The massage industry in unregulated in Australia, and in fact anyone can call themselves a massage therapist, even after a weekend course. So, how do you know if your therapist is actually ‘qualified’ under the national guidelines?

The therapist will be registered with and have membership with a professional association – The major associations in Australia are: Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), Association of Massage Therapists (AMT), Massage Association of Australia (MAA), Myotherapy association of Australia, Massage & Myotherapy Association (MIMA) or other governing bodies that represent qualified therapist and ensure they meet the required guidelines. 

These governing bodies regulate the professional’s they represent – they set the standards therapists must work within and comply with. This includes education standards, first aid, insurances and undertaking annual education points in their field to maintain this membership. 

The therapist will have at least a Diploma Remedial Massage. This is the level required to receive registration and affiliated with the private health fund organisations in Australia. 

The practitioner will have met the required academic standard, completed 200 (minimum) hands on clinical hours training and practice imposed by the Australian qualification framework and the Vocational and Education Training board of Australia. 

The therapist will have a current first aid certificate and be required to complete continuing education points each year to maintain their association membership and health fund registration. 

The therapist will have professional indemnity and liability insurance. And adhere to their governing bodies code of conduct. 

To ensure massage is maintained as a safe and effective therapy please use a qualified therapist and maintain the integrity of the industry and that of the therapists who have sought accredited training programs to deliver a quality service to our clients.

References:

Australian Qualifications Framework: https://www.aqf.edu.au/aqf-qualifications 8/12/2019.

Australian Government – Australian Skills Quality Authority:

https://www.asqa.gov.au/about/australias-vet-sector 8/12/2019.