Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52015

Overview

Develop essential skills to work across various industries, from sport to rehabilitation, with a Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52015 at Victoria University Polytechnic.

This course teaches you practical skills in remedial massage, which uses massage, stretching and associated techniques to improve wellness, health and relaxation. You’ll gain the theoretical knowledge required to assess your clients' soft tissue dysfunction and to provide treatment to clients with specific needs.

You will gain experience with real clients in the Victoria University Polytechnic massage clinic. You’ll study at our City Campus and Whitten Oval during your course.

By studying this course, you can apply for a paid cadetship with the Western Bulldogs AFL club.

This remedial massage course gives you the qualification and small-business skills needed to thrive in the industry.

The Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52015 is recognised nationally by Service Skills Australia.

Western Bulldogs Cadetship

This course gives you the opportunity to apply for a paid Cadetship with AFL club the Western Bulldogs. If successful, you’ll be supervised by the club's medical team with the possibility of ongoing employment. You’ll have the chance to work with elite athletes who see remedial massage as a vital part of their performance.

The aim of the Cadetship is to assist you to launch a career specialising in remedial massage for professional sport players.

Hands-on learning in specialised facilities

Everything you learn at Victoria University Polytechnic has direct links to the real world. You’ll develop practical skills through hands-on learning. You’ll gain 200 hours of clinical experience in massage clinics. This gives you the opportunity to practice massage techniques on clients including students, staff and the general public.

In second semester, you’ll learn at our multi-million dollar Victoria University Community Sports Stadium (home of the Western Bulldogs). Here, you’ll work with the players and manage and run our Whitten Oval clinic which is also open to the public.

Learning advice

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

workshops
drop-in sessions
peer mentoring
maths and writing resources
resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.

Join an information session

VU Polytechnic is running a series of information sessions that cover course structure, industry connections, placement opportunities, and pathways to further study.

Remedial massage information sessions.

Learning at VU Polytechnic - Brian's journey - Transcript

Careers in remedial massage

Remedial massage is an increasingly popular form of health therapy. This emerging industry has seen an increase in demand for qualified remedial masseurs, with employment expected to grow very strongly (Labour Market Insights). This diploma provides a solid foundation for a diverse career in allied health.

Career paths vary enormously. You will be able to work as a remedial massage therapist in a range of areas, including:

allied health practices or health organisations
sporting clubs
gyms
wellness retreats
health spas
corporate massage environments
private clinics
cruise ships
hospitals
aged care facilities.

A qualification in remedial massage gives you the option to work as an employee or as a subcontractor, and the freedom to work anywhere. Many massage therapists are self-employed, running successful private practices. Working for yourself allows you the flexibility to choose your hours. You can also travel and work around the world.

Salary

The earnings of remedial massage therapists vary greatly depending on working arrangements and hours (freelance/employee, part time/full time). See Payscale for more information.

Professional registration

Upon completion of the Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52015, you will be eligible to register for provider numbers with private health insurers and WorkCover.

You can also register with one of the professional massage associations across Australia (AMT, AAMT, ATMS, MAA).

Course structure

The course structure comprises the following core and elective units. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback.

To be awarded HLT52015 Diploma of Remedial Massage, a student must successfully complete a total of twenty-one (21) units of competency, comprising of:

sixteen (16) core units, and;
five (5) elective units, of which:
at least one (1) unit must be selected from the Business Management group listed in the HLT52015 Diploma of Remedial Massage qualification;
up to four (4) units must be selected from the electives listed in the HLT52015 Diploma of Remedial Massage qualification, any endorsed training package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome.

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).

Core units

ELECTIVE UNITS

Business Management

BSBSMB404 - Undertake small business planning

Other Electives

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers:

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Units in transition

HLTAID003 - Provide first aid

Learning outcomes

This qualification reflects the role of remedial massage therapists who work with clients presenting with soft tissue dysfunction, musculoskeletal imbalance or restrictions in range of motion (ROM). Practitioners may be self-employed or work within a larger health service.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).

Calculate your VET course fees.

Find out more about:

the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
ways to pay your fees
important fee dates
how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Skills First (subsidised) indicative fees

The Skills First government contribution in 2023 towards this course is $10,188. If eligible, you will pay:

Tuition: $11,376.60*
Materials: $915
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF): maximum per year $163.

*A concession rate of 20% of the standard Skills First subsidised tuition fee is available if you are eligible for a concession. Learn more about concessions.

Full-fee place total indicative fees

2023 full-fee place: $21,225.

Calculate your VET/TAFE fees.

Admission & pathways

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

As part of the application process, applicants must complete a Pre-training Review (PTR) and undertake a literacy and numeracy (LN) assessment to determine suitability for admission and to identify support needs.
Practical placement requirements:
For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires a current and satisfactory
- Working with Children Check. Failure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator, means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course. The following is a suggested site you could visit to obtain this check:
- Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

Pathways to further study

On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:

Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)