Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

Course Code HLT42021
Locations Warrnambool

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Study Mode Full-time, On Campus, Online
Length 18 weeks
Commencement 22 July 2025
Timetable Two days per week (Tuesdays & Fridays 9am-4.30pm)
Plus two full day clinical sessions
Course Overview
Introduction

Begin a rewarding career in massage with the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy.

This entry-level qualification will allow you to learn a wide variety of massage techniques and skills in a practical and hands-on learning environment.

This course gives the skills required for employment as a massage therapist in various work environments and even running your own businesses.

What will I Learn?

During this course, you will learn a variety of practical, hands-on skills and knowledge including:

  • anatomy and physiology
  • therapeutic relaxation massage 
  • working with diverse people
  • health and hygiene practices  

You will strengthen these skills throughout the course enabling you to successfully apply them in a real clinic environment.

Course Outcomes and Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be equipped with skills to gain employment as a massage therapist providing general health maintenance treatments in a therapeutic environment. You may also be self-employed as a massage therapist or work within a larger health service.

Pathways

Upon completion of this course, you may choose to further develop your skills and knowledge by completing the Diploma of Remedial Massage.

Information Session

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

Course Requirements
Entrance requirements & pre-requisites

  • You must be at least 17 years old
  • Have completed Year 11 or equivalent
  • Physical work involving lifting, standing for long periods, or cardio activity

PLEASE NOTE: Students must be able to demonstrate the physical capabilities to follow the DRSABCD principles in line with ARC guidelines including:
* Performed at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer CPR (5 cycles of both compressions and ventilations) on an adult resuscitation manikin placed on the floor
* Performed at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer CPR (5 cycles both compressions and ventilations) on an infant resuscitation manikin placed on a firm surface

Course requirements

To be eligible to be awarded this qualification you must successfully complete 13 units: 10 core and 3 elective units.

During this course, you will be required to have close and physical contact with another person to practice massage therapy techniques.

Units offered

Core Units

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Unit Code Unit Name Unit Hours Unit Consumables
HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety 40 $0.00
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people 40 $0.00
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships 35 $0.00
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance 80 $0.00
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status 90 $0.00
HLTINF004 Manage the prevention and control of infection 50 $0.00
HLTMSG009 Develop massage practice 45 $0.00
HLTMSG010 Assess client massage needs 100 $0.00
HLTMSG011 Provide massage treatments 100 $0.00
HLTMSG012 Apply relaxation massage clinical practice 160 $0.00

Elective Units

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Unit Code Unit Name Unit Hours Unit Consumables
CHCPRP005 Engage with health professionals and the health system 40 $0.00
SIRXSLS001 Sell to the retail customer 20 $0.00
SIRXOSM002 Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms 50 $0.00
Assessment

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

After applying

Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.

Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.

Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI

Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.

Fees
Course Fees

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

  1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
  2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
  3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

  1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
    Find out more about subsidised training

  2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
    Find out more about concession rates

  3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
    Find out more about Free TAFE
    Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs

  4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

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Course fees by student type Indicative Course Fee
Government subsidised rate (if eligible) $4,335.00
Concession rate $870.00
Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) $6,375.00
Resource and/or materials costs

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

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Additional course fees Indicative Course Fee
Course consumable/materials (approximate) $400.00
How do I pay my fees?

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

  1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS
  1. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account, debited from your Centrelink payments or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)
  1. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

Next Steps
How to apply

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

  1. Apply - complete a short online application form. Once this form is submitted we'll send you a thank-you email.
  2. Literacy and Numeracy Assessment - we will assess whether you need to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and email it to you if required.
    If you are not required to undertake this assessment, you will skip to step 3.
  3. Chat to our team - your teacher or course specialist will contact you to discuss the course in more detail and ensure the right units of study are selected for you.
  4. Enrol – you will be sent an email to accept your offer for the course. By accepting, you will be directed to verify your details and submit your enrolment for processing.
  5. Pay - once we’ve completed your enrolment, we will send you an invoice to arrange payment of your course fees.

If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

Careers and Course Advice

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

Student Support

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.