Subject Information
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Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice (HLT40307)
and
Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT50307)
Om Shanti College of Tactile Therapies offers the highest standard of training in Massage Therapy; our professional training program includes a balance of theory and practice. Our highly trained teaching staff are all practising massage therapists or specialists in their field, with a wealth of real knowledge and experience behind them, ensuring they deliver first class education to students. The College’s facilities offer high quality massage and training equipment, comfortable training rooms and a relaxed, soothing environment in which to learn.
Students undertaking our courses are able to become professionally qualified Massage Therapists. Others participate purely for personal development and recreation. The College also attracts students from other bodywork and healing institutions who integrate our courses within their study program.
To enrol in the Diploma of Remedial Massage or Certificate IV in Massage professional training program at Om Shanti College, you are required to make an appointment with the College Principal, where your enrolment application and training options will be confirmed.
The course structure is set out in two stages; below are descriptions of the units that make up the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice and Diploma of Remedial Massage, and also general information about course and administration requirements. For further information, please contact the College on (02) 6295 2323 or email us.
For further information on the training packages:
ARC: Phone (02) 6205 7066 Fax (02) 6205 7045 www.arc.gov.au
DEST: Phone 1300 363 079 www.dest.gov.au
Stage 1 – Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice
Swedish Massage
30 Contact hours plus 20 Log Hours + quizzes + 2 assessments
Pre-requisites – nil
The key to the delivery of a relaxing massage is in the combination of rhythm, varied pressure, continuity and focused contact. This unit teaches you basic massage techniques, including how to integrate these in a full body massage. You will also practise appropriate draping techniques and how to position clients comfortably on the table. As you discover the many benefits of massage therapy, the contraindications will also be discussed. Each class involves practising new techniques on other students which enables you to gain further appreciation of the therapeutic effect of massage by giving and receiving.
Student Clinic Practice 56 Hours
Pre-requisites – Stage 1
This unit provides the opportunity to practise the delivery of a relaxation massage to a range of clientele while under supervision from a qualified massage therapist. The supervisor will provide feedback to you on the application of relaxation massage techniques, body posture, client interaction and many other aspects of clinic practice. Questioning, listening and observation skills will develop as will your ability to deliver a treatment within the set appointment time parameters. You are elligable to begin SPC at the 24th hour of this 30 hour course if the trainer assesses you as ready.
Anatomy and Physiology Foundations (I)
30 Contact hours
Pre-requisites – nil
The musculoskeletal system enables us to maintain our posture and move efficiently during work and recreational pursuits. This unit explores the structure and function of this system and how muscles work together in a wide range of movement patterns. Your knowledge of surface anatomy will develop as you identify bone landmarks and attachment points for major muscle groups. Practical activities involve the skeleton and muscle models and you will apply your understanding of muscle actions to specific strengthening and stretching exercises. The prescribed text for this unit is ‘Human Anatomy and Physiology’ by Elaine Marieb.
Anatomy and Physiology Foundations (II)
35 hours
Pre-requisites – nil
Preparing for a career in massage therapy requires a broad understanding of body systems and their interaction with each other. This unit covers the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, digestive, reproductive and nervous systems and enables you to understand the influence that emotion and stress has on the person as a whole. You will learn how massage therapy can positively impact on the functioning of the body's systems and will gain a clearer understanding about other medical and complementary health treatments. The prescribed text for this unit is ‘Human Anatomy and Physiology’ by Elaine Marieb.
Practice Management (Communication Success)
Maximum 30 hours
Nil
This course will provide massage therapists with an awareness of the emotional as well as the physical needs of their client; to furnish students with basic listening and observation skills; to foster an awareness of the power imbalance between therapist and client; and to develop trust building skills.
The module will cover communication issues such as verbal and non-verbal communication and basic counselling skills including reflective listening, active listening and boundaries and limits. The course will then progress to address issues of trust and power in a helping relationship. The prescribed text – The Educated Heart.
