Qualification
HLT42021 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy
Study Modes
Blended
Duration
24 weeks

Course overview

If massage is your passion, the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy from the Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) will give you the best start to your career. Modelled on industry best practice, students learn the safest, most effective techniques for giving a full body relaxation massage, as well as stress management and establishing your own massage practice working with allied health professionals within the Australian healthcare system.

The course also covers treatment of muscular pain, the essentials to managing a successful massage therapy business, and the skills required to work in a massage clinic.

During your massage studies at AIF, you will be supported by gaining clinical experience providing massage services to the general public. You will have access to AIF’s purposely built clinics, that are run by our students and overseen by Coaches, allowing for exposure to real-life industry practices from sourcing and managing client bookings to providing massage services, including health consultations, assessments and treatment. 

The course can also serve as a stepping stone towards a higher level industry qualification. If you want to enhance your Massage Therapist qualification and your opportunities within the massage industry, AIF’s Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52021).

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Who this course is for

  • Those who have an interest in massage and in pursuing a long, successful career in it 
  • Those who aspire to manage their own business, or to be employed in a gym, health centre, spa or other massage-related area
  • Those passionate about stress management through relaxation massage
  • Opportunities for working with other allied health professionals
  • Personal Trainers wanting to expand their knowledge, skillset and business opportunities

Benefits

Qualified Massage Therapists are always in demand, and the career opportunities are varied. Graduates of Certificate IV in Massage Therapy have the option to work at health clubs and spas, on cruise ships, out of gyms or even start their own massage business, the opportunities are endless.

If you are already working in the fitness industry, this course offers a great way to supplement your current career, by providing you with new skills and greater earning potential.

Our Coaches

All of our highly trained Coaches maintain active practice in the massage industry, with many experienced in working with professional sports teams, while others have vital on-the-job experience gained at gyms, multi-modality clinics and health hubs, as well as with special needs clients.

All our dedicated Coaches are multi-skilled across both physical and manual therapies and, through their passion for teaching, ensure that every student receives the practical hands-on experience they need to be ‘job-ready’.

Training & assessment

Developed to offer each student a comprehensive understanding in the fundamentals of relaxation massage, this course consists of 80 hours of supervised consultation work and 40 x 1hr massage sessions, with assessment challenges to ensure students are industry-ready.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this course, students must have an interest in massage, be over 18 years of age, have a computer and internet access, and meet AIF’s acceptance criteria.

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HLT42021 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

Competency Code Competency Title Elective/Core
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships Core
HLTMSG010 Assess massage client needs Core
HLTAID011 Provide first aid Elective
HLTMSG011 Provide massage treatments Core
HLTINF004 Manage the prevention and control of infection Core
HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety Core
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status Core
HLTMSG009 Develop massage practice Core
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice Elective
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people Core
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance Core
HLTMSG012 Apply relaxation massage clinical practice RPL
CHCPRP005 Engage with health professionals and health system Elective

 

Study areas

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Basic assessment techniques to determine the needs of clients
  • Understanding the Australian health care system
  • Engaging with other health care professionals
  • Developing own massage practice
  • Managing workplace health and safety
  • Managing massage legal and ethical compliance
  • ​​Customer service and initial health consultations
  • Full body Swedish relaxation massage techniques and sequence
  • Provide First Aid
  • Working with diverse clients

Locations

This course is available in the following States: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. 

What you'll learn

You’ll accomplish your goals and achieve your qualifications by undergoing and
completing the following units within your courses:

HLTAID011 ElectiveProvide First Aid

Dive into a vital chapter of our massage course, crafted around enhancing the skills and knowledge to provide proficient first aid. This unit adheres to the standards of the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other clinical entities in Australia. An indispensable tool in a health professional’s kit, it is applicable across situations where mishaps may occur. It is inclusive of anyone who might need to deliver first aid in community or workplace environments. This module educates you on various scenarios, arming learners with the confidence and competence to tackle emergencies. By learning to evaluate the scenario, offer first aid, and control the situation until medical reinforcements arrive, health professionals will then be primed for managing these situations.

