Program Overview

---

New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage (Level 6)

Overview

Remedial massage targets areas of the body in need of rehabilitation and pain relief due to injury or chronic conditions. Building on the New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5), this qualification will prepare you to deliver specialised remedial massage therapy in allied health, wellness and medical settings.

What will I study

• Massage therapy assessment, including inquiry, observation and physical testing
• Identifying and interpreting pathological processes and medical diagnostic results
• The psychology of health
• Sport-specific assessment and massage techniques to address and treat a variety of sports-related injuries
• Clinical practice hours in a real-world industry setting

Pathway

This diploma qualifies you to work as a remedial massage therapist in a broad range of settings, from community-based health and wellness centres to sports medicine clinics, or as a self-employed therapist with your own home-based or mobile practice.

Details

Type

Diploma

Code

NZ2741

May be available for Study Visa?

Yes

Credits

120

Level

6

May be eligible for Studylink?

Yes

Reference

NZ2741-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,170 - $8,090 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Academic Requirements

• NZ2470 New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5) or equivalent
• OR a recognised equivalent
• OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4 or above

Additional Requirements

• Provide a declaration indicating a level of health and abilities commensurate with achieving practice competencies in the programme; further reports may be requested with the consent of the applicant
• A declaration of all existing or pending criminal convictions
• Consent to undergo a Police Vet Check

Alternative Requirements

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace

English Requirements

• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Clinical Practice 1 (REHB6604, 15 credits)
• Massage for Physical Performance (REHB6605, 15 credits)
• Advanced Techniques 2 (REHB6606, 15 credits)
• Research for Massage Practitioners (REHB6607, 15 credits)
• Clinical Practice 2 (REHB6608, 15 credits)

Career opportunities

This diploma qualifies you to work as a remedial massage therapist in a broad range of settings, from community-based health and wellness centres to sports medicine clinics, or as a self-employed therapist with your own home-based or mobile practice.

Study pathways

Further study options include certificates and diplomas in aromascience, reflexology and beauty/spa therapy, or a degree in massage therapy or musculoskeletal health.

COVID-19 vaccination information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.