Practice Management (Business Fundamentals)
Maximum 30 hours
Nil
Practice Management aims to provide the student with a robust administrative and business management skill set. This skill set includes:
• Law and Ethics
• Client Management
• Basic Financial Management
• Marketing and Advertising
• Business Planning
• Business Systems
The outcome of this subject is that the student will have the skills and abilities to set up and manage their own clinic or be highly employable and a valuable asset to any existing clinic.
Occupational Health and Safety
Maximum 30 hours
Pre-requisites – Nil
This module will incorporate the accreditation requirements and deliver a WorkCover approved course. The participants will be able to perform their own workplace assessments and be able to build an OH&S management system. Particular attention is paid to infection control.
Therapeutic Massage
30 Contact hours plus 20 Log Hours
Pre or Co-requisites – Swedish Massage and A&P 1
The therapeutic benefits of massage delivered by a trained therapist are well known throughout the health care industry. This unit explores the opportunities for integrating massage therapy into the care of people who need support to heal in body, mind or spirit. Techniques such as energy balancing and reflexology further enhance your massage skills and you will learn about essential oils for specific health conditions. You will develop treatment plans for stress and lifestyle related imbalances and conditions affecting special population groups, such as pregnant women and the elderly.
Pathology
30 hours
Pre-requisites – Anatomy and Physiololgy II
The purpose of this module is to expand your knowledge and understanding of pathological processes in the body, as well as our toxic environment, and to gain confidence in working with other health professionals.
This pathology module teaches an understanding of:
The language of pathology, how drugs work – MIMS and more. How to recognize skin conditions, benign or not and how skin pathology develops. The pathology of the spine, and current choices of assessment and treatment. The disease states of the body e.g. cancer and how it spreads, heart disease, diabetes, what pathology test results indicate. How the molecular biology of fascia effects hydration and water management of the body – why modalities like Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release are so effective. The developing techniques to detect and manage pre disease states e.g. live blood analysis, magnetic imaging, and homeopathy. The immune system from the scientific ‘Molecules of Emotion’ and the natural perspective of energy management e.g. meditation and brain patterns
Stage II – Diploma of Massage Therapy
Remedial – Upper Body
and
Remedial – Lower Body
50 hours each =
30 Contact hrs plus 20 Log Hrs
Pre-requisites – First Aid Certificate and Stage 1 ( Certificate IV Practical classes)
Musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction affects a wide range of people due to muscular tension, weakness or injury. Your assessment skills will develop in these units as you learn techniques to identify muscular imbalances and range of movement limitations. The physiological effects of massage therapy are explored while you practise the application of techniques such as pressure point work and cross fibre friction to muscles and their tendon attachments. You will also learn how to grade hypersensitive muscle tissue prior to the application of massage techniques, and to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
Remedial Massage Clinic Practice
24 hours
Pre-requisites – Stage 1
This unit provides the opportunity to practise the delivery of a remedial massage to a range of clientele while under supervision from a qualified massage therapist. The supervisor will provide feedback to you on the application of remedial massage techniques, body posture, client interaction and many other aspects of clinic practice. Questioning, listening and observation skills will develop as will your ability to deliver a treatment within the set appointment time parameters.
Functional Assessment
30 hours
Pre-requisites – Stage 1
Functional Assessment includes biomechanics (the science of human movement), and during this unit students will be exposed to the major biomechanical principles and their relationship to everyday sporting situations. The course starts with explaining the basic principles of motion (linear and angular), Newton’s laws, speed and velocity, acceleration and momentum. It then moves on to the more complex issues of looking at the relationships between the forces produced by the body’s muscles and tendons working against the external forces of gravity and its influence on subsequent human performance.
