Massage Therapists perform therapeutic massage and administers body treatments for relaxation, health, fitness, and remedial purposes.

Skill Level

2

Specialisations

• Chinese (Tui-Na) Masseur
• Remedial Masseur
• Shiatsu Therapist
• Sports Medicine Masseur
• Thai Masseur

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Massage Therapist is Vocational Education and Training Assess (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualification assessed at AQF Diploma level WITH a highly relevant field of study AND at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the past five years;

OR

• Qualification assessed at AQF Diploma level WITH an additional qualification at AQF Certificate IV in a highly relevant field of study AND at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the past five years

OR

• Qualification assessed at AQF Diploma WITHOUT a highly relevant field of study AND at least two years of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the past five years
• Applicants must meet both the qualification and employment requirements to obtain a positive skills assessment
• Highly relevant fields of study include:
  • Massage Therapy
  • Remedial Massage
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedial Message
  • Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies
  • Reflexology
  • Sports Massage
• If the applicant is self-employed, they must provide:
  • Evidence of self-employment
  • Statutory declaration listing main duties
  • Payment evidence demonstrating regular income from self-employment
  • Supplementary evidence e.g., supplier contracts, client testimonials, evidence of completed projects

According to VETASSESS, your pre-qualification experience may be considered in the skills assessment if it meets the following requirements:

• 3 years of relevant pre-qualification employment; and
• 1 year of highly relevant employment within the past five years

Perform therapeutic massage and administer body treatments for health, fitness and remedial purposes.

Tasks

• Massaging the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments, to assist healing
• Utilising a range of massage techniques to enhance sports performance and prevent injury
• Administering treatments to promote relaxation, improve circulation and relieve muscle tension
• Assessing and treating specific soft tissue dysfunction and providing rehabilitation advice
• Employing other techniques, such as acupressure or Shiatsu, and complementary aids, such as infra-red lamps, wet compresses, ice, essential oils and herbal and mineral therapies, to assist recovery
• Assessing client’s physical condition and case history and advising on stretching exercises and relaxation techniques

Skill Level

In Australia and New Zealand:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the following qualifications and experience:

• Australia (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
  • AQF Associate Degree; or
  • AQF Advanced Diploma; or
  • AQF Diploma; or
• New Zealand (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
  • NSQF Diploma; or

Please note at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Occupations in this Group

• 411611 Massage Therapist