Quick InfoBachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage BTSM
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Programme Outline
The SIT Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage is the first named massage degree programme to be approved in New Zealand, it has been taught from 2002 and has been graduating students since 2004. Health care delivery has moved beyond clinical competence and beyond copying previously successful clinicians. Today's practitioners need to relate to a wider health care team and respond to the expressed needs and expectations of families, pressure groups, professionals and the wider community (Higgs & Edwards, 1999). Backed by SIT's recognised infrastructures and academic community, the programme promotes research driven education, strong training in a community based clinic, and exceeds suggested industry requirements in both academic areas and clinical practice.
The Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage encourages graduates to join a professional group which represents their career interests on graduation but can not endorse any one group.
Graduating students from this degree have greater opportunities of employment both nationally and internationally.
Graduates are critical thinking, reflective practitioners with technical and professional competence, sound reasoning and research literacy, and have a capacity to manage knowledge and its acquisition during their working lives. Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage graduates say: "Taking part in the degree made me feel part of the development of the massage profession. It was wonderful to be in a programme where the theory linked directly to the real world outside SIT, and where a large part of my education was applying what I was learning in clinics and community placements.
For me the degree was challenging, academically and personally. The integration of hands on skills, academic research and writing, anatomy, physiology, clinical reasoning and critical thinking meant that it wasn't just mentally stimulating, but that personal and professional growth were unavoidable."
This qualification has been designed to prepare graduates for careers in both the therapeutic and sports massage fields. The programme of study includes anatomy and physiology, general pathology, therapeutics, clinical reasoning and functional assessment, massage for physical performance, research and business management principles. Students will be encouraged to use computers and the Internet when and where appropriate during their studies.
From 2010, criteria for the award of the Diploma in Therapeutic and Sports Massage will be as follows: successful completion of year 1 and year 2 of the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (240 credits). In addition, students will be required to show evidence of enrolment into and attendance of year 3 of the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage. Attendance will be in accordance with this programme's regulations. Students will be required to submit an application to the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage Board of Studies for consideration of the award of Diploma in Therapeutic and Sports Massage. Programme Content
Year One GEN105 Health Aspects of Exercise and Nutrition The paper will develop an understanding of the relationship between physical activity, health and nutrition across the lifespan. Nutritional aspects related to heath and exercise for the general population and special population groups will be investigated. The paper will further examine body composition, sound nutrition, weight control and nutrition for exercise performance.
MT110 Surface Anatomy Students will demonstrate a knowledge and skills of basic concepts of surface anatomy, that provide a sound theoretical and practical foundation for therapeutic and sports massage.
MT120 Physiology for Massage Therapy Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of basic concepts of physiology as they relate to the human body. They will be able to describe the biology and chemistry of the cell and tissues, and the systemic and inter-systemic functions, and the physiological underpinnings of massage therapy practice
MT140 Foundations of Therapeutic and Sports Massage This paper introduces the student to the principles and concepts of therapeutic and sports massage. Philosophies and the history of massage are discussed, students explore issues in contra indications, ethics, legalities, boundaries and scope of practice and identify research findings on the effects of therapeutic and sports massage.
MT160 Professional Studies This paper is designed to develop the personal growth, caring skills and professional and ethical behaviour of students and to teach the methodologies and practice of reflection, scientific enquiry and critical thinking. Professional skills will be applied in a clinical practice setting.
MT170 Therapeutics I To develop skills in therapeutic and sports massage techniques, assessing the client's health and well being status, and massage techniques for stress management. Year Two
MT210 Pathology for Massage Practitioners Students will demonstrate knowledge of the common diseases and disorders associated with the major body systems and be able to discuss their relationship to massage therapy. Students will acquire an introductory knowledge and understanding of pharmacology for musculoskeletal dysfunctions. This knowledge will assist in safe and appropriate planning and evaluation of client care.
MT225 Massage for Physical Performance To outline the core principles and practice of training, exercise prescription, and introductory biomechanics for physical performance, review current research on musculoskeletal management and apply massage techniques for stretching and musculoskeletal injury management.
MT240 Clinical Reasoning and Functional Assessment This paper introduces the process of clinical reasoning during client assessment, and develops the student's skills of enquiry, observation and testing. The student will use these skills to identify, analyse, synthesize and interpret the level of disability and resultant dysfunction in clients with musculoskeletal disorders, and identify possible contra indications or scope of practice issues.
MT250 Clinical Practice I This paper provides a clinic/workplace experience and practice under clinical supervision for assessment, treatment planning, and reporting of case studies in therapeutic and sports massage techniques.
MT251 Clinical Practice II This clinical education paper reinforces and extends the theoretical knowledge and skills developed in the classroom and in Clinical Practice I. The student under the supervision of a clinical practitioner evaluates and interacts with suitable clients and clinical situations to facilitate self learning, clinical reasoning and develop a problem solving approach to treatment.