Community Service
20 hours
Pre-requisites – Stage 1
Senior First Aid Certificate
Massage therapy provides a practical way to demonstrate warmth, comfort and concern to people who are unwell, distressed, or unable to communicate verbally. The aim of this unit is to provide massage therapy at a community service venue. Opportunities include visiting nursing homes, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres and other health support services. You will gain a greater understanding of the work carried out by these services and the positive impact massage therapy has when integrated into the health care system.
The College has a list of possible venues; however, you may also like to discuss alternative opportunities.
Advanced Anatomy
30 hours
Pre-requisites – Stage 1
In this module students will learn specifically about the joints and ligaments of the musculoskeletal system. You will learn how the joints are classified, the types of joints, joint movements in the body and the characteristics of body joints. You will also learn which major ligaments are involved in the large joints. During this module you review the muscle actions, the types of muscle contractions and their function. You will develop your knowledge of the muscular involvement in common movement patterns and the motor control of movement. The prescribed text for this unit is ‘Human Anatomy and Physiology’ by Elaine Marieb.
You are required to have (Apply advanced First Aid, HLTFA2A or Apply Basic First Aid HLTFA1A) by the completion of A&P 2
Sports Massage
30 hours
Pre-requisites – Stage 1
Sport medicine specialists and coaches advocate massage therapy after strenuous activity as an aid to recovery, and to help prevent the onset of muscle stiffness and soreness. This unit enables you to practise massage therapy specialising in Sports whilst under supervision from a qualified massage therapist. You will develop your ability to apply massage therapy pre and post sports activities in a controlled classroom environment.
Sports Massage Clinic 12 Hours + 30 hour log
To be completed with Sports Massage
This unit provides the opportunity to practise the delivery of a sports massage to sports people while under supervision from a qualified massage therapist. The supervisor will provide feedback to you on the application of remedial massage techniques, body posture, client interaction and many other aspects of clinic practice. Questioning, listening and observation skills will develop as will your ability to deliver a treatment within the set appointment time parameters.
Advanced Massage
30 hours
Pre-requisites – Stage 1
A professional massage therapist is able to apply techniques to treat conditions affecting the mind and body, and is respected by clients and peers as a practitioner who has good communication and ethical business skills. This unit covers a range of special topics such as the client/therapist relationship and strategies for balancing your lifestyle as a therapist. You will also gain a further appreciation of the role of practitioners working in related fields and referral opportunities.
Advanced Massage Clinic
28 Hours
To be completed with Advanced Massage
This unit provides the opportunity to practise the delivery of advanced massage to a range of clientele while under supervision from a qualified massage therapist. The supervisor will provide feedback to you on the application of remedial massage techniques, body posture, client interaction and many other aspects of clinic practice. Questioning, listening and observation skills will develop as will your ability to deliver a treatment within the set appointment time parameters.
Additional Course Requirements
Apply Advanced First Aid (HLTFA301A)
Knowing the appropriate steps of action to take in an emergency situation are skills you may need to call on while practising massage therapy. The Apply Advanced First Aid Certificate enables you to learn life support procedures used in the immediate care of someone waiting emergency treatment from a qualified medical practitioner. A number of agencies provide training in this area (eg. St Johns Ambulance and Red Cross) and you should make direct contact with these agencies regarding course details.
Please make sure you are attending a course covering the above government coding.
To be completed by the end of Stage 2
Level 2 First Aid Certificate and/or Sports Trainer Level 1
In addition to completing the Diploma of Remedial Massage it is recommended that you gain your Level 2 First Aid Certificate and/or Sports Trainer Level 1, these qualifications will enhance your massage skills and the hours are recognised towards AMT Ltd Senior Level 2 membership.
General Information
Log Books
Your Log Book records details of the hours you have completed for:
• 56 Hours of Student Massage Clinic Practice
• 24 hours Student Remedial Massage Clinic Practice
• 14 hours Student Sports Massage Clinic Practice
• 28 hours Student Advanced Massage Clinic Practice
• 20 hours Community Service
At the time of enrolment in Student Massage Clinic Practice, you will receive a Log Book and your Om Shanti College T-Shirt. The above Log Hours are in addition to the practice hours required to complete the practical modules of your training.
