Having dedicated the past six years to refining her skills as a massage therapist, Louise Dumée hopes to use the knowledge and skills she’s gained through education to contribute meaningfully to the field of health and wellness.
Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Tauranga, nestled within the Bay of Plenty, Louise is a remedial and sports massage therapist who owns and operates a successful massage clinic. She has a “steadfast commitment” to the health and fitness industry spanning over 13 years.
Louise embarked on a journey to deepen her understanding of pain management after firsthand experiences witnessing the profound effects of remedial and therapeutic touch. “I fully immersed myself in this dynamic field, driven by a genuine passion for positively impacting people’s lives,” she says.
This drive led Louise to pursue postgraduate studies; she discovered Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) through online searches and MANZ (Massage Aotearoa New Zealand), who promote pathways for career development within the massage industry. Among the educational pathways available, “SIT stood out as the optimal choice, because they offered a programme tailored precisely to my aspirations”. SIT’s Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage emerged as the logical next step.
Having recognised the inherent link between academic growth and professional advancement, Louise says she “wholeheartedly embraced” the opportunity to obtain her degree. “As a business owner, beyond simply enhancing my practice, I saw the broader benefits of solidifying my position within the realm of allied healthcare.”
Louise had heard glowing reviews from former students about SIT’s degree programme. “I was eager to see if [they] would meet my expectations. I'm pleased to say that SIT not only met but exceeded them,” she said, adding “it stands as the pinnacle institution through which I've pursued studies.” Louise enjoyed her degree so much, she has been “fervently recommending” SIT to fellow healthcare practitioners for their ongoing education.
Louise describes the degree programme as “truly transformative”. It prompted a re-evaluation of her clinical practice and self-assessment as a therapist. She found the research project particularly enlightening.
“Although challenging, it underscored the profound influence and significance that massage therapy can have within the healthcare sector. It was a valuable learning experience that emphasized the potential for positive impact within our industry.”
She also found the programme was exceptionally well-organised. Timetables and schedules were consistently released in advance, facilitating easy planning, particularly for travelling to Invercargill for the block courses.
Louise said juggling running a business, full-time study, and family responsibilities presented the most significant challenges throughout the programme. This emphasised the importance of effective time management, and planning was crucial to ensure that no aspect of her life was neglected. In the process, Louise discovered a level of perseverance she hadn't previously recognised, but she also acknowledged “the support and encouragement received from family, colleagues, and clients, proved invaluable in navigating these demands.”
The Zero Fees Scheme definitely played a pivotal role in Louise’s decision to choose a SIT course. “Who wouldn’t want to make use of such an awesome opportunity!” she said. Additionally, both classmates and tutors were fantastic and supportive throughout the entire year. Moreover, the facilities were of excellent quality. From those weeks on campus, Louise always loved the opportunities to meet new people.
Louise believes her SIT studies have made her more critical with her clinical reasoning and ensuring that all aspects within clinical practice are considered when working with clients.
Currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Pain Management at Otago University, Louise says obtaining her degree through SIT has equipped her with the necessary tools to effectively navigate the demands of a postgraduate programme. “[They] have prepared me well for further academic endeavours.”
“I consistently encourage my colleagues to consider SIT for their studies. The exceptional tutors played a pivotal role in the successful completion of my degree, and I'm truly grateful for their support and guidance.”
HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible) is the innovative and flexible learning mode which makes it possible to study SIT’s Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (Year 2 and 3) 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.