CHCCOM006 CoreEstablish and manage client relationships

Learn the dynamics of professional client relationships with unit CHCCOM006 of our massage course. This unit focuses on providing you the critical knowledge and expertise needed to nurture and manage personalised, one-on-one interactions with massage clients through consistent health services or interventions. These skills are the foundation of building trust, respect, and enduring relationships with your clients as a therapist.

This unit directly ties into your career preparation, emphasising on how to establish a faithful clientele and manage relationships. It enhances your interpersonal communication skills and professional etiquette, two major attributes that clients value in their therapists. In essence, CHCCOM006 is not just about learning; it’s about paving your path towards a successful career in remedial massage therapy.

HLTAAP002 CoreConfirm physical health status

You’ll acquire the skills to gather and interpret crucial information about a client’s health status, as well as conduct physical health checks. The cornerstone of this unit is an in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, two areas vital for any aspiring therapist.

This unit is more than just learning about a client’s health. It’s about making well-informed decisions, deciphering if a client is suitable for massage services or if they need assistance from another allied health professional or medical practitioner. In the context of your career as a remedial massage therapist, this knowledge can be the key differentiator, allowing you to provide the best care for your clients while safeguarding their health.

HLTMSG010 CoreAssess client massage needs

A core part of our massage course with this unit that outlines performance outcomes, skills, and knowledge necessary to gather client information, perform client assessment, and ascertain massage treatment options. This is a critical piece of providing massage services, helping ensure clients receive tailored, safe, and effective massage treatments catered to their unique needs and objectives. By mastering this unit, you’re not just offering a massage, you’re delivering a personalised experience that considers every part of your client’s health and wellbeing.

HLTMSG011 CoreProvide massage treatments

An unit designed to give therapists with the skills and knowledge to prepare for and provide massage treatments employing various relaxation techniques and sequences. You’ll learn to execute a pre-planned relaxation sequence, continuously monitoring the client and modifying the sequence and techniques as needed throughout the service. Therapists will receive feedback and guide clients on ongoing improvements to meet their needs and reach their goals. This unit is your stepping stone to becoming a responsive and effective massage therapist.

CHCDIV001 CoreWork with diverse people

You can study a unit that addresses the diversity in your practice locations and clientele as a massage therapist. This unit imparts the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. It’s crucial for therapists to understand the specific cultural needs of clients to provide safe and effective massage services.

HLTMSG009 CoreDevelop massage practice

As a core of our massage course: HLTMSG009 is a unit designed to fortify the building blocks of massage practice and understand its significance within the broader landscape of Australia’s health care system. This unit will equip you with the ability to give appropriate information about massage to varying audiences, develop your own approach to massage practice, and understand the elements that contribute to a sustainable practice. Ultimately, it will enable you to customise your practice to cater to diverse client needs and develop your professional identity.

CHCPRP005 CoreEngage with health professionals and health system

As a core to our massage course, in this unit you’ll acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively navigate the health care system and engage proficiently with other health professionals. This includes an integral component of professional interaction – the ability to craft referral reports.

As a massage therapist, your role doesn’t exist in isolation; instead, you’re part of a larger network of health professionals working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for your clients. This unit facilitates your integration into this broader system, arming you with the confidence to interact with, and when necessary, refer clients to other allied health professionals. In essence, it’s about equipping you with the tools to become a well-rounded health professional, with the confidence and skills to contribute effectively to the broader health care system, benefiting your clients and your career growth.

HLTWHS004 CoreManage work health and safety

Navigating work health and safety (WHS) policies is a crucial aspect of operating within an established massage clinic or running your own business. This unit equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to establish, maintain, and evaluate WHS policies, procedures, and programs within the relevant work area, aligning with WHS legislative requirements. Despite each Australian state or territory having distinct legislative requirements, this unit lays a solid foundation for managing WHS, fostering a safer work environment regardless of location. Completing this unit will not only enhance your professional credibility but also provides the peace of mind that comes from ensuring a safe and compliant workspace.

