Massage Therapist (NSW)

Massage Therapist (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a massage therapist you usually have to complete a VET qualification in massage therapy or remedial massage. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions you should contact your chosen institution for further information. Contact the institutions you are interested in for further information as requirements may change.

You can also become a massage therapist through a traineeship in Massage Therapy Practice. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some training in school.

Additional Information:

Massage therapy is not a registered health profession. However, professional bodies, such as the Association of Remedial Masseurs and the Association of Massage Therapists, set professional standards for the industry.

Massage therapists wishing to offer health fund rebates to private health fund members must have completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Massage therapists may be employed in health and fitness clinics, sports clubs, gyms, medical centres and multidisciplinary healthcare practices. They may also find employment with other healthcare practitioners such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths. The majority of healthcare practitioners are self-employed or contracting between clinics. There has been a recent increase in employment opportunities in hospitals, particularly in palliative care.

An increase in demand for massage therapists is expected as chiropractors and physiotherapists utilise massage therapy to complement their treatments. The field of sports injury treatment and injury prevention is a growth area. There are also opportunities for massage therapists specialising in relaxation techniques to work at day spas, health retreats and holiday resorts.