SIT's Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage was the first named massage degree programme to be approved in New Zealand. It has been taught since 2002 and students have been graduating 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, but can not endorse any one group.
Graduating students from this degree have good opportunities for 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.
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.
Year One
SE5101 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.
MT5110 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.
MT5120 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.
MT5140 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.
MT5160 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.
MT5170 Therapeutics I
Students will 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
MT6210 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.
MT6225 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.
MT6240 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.
MT6250 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.
MT6251 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.
MT6270 Therapeutics II
Studies will be undertaken 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.
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. Students will be introduced to several approaches to research, both qualitative and quantitative. Students will also be assisted to develop skills as a beginning researcher.
Year Three
MT7340 Research and Advanced Professional Development
Student will be enabled 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.
MT7350 Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Clinical Practice III
This paper provides students 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.
MT7360 Advanced Professional Studies
MT7370 Therapeutics III
The aim of this paper is 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. Students will be able to apply this knowledge in client therapist interactions.
School Leavers
NCEA Level 3 - three subjects at Level 3, made up of:
- 14 credits each, in three approved subjects
- Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of five credits in reading and five credits in writing
- Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required)
Mature Applicants
Applicants in this category will have achieved the age of 20 by March 1 of the first year of enrolment in the programme and have provided evidence of relevant prior learning and experience.
Special Admission
The applicant has successfully completed a special programme at NZQA Level 4 or above, which prepares students for the required academic standard for entry eg New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage, or its equivalent, or successful completion of Year One of the Diploma in Sport and Recreation.
In the opinion of the Head of School in consultation with the Programme Manager, the student will have 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.
Provisional Part time Admission
An applicant who does not meet academic criteria may be provisionally admitted to enrol in one or more Year One papers. Upon successful completion of the papers, the student may apply for special admission or admission by mature entry.
Additional Criteria
In addition, the following requirements also apply to applicants in all admissions and categories:
- Applicants may be required to participate in an interview, or if they live at some distance from the campus, complete a telephone interview and must produce copies of applicable certificates and/or evidence of prior achievements before interviews
- Applicants may also be required to participate in a pre entry testing process and/or demonstrate successful completion of prior learning at NZQA Level 4
- 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 convictions. 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
Language Requirements
Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having passed an NZQA approved English Proficiency Assessment, or one of the following tests of English language competence in accordance with the NZQA rules below:
- IELTS Test: Academic Score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL Paper-based test pBT Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE
- TOEFL Internet-based test iBT Score of 60 (with a writing score of 20)
- University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations FCE or FCE for schools or CAE or CPE with a score of 169.No less than 162 in each skill
- Pearson Test of English Academic PToE Academic with score of 50
- City and Guilds IESOL B2 Communicator with a score of 66
- NZCEL Level 4 with the Academic endorsement
Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, 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 that they:
- Have gained NCEA Level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements or
- Hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America or
- Have achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, CELTA or passed one of the English language tests listed above.
The head of faculty will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in this programme. If there are more applicants than places available, students will be selected primarily on academic ability.