New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage
- Student Profiles, Massage Therapy
#Graduate #Student Profile #Massage Therapy #HyFlex
Napier-based Carina Vilijoen studied the New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage (Level 6) with SIT after not being able to complete the study locally. Taking the opportunity to use the flexibility of SIT’s HyFlex learning, Carina says SIT offered correspondence using online classes and three (on-campus) block courses. “[It] meant I didn't have to leave my home or friends and family to pursue my career. I am so grateful I made that choice!”
Carina is a registered remedial massage therapist. SIT’s Level 6 Diploma is equivalent to the second year of the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (also offered by SIT). She acknowledges the high level of knowledge and skills that are taught within the programme “could not have set me up any better for a future working alongside medical professionals”, and this is exactly what Carina has achieved.
In one of the papers, community placements were a requirement. This facilitated the opportunity for Carina to connect with her own community to observe, learn, and understand other professions. “Through this I was able to create a professional relationship with a chiropractor, who offered me a treatment room at his practice,” which Carina accepted and now works alongside.
“I now own my own business where I can utilise my clinical skills and critical thinking,” she added.
Carina felt she needed to continue to expand her knowledge as a therapist and enrolled for the Level 7 (third year) of the Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage, which she is completing part-time as she works.
She says choosing papers that align with the daily challenges of new complex cases and running a business has made it easy to continue working while doing the study. “I just have to document the learning I am already doing, plus I get a support system and guidance.”
Carina is looking forward to being a degree-qualified therapist, “so I can give my clients quality treatment plans and start advocating for qualified massage therapists in the health services sector".
Hyflex (Hybrid-Flexible) is the innovative and flexible learning mode which makes it possible to study SIT Massage qualifications - Diploma, Bachelor's (Year 2 and 3), Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, or Master's - from anywhere in New Zealand. You will learn via online classes and the face-to-face block weeks. Learn from the leaders in massage education whilst remaining in your hometown. Enquire today.