The Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SITCM) has been producing industry-ready health practitioners since 1989. For many years, we have been promoting the growth and development of massage within our community and the Australian healthcare system by providing accredited courses of the highest standards.

This page contains key information about the HLT42015 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy, including course delivery, course structure, costs, and entry requirements. For further details, please see the Student Prospectus.

At a Glance

	Duration	6 months full-time (over 2 terms) Part-time available for Domestic students
	Study Mode	Blended Combines eLearning & on-campus learning
	Campus Location	Haymarket, Sydney
	On-Campus Learning	2 on-campus sessions per week, for 4 weeks per term
	Award Abbreviation	CertIVMassTherpy
	Upcoming Intakes	Each February, April, July and September (the HLT42015 must teach out in 2024 and SITCM is applying for regulatory approval to deliver the new HLT42021 qualification).

Overview

This course is designed for students who seek a thorough foundation in massage therapy. It equips them with essential knowledge in therapeutic relaxation massage as well as basic health assessment. However, it is not designed to prepare its students for the role of remedial massage therapist.

Upon completion, students have the opportunity to further their studies in the field of remedial massage through enrolling in SITCM’s accredited Diploma of Remedial Massage or Diploma of TCM Remedial Massage.

Accreditation

The Diploma of Remedial Massage is fully accredited by the Australian Skill Quality Authority (ASQA), and is registered on CRICOS for delivery to overseas students. It is also endorsed by the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS).

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Delivery

Our course offers a dynamic and interactive learning experience through a blended approach. It combines the flexibility of self-paced eLearning with hands-on training on campus. Typically, our students engage in two to three days of on-campus learning each week, complemented by eLearning theory sessions via our Learning Management System.

Each week, one to two of these on-campus days is dedicated to hands-on skill development in remedial massage. During these sessions, students practice remedial massage techniques, actively engage in scenario-based simulations, and participate in discussions, all under the guidance of experienced trainers. These activities are designed to enhance clinical problem-solving skills and provide practical experience in the delivery of massage techniques. This day also offers an opportunity for students to discuss their assessments and receive feedback from our trainers.

The other on-campus day focuses on practical, real-world experiences in our SITCM Student Clinic. Here, students apply their skills by treating clients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience under the supervision of clinical supervisors.

Throughout the self-paced eLearning phase, students have continuous access to dedicated trainers. These trainers are available online to answer questions, clarify concepts, and provide support.

Assessment

Assessment tasks include written tasks, demonstrations, group assignments and role plays.

Students must also spend a minimum of 90 hours in SITCM’s Teaching Clinic, where they will complete a minimum of 44 client massage therapy treatments. They will be observed and assessed by clinic supervisors, to ensure that they are able to successfully integrate the knowledge and skills required for actual clinical massage activities.

Course Structure

Modules

Unit Code	Title
CHCCOM006	Establish and manage client relationships
CHCDIV001	Work with diverse people
CHCLEG003	Manage legal and ethical compliance
BSBSMB404	Undertake small business planning
HLTAID003	Provide first aid*
HLTAAP002	Confirm physical health status
HLTAAP003	Analyse and respond to client health information
HLTMSG001	Develop massage practice
HLTMSG002	Assess client massage needs
HLTREF002	Provide reflexology for relaxation
HLTMSG004	Provide massage treatments
HLTINF004	Manage the prevention and control of infection
HLTWHS004	Manage work health and safety

Tuition Fees

This page is designed to list the Cert. IV of Remedial Massage’s tuition fees for a specific year.

Tuition fees cover the charges for tuition administration. They do not cover the cost of accommodation, living expenses, textbooks, uniforms, stationery, or equipment. International students must also pay an enrolment fee of $285 upon accepting their offer of enrolment from SITCM.

For details on payment options and rules, please visit our FEE Information page.

Tuition fees are subject to change from year to year in accordance with the Fees Policy and Procedure. 2025 tuition fees are as follows:

Entry Requirements

Diploma of Remedial Massage applicants must meet the three following requirements:

Be 18 years of age or over when they commence the course, and
Education requirement (below), and
English language requirement (International students only) (below).

Education Requirement

Applicants must provide evidence of completion of at least ONE of the following:

The Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12 certificate), or overseas equivalent; or
An Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Certificate IV or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent; or
A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test and be assessed as competent at Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy.

English Language Requirement

International applicants must provide ONE of the following English test results:

IELTS (academic): 6.0 or above; or
TOEFL iBT: 64 or above; or
PTE (academic): 50 or above; or
C1 Advanced Cambridge: 169 or above.

HLT42015 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy