Diploma in therapeutic massage

By MARK STORY

The New Zealand College of Massage's 16-month full-time diploma in therapeutic massage offers a springboard into a career as a professional massage therapist, registered with the Therapeutic Massage Association.

While studying for the diploma students are trained in clinical reasoning, the ethical therapeutic-client relationship and massage for special needs.

Combining a three-month introductory certificate, the course covers everything from general anatomy and physiology, musculo-skeletal anatomy, communication skills, clinical therapeutic massage, massage and massage-related techniques through to the theory, including ethics and law.

The diploma also provides all the requirements for the (NZQA) national diploma in therapeutic massage.

All NZCM diplomas are based on NZQA unit standards. Students who successfully complete the diploma in therapeutic massage may wish to progress to more specialist training by completing a two-year diploma in massage and clinical neuromuscular therapy.

In year two, students can begin specialising in a range of massage techniques, including managing injuries, rehabilitation, soft-tissue release, facial release and neuromuscular energy techniques.

Diploma graduates can find work internationally on cruise ships, with sports teams, in performing arts arenas, and as therapists in clinical settings.

Students 18 years or older with Sixth Form Certificate are entitled to enrol in the diploma in therapeutic massage. Older students will be accepted on to the course based on their life skills. Students with English as a second language must have completed IELTS (level 6).

The college will run open evenings for people interested in finding out more at its Kent Terrace, Wellington campus on November 19, and at its Newmarket campus in Auckland on October 17 and November 12.

Next year's intake for the diploma in therapeutic massage is in February. The course costs around $4400 a year.

What past students think

Madhu Chandra

40, neuromuscular therapist, NMT Care

West Harbour

Graduated 2003


"I was hooked on a career in massage therapy after doing an introductory course at the New Zealand College of Massage.

"After 20 years in the logistics and air freight industry I wanted a career that would give me a lot more independence.

"The diploma in therapeutic massage was amazing. It was my starting point into a brand new and exciting career, which is a lot more complex than I ever expected.

"After completing the highly detailed one-year diploma in neuromuscular therapy, I now feel I can treat someone knowing that it's going to make a difference in their lives.

"I get to work with a variety of clients, all with varying needs.

"By taking a holistic approach, including postural analysis and a detailed history of lifestyle, we get a good insight into what areas we need to concentrate on."

What employers think

Sharon Wood

Co-owner, NMT Care

West Harbour


"Having graduated from the college and established our own massage business, my partner and I had no reservations about hiring other graduates.

"The college is an incredible place to learn. Anyone who walks through the door there tends to come out a different person.

"The modulated nature of the courses means students can learn at their own pace. In addition to the theory, the course equips students with a lot of practical training. It also opens a window into the business aspects of this industry.

"Going from no experience to running a business where we're working alongside other healthcare professionals [in neuromuscular therapy] has been great."

The qualification

Diploma in therapeutic massage

New Zealand College of Massage

Phone: (09) 522 5522