Timeframe & Enrolment Conditions
The courses run at the College are designed to fit into busy lifestyles. Classes are held during the day, in the evenings or on weekends. The Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice training program takes a minimum of 12 weeks or as long as two ¼ years to complete. The Diploma in Remedial Massage takes a minimum of 36 weeks and a maximum of 2 ¾ years to complete. To enrol in either of the professional training programs you are required to make an appointment with the College Principal, where your application for enrolment and training options will be discussed.
Correspondence Study Options
Correspondence courses are only available in Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2. We recommend you enrol in the classes run at the College whenever possible; however, we acknowledge that some students have difficulty making these times due to travel distance or other restraints. Teachers are assigned to assist you with your study program and provide feedback on receipt of the work you complete on each lesson. You have a maximum of three months to complete each correspondence course. All other courses at Om Shanti College are taught face to face.
Enrolment Conditions
Om Shanti College applies the following policy in assessing eligibility for credits and refunds:
• In the event of a course being cancelled by Om Shanti College, you will be issued with full a refund of all fees paid in respect of that course.
• Where the student decides to withdraw from a course, no refund, transfer or credit will be granted after fees have been paid.
• Non-attendance of a course or any part of a course, once a student has enrolled will not warrant a refund or credit.
• In the event of a student being unable to commence a course due to sickness or personal crisis, consideration will be given to a refund or credit. In this instance you must complete a Credit/Refund Application Form and attach relevant documentary evidence. Any credit or refund is subject to an administration fee. Consideration for a credit or refund of fees is at the absolute discretion of the College Directors.
Om Shanti College reserves the right to alter the timetable for our courses at any time, either before or during the term.
Under no circumstances will the College accept any responsibility, financial or otherwise, for changes in personal circumstances or work commitments which may occur after enrolment on a course.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
How to Apply for RPL:
Application forms are available from College administration and must be forwarded along with relevant documentation at least four weeks prior to enrolling. An administration fee is applicable for all RPL applications with the exception of mutual recognition. If there is sufficient evidence in the application and supporting documentation, no further assessment may be necessary.
If Further Assessment is Required for RPL:
If further assessment is required, it may take any practical form consistent with the assessment criteria for the claimed competencies and the principles of validity, reliability, fairness and flexibility. The form of assessment may be negotiated with the applicant and may consist of interview, written assignment, practical skills assessment, exam or other method. A fee will be charged for any assessment process that may be necessary.
Successful applicants are notified promptly of the RPL outcome.
If an Application for RPL is Unsuccessful:
An applicant who is unsuccessful will be advised of the reasons for non-recognition and any training recommendations by College Administration
Accreditation
Government Registration
Om Shanti College of Tactile Therapies is Government accredited. Our Registered Training Organisation Number is 88133. This Registration means that we can issue a Nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment. Registration means the course meets national quality assurance requirements and that we comply with Commonwealth, State/Territory legislation and regulatory requirements regarding OH&S, harassment and anti discrimination in all of our operations.
Industry Accreditation
The Association of Massage Therapists Ltd provides information and networking opportunities, liaises with the health industry on behalf of members, and is helping to further build the reputation of professional massage therapists.
Members receive regular newsletters, product and AMT workshop discounts, and an AMT conference is held each year. Both student and professional members are also able to receive indemnity/liability insurance at a reduced cost, and student members receive AMT membership at a reduced cost the year after graduation.
Entry to AMT membership reflects your level of training and experience, and via the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) system, provides a structure for you to continue your lifelong learning in massage therapy and related modalities.
AMT membership forms are available from the College. Once you have completed Stage 1 Units, you can request a letter from the College confirming your enrolment in an accredited massage therapy course and eligibility for student membership and indemnity/liability insurance.