MT270 Therapeutics II To provide studies in a range of advanced therapeutic massage/NMT techniques to restore the structural, functional and postural integrity of the body and to address the problem of pain.
Year Three GEN200 Research Statistics This paper aims to prepare the student for professional practice by presenting research as a uniting strategy for practice, theory and scholarship. Both scientific and interpretative knowledge will be drawn upon in preparing the student to become a competent consumer of research. Students will also be assisted to develop skills as a beginning researcher. The student will study different types of scientific and interpretative inquiry and personal experience will be used to identify areas in requiring research, and for the utilisation of research findings.
MT340 Research and Advanced Professional Development To enable the student to participate in research, undertake data analysis, draw conclusions and report findings in a scientific format, to promote and offer opportunities for professional development and dissemination of current therapeutic massage research to peers and colleagues and skills in delivering an educational workshop.
MT350 Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Clinical Practice III To provide the student with an advanced clinical placement to develop and apply further skills in clinic management, differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning and therapeutic and sports interventions. Students will demonstrate independence and accountability in clinical practice small business management. The business module develops the knowledge and skills required for small business management and self-employment. Students will develop a business plan for their own business and apply skills in operating a business in Clinical Practice III.
MT370 Health Psychology and Therapeutics III To critically review contemporary literature in special populations massage therapy and to develop knowledge and skills in lymphatic drainage, worksite and chair massage, and exercise and health care programmes to special populations. Health psychology outlines the psychosocial dimensions of health care work by exploring issues relating to pain, disease, disability, and chronic illness, the grieving process, the wellness concept, rehabilitation and dependency on or withdrawal from massage therapy. The student will be able to apply this knowledge in client therapist interactions. Career Opportunities
Graduates may work in the following settings multi disciplinary health practices, private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community centres, gyms and sports complexes, sports teams, physiotherapy or chiropractic clinics, complementary health clinics, hotels and resorts, community mental health centres and nursing homes as well as in education.
Therapeutic and sports massage specialists will work with individuals and groups of all ages, assisting those recovering from or dealing with injury, illness or disability, as well as individuals and groups looking for stress management intervention and injury prevention strategies. Application Criteria
School leavers Applicants in this category will have evidence of the achievement of: University Entrance equivalent:
National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 competency in NZQA credits as follows: achievement of 18 credits minimum of Level 2 NZQA units in each of the 4 topics: literacy, numeracy, science plus one other topic of choice. Completion of an overseas qualification which is considered to be the equivalent of either of the above qualifications, as approved by the Head of Faculty.
Admission By Mature Entry Applicants in this category will have achieved the age of twenty by March 1 of the first year of enrolment in the programme, and have provided evidence of relevant prior learning and experience.
Special Admission Notwithstanding the above admissions categories, in exceptional circumstances, an applicant below the age of 20 who can show evidence of ability to succeed in the programme may be considered for admission, provided:
The applicant has successfully completed a special programme which prepares students for the required academic standard for entry e.g. Diploma in Massage (Therapeutic) or its equivalent, successful completion of Year One of the Diploma in Sport and Recreation, National Certificate in Social Services, Diploma in Sport and Recreation, Certificate in Massage and/or: In the opinion of the Head of School in consultation with the Programme Manager the student has a good chance of achieving success in the degree programme, and the student will not place an unreasonable burden on the teaching staff and/or other students. Additional Criteria
In addition, the following requirements also apply to applicants in all admissions and categories. Applicants are required to provide two confidential references from people who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation, and is suitable to work with vulnerable clients.
Applicants are asked to make a confidential declaration as to whether or not they have prior criminal conviction(s). They are advised at the time of the request for information, that a prior conviction may not necessarily exclude them from admission.
Applicants must have a level of health and abilities commensurate with achieving practice competencies in the programme. Applicants are required to complete a health declaration, and further reports may be requested with the consent of the applicant.
Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, must provide evidence of having passed such tests of English language competence as the Board of Studies will from time to time approve. Satisfactory Completion
Attendance requirements as follows: Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage GEN105 Health aspects of exercise and nutrition MT170 Therapeutics I MT270 Therapeutics II MT370 Health psychology and therapeutics III 90% minimum attendance required
MT250 Clinical practice I MT251 Clinical practice II MT350 Advanced clinical reasoning and clinical practice III 100% attendance required All other papers require a minimum of 80% attendance.
For the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage successful completion of all assessment requirements for each paper of the three year degree. This amounts to successful completion of 360 credits.
The Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (BTSM) and Diploma of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (DTSM) from Southern Institute of Technology are NZQA approved qualifications. A graduate of these programmes is eligible to apply for membership of Massage New Zealand, or other massage or complementary health related professional associations in New Zealand. Specific entry criteria or additional examinations for each professional association may apply.
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