HLTINF004 CoreManage the prevention and control of infection

HLTINF004 is a critical unit that covers the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, implement, and monitor infection prevention and control systems and procedures in work contexts where health and personal care services are provided. For massage therapists, whose work involves physical contact with clients and the use of equipment such as massage tables and linen, maintaining optimal hygiene standards is crucial. This unit will bolster your confidence and competence in handling situations ranging from low- to high-risk, involving potentially infectious clients and materials, ensuring a safe and hygienic therapeutic environment.

CHCLEG003 CoreManage legal and ethical compliance

Understanding the legal and ethical obligations of your practice is integral to operating within the Australian massage therapy industry. This unit delves into the essential skills and knowledge required to navigate the legal and ethical landscape. It emphasises researching relevant information to ensure compliance and ethical practices, and creating and overseeing policies and procedures aligned with these responsibilities. Knowledge in this area is essential for massage therapists to prevent negligence claims and potential harm to both business operations and reputation, contributing to a robust, ethical, and compliant professional practice

CHCPOL003 CoreResearch and apply evidence to practice

This unit delves into the skills and knowledge necessary to establish the information needed, gather information, and critically analyse it for relevance to massage therapy. The learning here empowers massage therapists to continually improve and expand their practice. By incorporating new and updated information and techniques, you’ll align your services with industry trends and personal aspirations, leading to a dynamic and current professional practice

FAQs

Still have questions? Check out more FAQs here or speak with our friendly Careers Team on 1300 669 669

What are the entry requirements at the Australian Institute of Fitness?

Each student must meet our acceptance criteria and age requirements before studying with AIF. The AIF acceptance criteria assesses the skills and values of each and every student, such as punctuality and attitude, ensuring we are bringing the best people into the industry. We also verify you have the tools required to succeed, necessary written and verbal communication skills, and are committed to your goal.

How old do I have to be to study at the Australian Institute of Fitness?

You must meet the age requirements for the course you intend to study. To study a SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness you must be at least 16 years old on your course commencement date. For a SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness you must be at least 17 years old on your course commencement date. To study for a career in massage with AIF, you must be at least 18 years old on your course commencement date.

How much does it cost to study at the Australian Institute of Fitness?

Tuition cost varies depending on course, study modality and applicable scholarships. We have multiple payment options available, which our Careers Team will discuss to find the option that suits you.

How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist?

The HLT42021 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy is completed in 24 weeks, and the HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage is completed in 48 weeks.

Does AIF help you get a job once you have completed your course?

With AIF, you’ll receive the support you need to position yourself for success in the fitness industry. We ensure our students have the most up-to-date and relevant information regarding fitness industry roles and connect you with job opportunities with our many Career Partners. You’ll also have access to regular industry presentations and our famous F.I.R.E (Fitness Industry Recruitment Expos) where you can meet key industry employers and secure a job or trainer experience placement.

Who is going to be coaching me and what experience do they have?

When we ask our students what they love most about their experience at the AIF, our Coaches continually rank as a standout feature of the course. We believe this is one of the reasons our students regularly score our course experience at over 9 out of 10. Our highly qualified team of Coaches bring passion and commitment to their teaching, ensuring all areas of learning are delivered in a fun and engaging way. They have many years experience working with a huge range of personal training clients, from elite sportspeople to those new to fitness, and many also present at fitness conventions and write for reputable fitness resources. Check out our coach profiles here to find out more about our coaching team!

WHY CHOOSE US

Here's why more
students learn with AIF

Train where the BEST train

Follow in the footsteps of the people who set the standard. Our graduates help us to keep raising the bar in the industry so you can rest assured that our training is the best of the best.

Fulfil your BEST potential

Be the best you can be and build your best career with our Career Head-Start Service™, providing unrivalled access to working opportunities. Become an industry leader.

Be part of the BEST Community

We are a community of leaders, past, present and future. Access our content, news, events and extra-curricular course and career upgrades.

The BEST facilities & support

We help our students to become their best every step of the way. You’ll have access to the tools and facilities you need to succeed, plus dedicated support time from our coaches with Support Plus™.

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