Program Overview

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HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage

The HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage is a nationally recognized training program that provides students with the skills and knowledge to become a trusted remedial massage therapist. This program is offered by Victoria University and is designed to equip students with the qualifications and small-business skills necessary to thrive in the industry.

Overview

The Diploma of Remedial Massage is a one-year full-time program that combines face-to-face learning with eLearning. The program is delivered at the Footscray Park Campus and provides students with extensive hands-on practice in the Victoria University massage clinic. Students will also have the opportunity to apply for a paid cadetship with the Western Bulldogs AFL club.

Learning Outcomes

This qualification reflects the role of remedial massage therapists who work with clients presenting with soft tissue dysfunction, musculoskeletal imbalance, or restriction in range of motion (ROM). To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work in a simulated clinical environment as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.

Western Bulldogs Cadetship

This course provides an opportunity for students to apply for a paid Cadetship with the AFL Western Bulldogs. If selected, students will work with top AFL medical professionals, fully supervised by the head of the Myotherapy team, and will also get to work with elite athletes who consider remedial massage to be an essential part of their performance.

Hands-on Learning

At Victoria University, students will develop practical skills through hands-on learning. Students will gain 200 hours of clinical experience in massage clinics, which will give them the opportunity to practice massage techniques on clients, including students, staff, and the general public.

Entry Requirements

When assessing applications, the university considers education, work experience, current skills, and personal attributes (where relevant). Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If they don't meet the entry criteria, they may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course.

Entry Criteria

All applicants are required to complete the following to determine suitability:

• Pre-training Review (PTR)
• Literacy and numeracy assessment Practical Placement Requirements:
• For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires a current and satisfactory:
  • Working with Children Check
  • Police Record Check

Course Structure

To be awarded the HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage, 21 units must be completed consisting of:

• 18 Core Units
• 3 Elective Units from the Electives list

Core Units

• Research and develop business plans (Unit code: BSBESB401)
• Establish and manage client relationships (Unit code: CHCCOM006)
• Work with diverse people (Unit code: CHCDIV001)
• Manage legal and ethical compliance (Unit code: CHCLEG003)
• Research and apply evidence to practice (Unit code: CHCPOL003)
• Engage with health professionals and the health system (Unit code: CHCPRP005)
• Confirm physical health status (Unit code: HLTAAP002)
• Analyse and respond to client health information (Unit code: HLTAAP003)
• Manage the prevention and control of infection (Unit code: HLTINF004)
• Develop massage practice (Unit code: HLTMSG009)
• Assess client massage needs (Unit code: HLTMSG010)
• Provide massage treatments (Unit code: HLTMSG011)
• Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments (Unit code: HLTMSG013)
• Provide remedial massage treatments (Unit code: HLTMSG014)
• Adapt massage treatments to meet specific needs (Unit code: HLTMSG015)
• Apply principles of pain neuroscience (Unit code: HLTMSG016)
• Apply remedial massage clinical practice (Unit code: HLTMSG017)
• Manage work health and safety (Unit code: HLTWHS004)

Elective Units

• Address the needs of people with chronic disease (Unit code: CHCCCS001)
• Provide First Aid (Unit code: HLTAID011)
• Adapt massage practice for athletes (Unit code: HLTMSG018)

Fees and Scholarships

TAFE fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs. The estimated yearly tuition costs for this course are:

• 2026 fees:
  • Skills First subsidised: $14,089.50 (tuition), $1,097 (materials), $261 (SSAF)
  • Full fee (not subsidised): $25,452 (tuition)
• 2025 fees:
  • Skills First subsidised: $13,453.20 (tuition), $1,076 (materials), $256 (SSAF)
  • Full fee (not subsidised): $25,452 (tuition)

The university also offers scholarships to support students. Every year, they award hundreds of scholarships, worth millions of dollars combined, to students at all levels of study.

Careers

Remedial massage is an increasingly popular form of health therapy, with employment expected to grow very strongly. This diploma provides a solid foundation for a diverse career in allied health. Career paths vary enormously, including:

• Allied health practices or health organisations
• Sporting clubs
• Gyms
• Wellness retreats
• Health spas
• Corporate massage environments
• Private clinics
• Cruise ships
• Hospitals
• Aged care facilities

A qualification in remedial massage gives students the option to work as an employee or as a subcontractor, and the freedom to work anywhere. Many massage therapists are self-employed, running successful private practices.

Professional Registration

Upon completion of the Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52021, students will be eligible to register for provider numbers with private health insurers and WorkCover. They can also register with one of the professional massage associations across Australia.

Further Studies (Pathways)

To further expand career options, students may decide to continue study with the university in a higher or related course. Pathways allow students to progress to a higher qualification while recognizing their completed study. Once students have completed this course, they will be guaranteed entry into the following courses:

• Bachelor of Chiropractic Science
• Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
• Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
• Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science
• Bachelor of Sport Science
• Bachelor of Sport Science (Human Movement)/Bachelor of Psychological Studies

Start Dates

The course starts on 13 July 2026, and applications close on 20 August 2026.