cooperation, supporting team members and dealing effectively with issues, problems and conflict.

Upgrade Pathways Upon completion of this course, you may upgrade to the following ACNT qualification, which is a direct pathway for the HLT40307 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice:

HLT50307 Diploma of Remedial Massage

Course Subjects

C4MAMAT11 Massage Assessment Techniques This subject covers the skills and knowledge required to observe the condition of the client and gather information relevant to the case in order to provide a basic massage. It describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret the information gathered in the health assessment and indentifying precautions or contraindications to treatment, before performing a massage treatment C4MAPA11 Practice Administration This subject provide students with the skills and knowledge required to set-up a clinical practice and have a basic understanding of the administrational aspects, rules, regulations and operational requirements of effectively running a clinical health practice; according to the size and scale of the business. C4MASP11 Safe Practices This subject provides students with the skills and knowledge required for workers within the health care industry to comply with infection control guidelines and occupational health and safety policies and procedures; outlining workplace performance requirements and responsibilities for both employees and business owners. C4MAAP11 Anatomy & Physiology This subject covers a detailed level of knowledge, of anatomy and physiology, from basic cells and tissues to all the major systems of the body. Awareness and understanding of the chemistry and biology of the human body, will ensure students have enough information to perform a basic physical health assessment, as required in massage therapy practice. C4MAFA11 First Aid This subject covers skills and knowledge required to provide first aid response, life support, management of casualty(s), the incident and other first aiders, until the arrival of medical or other assistance. C4MACR11 Client Referrals This subject covers the skills and knowledge required to arrange referrals to other health care professionals when required. It also covers the skills required to understand and respond to instructions, carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal and external clients in a health care practice, using appropriate practice-specific health terminology. C4MAMT11 Massage Techniques This subject describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively within a massage framework, adhering to industry standards and guidelines. The subject will teach students about the history and philosophy of massage and how to apply appropriate techniques to administer a massage treatment. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge required to assess and evaluate clients needs, and negotiate a treatment plan with them. An introductory level to musculoskeletal anatomy will also be included as the student learns techniques for each of the body regions. C4MAMTC11 Massage Therapy Clinic This subject Massage Therapy Clinic aims to co-assess key elements of your knowledge and understanding of the units of competency listed on the previous page; while applying these in a real-life clinic situation. During your time in clinic you will be expected to perform massage treatments to a range of individuals in various clinical settings and for different client needs. During clinic, attendance requirements must be met and students will complete a log-book of treatments to show evidence of learning and development throughout their clinic experience.

The ACNT Learning Experience

Why ACNT? With over 29 years experience, the Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT) has built a reputation for providing quality, accredited courses in natural health, manual therapies, sport and fitness. One of the largest colleges of its kind in the world, ACNT trains thousands of students per year and delivers highly qualified, knowledgeable and job-ready graduates.

Growing Opportunities for Qualified Professionals As concern about general health and fitness grows, Australians are increasingly turning to natural therapies to look and feel good boosting demand for herbalists, naturopaths, nutritionists, personal trainers and other wellness professionals. To get into this growing industry, and to become a credible, trusted practitioner, you need a recognised qualification. ACNT accredited qualifications give you a strong foundation for a successful, rewarding career in your chosen profession.

Science-based Training for Serious Skills To treat patients effectively and safely, you need to be well-versed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of your chosen profession. To this end, ACNT courses teach you the underlying science behind your area of interest, and hone your skills through supervised practical training.

Youll learn from experienced academics and industry practitioners, and graduate with the confidence, skills and experience necessary to be a responsible, independent practitioner.

Clinical Training ACNT courses include supervised clinical training, so youre able to practice your profession in preparation for your new career. You can complete your clinical training at ACNTs industry-standard facilities in Sydney and Brisbane, or for Distance Learning, at an approved clinic in your locality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ACNT qualifications recognised? ACNT qualifications are nationally and government-recognised, and are designed to meet the professional requirements of the following industry organisations:

Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT)

Please note that the industry accreditation may be subject to change. The industry accreditation and Health Fund recognition may be dependent on the delivery mode chosen (on campus or Distance Education). Health Fund recognition is subject to the variable policies of each health fund. Please note some Health Funds do not recognise qualifications that are delivered entirely via Distance Education.

Please speak to your Course & Career Advisor for more information on the accreditation details.

Will ACNT help me find a job once I graduate? ACNT provides a web-based Job Finder service for students, graduates and employers alike. Updated on a daily basis, you'll find an array of job opportunities listed, both local and international.

The Job Finder is used by prospective employers to specifically target ACNT graduates, many of whom have been employed by industry leaders such as Blackmores, GNC LiveWell, Chiva Som and Steiner Leisure.

Are any payment options or financial assistance available? ACNT offers flexible payment options for your convenience:

Upfront payment Trimester payment

Additional payment options are available if you are studying by Distance Education. In addition, Austudy or Abstudy is available if you meet Centrelink's criteria. Applications for assistance are assessed by Centrelink, so you should contact your nearest Centrelink office to discuss your eligibility.

Can I get hands-on experience in a real-world setting? ACNT has student clinics at its campuses, where you can treat patients under the supervision of expert practitioners. Throughout your programme, your progress will be monitored and you'll be taught how to record clinical data and liaise professionally with your patients.

If you are studying by Distance Education, you may complete your clinical training at an approved local clinic. Contact your Course & Career Advisor for more details.

Do I need to study on campus, or are there other options?

ACNT offers you the flexibility to study according to your lifestyle. You can study in either of the following ways:

On Campus Programmes This is quite often the quickest way to complete a course. Courses and timetables are planned to best suit the delivery of the subject content. Hours have been allocated to subjects to allow more time for study of key elements such as Massage Techniques and Anatomy and Physiology - some of these subjects will be delivered across more than one day. Most of the subjects will start in week 1 and will continue to run for the length of the study period Massage Techniques will be delivered mostly within the first 5 weeks, as the students need to achieve competency in this subject before they can work on clients in the clinic. For part-time students, the subjects are delivered progressively across the two study periods. Key subjects such as Massage Techniques and Anatomy and Physiology will be delivered in the first study period while other subjects will be delivered mostly in study period two.

Courses are delivered in class at ACNT campuses in Sydney and Brisbane. NB - To allow for completion of the Certificate IV in Massage qualification within the two study periods, the subject Practice Administration may be delivered via distance education. Please note the timetable is subject to change without notice depending on class size and classroom availability.

Distance Education This option, available for all ACNT courses, allows students to study anytime, anywhere and at a part-time pace that is more manageable for them.

Contact your Course & Career Advisor for more information on the study options available.

Where are the ACNT campuses located? ACNT has campuses in Sydney and Brisbane.

What resources do I need for Distance Education? You'll need a computer with high speed Internet access, PDF reader, word processor, and an email address. You will also need access to video/DVD recording facilities, as practical assessments need to be recorded. You will need to source necessary equipment, such as a massage table, towels and oils. For your subject Massage Therapy Clinic you will need access to a clinic where a qualified practitioner can supervisor your practical clinic application. Please contact the Course and Career Advisor to obtain more information about Distance Education requirements.

What kind of student support will I receive? All students have access to the Student Portal, which provides access to course material, subject outlines and practical assessment requirements. The student portal also contains links to news, course information, professional associations and other relevant resources.

If you are studying by Distance Education, you will receive a comprehensive study guide that walks you through your course. Tutors are on hand to answer any questions that you may have via phone or email as well as through online interaction.

Administrative support is also available, with a turnaround time of 24 hours during weekdays.

Is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available? Yes, RPL is available for units of competency. A full record of prior study, (including subjects and hours) needs to be provided, along with a current CV, if making an RPL application.

What are the enrolment dates for the courses? Distance Education: contact your Course & Career Advisor now for upcoming enrolment dates. On Campus: contact your Course & Career Advisor now for upcoming enrolment dates.

I'm not sure which course is right for me. Can you help? Our Course & Career Advisors are experts in helping you select the right course for your career needs. Contact your Course & Career Advisor now for free course advice.

Information provided in this document is current at the date of publication and may be subject to change. Australasian College of Natural Therapies is a trading division of Think: Colleges Pty Ltd ABN: 93 050 049 299 RTO No: 0269 Date of Publication: 8th April 2011