The August 2022 intake of Massage Students at Wellpark College are now 4 months into their Diploma programme, (The NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage). We caught up with senior Massage Tutor Barbara Fleming to find out how the students are going and what they have been learning over the past 2 terms.

1. The Massage students who enrolled in August to study the NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage are now 4 months into their programme what have the students been learning over the past few months?

• The August 2022 NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage cohort have been steadily learning their art in the application and principles of Relaxation Massage. Combining both theory and practical skills in-class, they have been introduced to the Foundations of Massage Practice including:
• Application of Relaxation Massage based on Swedish Massage Techniques. Including the physiological and psychological benefits of these techniques (they have completed both practical and written assessments so far)
• Appropriate and Safe practice standards including: Hygiene; Scope and Ethical Practice; Code of Rights; Setup and Draping/Bolstering; Body Mechanics; Selection and care of Massage Equipment.
• Full Body Relaxation Massage principles and application for everyday client Stress.
• Neuromuscular Anatomy and application of specific deeper pressure techniques to address client muscle tension.
• Practice of client communication skills including client health interviews.

2. Where do our Massage students come from, what are their background? Why did they decide to study Massage Therapy.

Our current cohort are from diverse backgrounds with previous careers in: Health, Business, Education and Service sectors. All are NZ residents and with cultural backgrounds including Maori, Pacific, European, South African and Australian ethnicities. They have all shown  a desire to learn more about health and wellness,  in particular, how massage can be used as an intervention to alleviate lifestyle stress, and  used as part of a strategy for Health and Wellness.

3. How much time is spent studying on campus and how much is self-directed study at home?

MT101 comprises 1 day per week in-class, consisting of two 3 hour sessions (morning and afternoon ). Student are on campus for 102 class contact hours and are expected to do a minimum of  98 hours self-directed study at home theory revision, assessments and practical massage.

4. What are the biggest challenges for new Massage Students?

Keeping on top of home practice hours to ensure effective progression during our in-class practical sessions and in preparation for assessments. Planning and keeping a regular home study and practice  schedule  when faced with commitments from work, family and other course work.

5. What keeps our Massage Students motivated?

I think most of our students agree being able to receive regular weekly massages from other  students helps keep them motivated!  (We believe students learn just as much from receiving massage as they  do  when giving). This cohort have very much worked together as a group which has been very supportive and beneficial to their learning journey. Being able to receive weekly feedback and encouragement with regard to their massage skills from other students and tutors has  also been helpful. Students enter the programmes wanting to help others and this keeps them keen complete their studies too.

6. The next 6 months will see the students move into clinical practice why is this an important element of the 1 year programme

Being able to take skills from the class and home learning environment, and apply them in a clinical setting with clients from outside the college has greatly encouraged student confidence in their massage  practice. As clients bring many real-life aspects for our students to learn and adapt to, this  helps them adjust to professional levels of clinical practice for life after graduation.

7. Will the massage students be looking for clients next year and how can you become a client? What can a client expect?

Yes, our students will be looking for clients for the clinical practice portion of their course.  Potential clients can contact the Prema Clinic through the Wellpark. Clients will be greeted by a student therapist  who will take them to a clinic room setup for the student’s practice. Following a Client Interview the student will provide a Relaxation massage session based on the client’s goals and looking to address client stress and normal muscle tension from everyday life for the NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage Level 5. (Remedial massage for the treatment of Health conditions and injury is outside the Scope of Practice for these students). These sessions are supervised by college tutors who will check in on the students during the course of the massage. Upon completion of the massage the client will be provided the opportunity to provide  feedback for the student’s learning.

Email to book – premaclinic@wellpark.co.nz

8. What are some of the career goals of current massage students?

Students are hoping to continue their massage practice in a number of ways. Setup their own massage practice in home or private clinic. Join an existing Massage Practice or multi-disciplinary  Health Clinic. Engage in more studies for Remedial/Therapeutic massage.

Find out more about studying for a NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage