Programme Amis

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.

It follows a full-time study 1-year pathway comprising a total of 120 credits at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).  

Graduates of this qualification will be able to

• 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.

Course Delivery Methods

The programme is delivered by a mix of face to face, on line delivery and block courses on campus to both domestic and on shore international students over a period of 36 weeks.

Employment Outcomes

Graduates who successfully complete this Diploma Qualification are qualified to work as Wellness and Relaxation Massage Therapists in a broad range of wellness and relaxation massage settings including home-based massage therapy, mobile clinics, community-based massage therapy clinics, multi-disciplinary clinics and sports settings (non-injury work) and stress management education.

Other opportunities include ski-fields, gymnasiums, cruise ships, tourism, spas, resorts, hotels, on-site corporate, rest homes and rehabilitation centres.