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.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced Victoria University Polytechnic course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
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.
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
-
- Unit code
- CHCCOM006
-
- Unit code
- CHCDIV001
-
- Unit code
- CHCLEG003
-
- Unit code
- CHCPRP003
-
- Unit code
- CHCPRP005
-
- Unit code
- HLTAAP003
-
- Unit code
- HLTAID011
-
- Unit code
- HLTINF004
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG001
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG002
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG003
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG004
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG005
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG006
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG008
-
- Unit code
- HLTWHS004
ELECTIVE UNITS
Business Management
-
- Unit code
- BSBSMB404
Other Electives
-
- Unit code
- CHCCCS001
-
- Unit code
- SISSSPT307A
-
- Unit code
- HLTMSG007
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.
Note: The unit below has replaced on the National register. Continuing students who who meet the eligibility criteria and have completed this unit can apply it to their qualification.
-
- Unit code
- HLTAID003
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 for this course: VET
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.
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:
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be credited for up to 48 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be credited for up to 48 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be credited for up to 48 credit points of study.
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Available start dates:
- 2 October 2023
- 30 January 2024
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Apply direct to VU using our admission centre, submit applications for one or more courses, track and save your progress and upload additional information.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
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Contact VU Polytechnic
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.