Our Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage, approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, is designed for students who wish to become practitioners of Massage Techniques.  The programme, delivered on line by distance learning and block courses on campus to domestic students over a period of 36 weeks, follows a full-time study 1-year pathway comprising a total of 120 credits at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).  International students may only enrol in the classroom delivery option of this course.  

The aim of this Diploma Qualification is to produce graduates who are equipped with the underpinning knowledge and skills for the application of wellness and relaxation therapies intervention: including anatomy, physiology and neuro-musculoskeletal anatomy relevant for relaxation massage techniques; wellness techniques; muscle specific massage techniques; healthcare programming for stress and wellness interventions; client education; movement integration and reflexology.

Graduates will be capable to work independently and within the scope of practice defined by wellness and relaxation massage and will be able to communicate and refer with remedial massage therapists, allied health, wellness and medical professionals for those specialist services.

 

Graduate Profile

Graduates of this qualification:

• Utilize knowledge of normal anatomy and physiological functioning of the human body systems and how they underpin massage therapy practice.

• Apply knowledge of neuro-musculoskeletal anatomy and relevant surface anatomy to provide theoretical and practical foundation for wellness and relaxation, remedial and sports massage therapy practice.

• Utilize knowledge of functions of nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, metabolic, digestive, urinary, lymphatic and reproductive systems and how they contribute to wellness and relaxation therapies.

• Utilize underpinning knowledge of massage therapy practice history of massage; body mechanics and practitioner self-care practices; principles of massage therapy; evidence based effects of massage therapy (including indications and contra-indications); stress and wellness theory; stress management; scope of practice; boundaries; ethical considerations; skills and values to engage with the process of developing as a professional healthcare practitioner in the New Zealand context; including knowledge of client assessment, history taking/interviewing, communication and listening.

• Apply knowledge and skills for the application in wellness and relaxation therapies intervention: relaxation massage techniques; wellness techniques; muscle specific techniques; healthcare programming for stress and wellness interventions; client education.

• Will be proficient to industry standards in delivering manual massage therapies: movement, integration and reflexology and effective in evaluation, reassessment and reflection of treatment plans for individual clients.

• Apply knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system that gives humans the ability to move and provides form, support, stability and movement to the body.