New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage

Gaining this qualification will provide the health sector and the massage therapy industry with people who can provide remedial massage services. Graduates will be capable of working independently or within a multidisciplinary clinical setting.

SIT now offers Massage Therapy programmes through HyFlex ('Hybrid-Flexible'), using a mix of online classes for the theoretical papers, and face-to-face classes on the Invercargill campus for the practical components.

Important Notice:

See the Application Criteria section for details on required qualifications, health and police checks, and English language criteria for international applicants.

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Invercargill
Campus
Invercargill / Hyflex
Qualification
Diploma
Level
6
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time

Part-time: Available

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$1,161.00 (incl. GST)

International Fees

Check if this course is available to international students in our International section.

Course Outline

Important Notice:

See the Application Criteria section for details on required qualifications, health and police checks, and English language criteria for international applicants.

Gaining this qualification will provide the health sector and the massage therapy industry with people who can provide remedial massage services. 

  • Graduates of this programme will be able to work within the Massage Aotearoa New Zealand Scope of Practice that defines Remedial Massage.
  • Graduates will also learn to communicate with and refer to, allied health professionals, wellness, and medical professionals for those specialist services. 

Graduates will be capable of working independently or within a multidisciplinary clinical setting. 

SIT offers this course in a HyFlex ('Hybrid-Flexible') format, blending face-to-face and online learning for added flexibility. Teaching occurs using a mix of online learning, practical experience, and traditional classroom teaching during compulsory block courses in Invercargill.

HyFlex delivery allows students the flexibility to remain in their hometown massage therapy clinics and communities. There is an opportunity to study full-time or part-time within this programme.  

Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage (Level 6) will be able to:

  • Provide inclusive, culturally responsive, person-centred, safe practice using client-centred therapeutic relationship skills, meeting professional and ethical standards.
  • Analyse and apply anatomy and physiology knowledge relevant to remedial massage to meet client specific needs.
  • Evaluate, select, and apply remedial massage protocols for client specific needs. 
  • Evaluate, select, and apply a range of self-management and client service skills to meet remedial massage client and industry requirements. 
  • To work within the scope of practice of a Level 6 Remedial Massage Therapist.
Course Content

The programme is designed to provide ākonga/students with a wide range of knowledge and skills. With four courses in each semester, there is a clear staircase from one course to the next which progressively builds the required knowledge and skills to gain this qualification. 

Course content:

  • REHB6601 Functional Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (15 credits)
  • REHB6602 Advanced Techniques 1 (15 credits)
  • REHB6603 Pathology for Massage Therapy (15 credits)
  • REHB6604 Clinical Practice 1 (15 credits)
  • REHB6605 Massage for Physical Performance (15 credits)
  • REHB6606 Advanced Techniques 2 (15 credits)
  • REHB6607 Research for Massage Practitioners (15 credits)
  • REHB6608 Clinical Practice 2 (15 credits)
Career Opportunities

Graduates of this qualification will be able to work as remedial massage therapists in a broad range of settings, including:

  • Home-based massage therapy or mobile clinics
  • Community-based massage therapy clinics
  • Multi-disciplinary clinics
  • Sports settings
  • Spa-based massage therapy clinics
Application Criteria

Entry requirements

To apply for the New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage, you’ll need one of the following:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
  • The first year of the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
  • An equivalent Level 5 qualification or programme of study

You’ll also need to complete:

  • A personal health declaration
  • A Police check

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (General or Academic), with no band below 5.5

Your IELTS results must be from one test taken within the previous two years.

Equivalent evidence of English language proficiency may also be accepted under NZQA requirements.

Qualification Pathways

Graduates can continue their education with: 

Year 3 of the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage

Additional Information

This qualification builds on the New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5). To meet the entry requirement for the New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage (Level 6) you must hold the New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5) or equivalent. 

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