Can I do studies in Massage by distance education?
Yes, you can to a certain degree but remember that there could be some inherent problems learning this way and of course professional massage techniques and body work therapies will need to be practically learnt in a class situation. For a good overview on distance education please look at this web page for facts on distance education http://www.massageadelaide.com.au/index.php/about-nha/faqs.
With so many massage specialisations what one do I choose?
This can be difficult for the learner to choose before commencing a massage course but some subjects are compulsory in any massage program (you have to do them for the government qualification) and some can be elective (you have some choice in the matter). It does not matter what electives are chosen as all will be counted towards the Diploma of Remedial Massage. It is only natural in some circumstances that a certain subject is chosen and then not pursued or used in professional practice due to the fact that it is not appropriate for your clinic or you have lost interest in the subject. The knowledge learnt however can be a good background or backdrop to rounding out professional knowledge required for the Industry. In reality the Diploma in Remedial Massage is just the starting point to a career in the Massage Industry and there are many opportunities for specialisations worth pursuing when one has sufficient clinic experience to commence specialisations.
For a list of starting massage specialisations download the information guide on Natural Health Academy www.massageadelaide.com.au and have a look at the options available.
I have heard that Certificate IV is not worth doing as it is not recognised by most health funds?
This may be true in some respects but Certificate IV is part of the Diploma and must be trained first before undertaking many Diploma subjects. Certificate IV is not accepted by many health funds for them to issue provider numbers so the Diploma is the qualification that is required. Our recommendation is to always undertake a short course if you are just exploring the possibilities but then go for the Diploma as it is the basic requirement for entry into most massage associations.
You have talked about provider numbers – what are they?
Provider numbers are issued to the massage therapist by health funds. They enable clients to claim on their private health fund for part-reimbursement of the service that they have received. The provider number is displayed on the practitioner’s receipts and attests that they are a bona fide practitioner. To become an accredited practitioner with a health fund you will need to be a member of an association which is in turn accredited with health funds. Most funds insist on only accepting members from an association and the practitioner having Government-Accredited Diplomas. The associations provide a register of qualified members to the health fund, so, in most cases, the practitioner does not have to apply to each and every fund in Australia to be accredited. The association arranges that for its members.
