Acting on the advice and recommendation of stakeholders in the fitness industry the FIA has designed the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice specifically for students who would like to expand their business offerings by providing the additional service of massage therapy to their clients.

The program is for students who are seeking to widen their knowledge and skills relating to the application of sports massage and corrective exercise. It covers a wide variety of sports massage techniques, observational/assessment, and exercise-related skills that will enable the practitioner to identify and address soft tissue dysfunction and associated muscle imbalances.

HOW IS THE PROGRAM OFFERED?

The Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice is delivered in the unique blended learning approach consisting of campus-based lectures, practical experience, online study and clinical experience. Students undertaking Certificate IV in Massage will be required to attend the FIA campus for 2 x 10 week terms (various days). Additionally, students will also be required to complete additional readings, weekly assessment tasks and a clinical practice.

WHO SHOULD ENROL?

This course can be completed by anyone who wants to concurrently complete their Certificate III in Fitness and is looking to expand their knowledge and skills in the fitness industry. Students who have completed Certificate III in Fitness with other Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by supplying all relevant details.

By offering an integrated curriculum format students who have completed the Certificate IV in Massage will be granted advanced standing for several subjects for their Certificate IV in Fitness.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

You will receive all the materials required to complete this course. Textbooks and all assessment manuals are included, plus all campus based lectures and practical labs. You will also have access to all student online tools for the duration of the course.

At the completion of the course you will also receive a 12-month professional membership of FIA.

HOW AM I ASSESSED?

Students will complete a variety of flexible assessments both formal and informal.

For example:

> Tutorials online (a variety of tutorial assessments at student online)
> Formal (multiple choice) Exams completed at student online
> Senior first aid certificate
> Completion of a Professional Development Manual (in the workplace)
> Completion of a Skills Development Manual (in the workplace)
> Completion of Massage Therapies practical labs
> Completion of FIA Clinical Hours

WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS IN THE CERTIFICATE IV IN MASSAGE THERAPY & PRACTICE?

Students will complete the subject material for Certificate III in Fitness and the 4 core subjects for Certificate IV in Fitness plus the following:

> Clinical Exercise Prescription

This subject will extend the student’s knowledge of exercise programming and prescription for clients with special needs. Specifically, it will focus on the knowledge required to design safe and effective exercise programs for clients within specific populations.

> Muscle Mechanics

This subject is designed to extend the knowledge of the student of the principles, concepts and applications of applied anatomy and muscle mechanics in relation to exercise prescription, the analysis of exercise activities and massage therapy.

> Exercise Rehabilitation

This subject is designed to introduce the student to the diagnosis, treatment and management of exercise injuries. It focuses on the most common exercise injuries presented and the role of the fitness trainer/massage therapist in the rehabilitation process.

> Physical Fitness Appraisal

This subject will give the student with the knowledge and understanding and a high level of skills for competent conduct of an extensive range of physiological assessment procedures for improved performance.

> Corrective Exercise Prescription

This subject is designed to introduce the student to assessing the client’s muscular strengths and weaknesses and prescribe strengthening and stretching exercises as well as massage therapies to alleviate any deviations under medical supervision.

> Massage Therapies 1 & 2 (Campus based)

This subject introduces the student to working within a massage framework using Swedish Massage techniques and introduces the student to Remedial Massage.

> Clinical Practice (completed at FIA and in the workplace)

This subject provides the opportunity for the student to apply their knowledge and skills in a workplace environment. It focuses on applying the competencies learnt to a standard of performance required for employment in the massage industry.

WHEN CAN I GAIN EMPLOYMENT?

On completion of all assessments students will be eligible to gain registration and insurance from Fitness Australia as a Fitness Instructor and with AMT as a Massage Therapist and gain insurance to work anywhere in Australia.

Electives:

See Certificate III in Fitness for electives

KEY Competencies in the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy and Practice

Common Competencies

Specialisation Competencies