Which college/institution to study with in Sydney?

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Hi

I have been looking into completing a massage course, which will allow me to set up my own practice in the long run. I have been looking into the various course offered from TAFE, ACNT, Peridor etc, but am unsure which college to go with. I am leaning towards the Diploma of Integrated Body Therapies offered by ACNT, as this will provide me with experience in several types of massage. However I am unsure, as it is a lot of money to spend. Do I need to do such an intensive course or would a Diploma in Remdial Massage surfice?

Suggestions and feedback are greatly appreciated.

Thanks Samantha

-- Samantha Gillett (samgillett13@hotmail.com), May 21, 2004

Answers

Hi

Have you discussed this with the Colleges you have mentioned. If you have an idea of a direction (specialisation ie sports, gerontology, stress management) you want to take, it's import to discuss this with the schools when making your choice. Satisfy yourself that they are going to meet your needs, just like buying a car (give the wheels a kick). Don't rely on the brochures alone to decide between them.

If you havn't already done so, talk to heaps of therapists. Also try a number of types of massage, not just the one(s) you know.

A Dip Remedial Massage should set you up well to practice. It is possible to do this and then to add modules later as your needs and interests change. For some there is also a learning curve post qualification as you transition from learning to practice, this is another point to consider / discuss. Its hard to answer further, as it really depends on your personal situation (financial capacity / time restraints / location etc).

Hope this helps

-- Antony (antony@bodytactics.com.au), May 21, 2004.


Hello Samantha

Practically, when choosing a course the first issue you have to resolve is that of time. How much time do you wish to devote to your studies?? How much knowledge is enough? If you have the time you should look at the TAFE Remedial Diploma or the Diploma at Peridor.

The next issue is money - TAFE is much cheaper but takes longer.

Both will give you experience in several styles of massage.

Your last question is an interesting one - do I need to do such an intensive course or would a Diploma in Remedial Massage suffice? To this I would like to add another question. Do you want to be the best massage therapist you can possibly be or is it sufficient to be adequate?

Unfortunately, as you have found, choosing the right course and college is difficult. Look for a course that prides itself in the amount of time it takes to become competent rather than boasting that it takes less time to become competent. Go to the college and examine their library and their notice boards - do the notices reflect their involvement in the things that interest you? Book in to have a massage at the student clinic and see what they do and how much supervision they get.

Some colleges have strengths in different areas - if you let us know your interests we may be able to point out the college that is particularly good at what you are interested in.

-- Diana Glazer (dglazer@zip.com.au), May 21, 2004.


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