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Sydney Morning Herald, March 20, 2002
Australasian College of Natural Therapies
(ACNT) Accreditation Increasing stress levels within corporate environments has affected sick leave rates and job productivity and driven demand for massage and remedial therapy services within the workplace. The ACNT diploma sees students study all aspects of remedial massage as well as develop clinical skills. To cater to the corporate market, students are also taught seated massage, nutrition, corporate stress management and relaxation techniques. The remedial massage component of the course is accredited with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, Australian Massage Therapists and the Association of Remedial Masseurs. The full-time remedial massage component is accredited by VETAB (Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board). Where Australasian College of Natural Therapies, 57 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. Duration The course involves a commitment of one year part-time, with either day or evening attendance. The remedial massage component may be studied full-time over 12 weeks, excluding clinical training. Clinical training involves 100 hours (80 hours in the college's Natural Health Care Centre and 20 hours of corporate treatment). Students must also complete a two-day senior first aid certificate. Cost Course fees are $4300. Upfront payment attracts a 10 per cent discount or students may pay in two instalments. The senior first aid certificate costs $125 if it is completed at the college. The full-time remedial massage component is Austudy approved. When The remedial massage classes begin in April and July. Specialist subjects in corporate stress therapy will be offered in February. You can apply now. Who is it for? It would appeal to those seeking a career in massage and stress management in a corporate environment, either as an employee with a clinic or mobile service or by operating their own business. Graduates can gain credit for other college courses. Prerequisites No previous study or experience is needed. Books and equipment Students should budget about $350 for textbooks and study notes. Students are provided with a massage video, massage balm, towels and the use of college benches. There are no extra fees charged for clinical training or for use of the library and Internet facilities. Success rate College dean Alison Johnson says "there is a burgeoning demand for massage practitioners [within the corporate market and] a boom in employment opportunities for graduates". The college has a job notices board on its Job Finder Web site to help students find work, though many operate their own massage businesses on graduation. *what graduates say Anthony Turri, 24, massage and corporate stress therapist, Turrific Health Services, Greystanes. Graduated 1999. "I did a diploma of education specialising in physical education and a degree in health science but I wanted a personal, hands-on approach to dealing with health. "Recognising a niche in the corporate market, I decided to do the ACNT diploma. I had always had an interest in massage and felt it would complement the qualifications I already had. "I now run my own mobile massage business, seeing more than 100 clients a month. "I provide a massage service to large corporations such as Stadium Australia and Select Industrial where I provide staff with 15- and 30-minute remedial massages. "The course has given me the freedom to run my own business, work my own hours and work in an industry I am extremely passionate about. "I found the course really beneficial, especially the seated massage component as it gave me a very different aspect on how to provide another, more specific type of massage that was extremely effective. "I was also particularly impressed with the high level of anatomy and physiology taught at the college. This was comparable to university level." Sylvia Calligaro, 33, legal secretary, CBD. Graduated last year. "Working as a legal secretary can be very stressful. Perhaps as a response to this, I began to take an interest in natural therapies and eventually thought it would be a great avenue to pursue full time. "The college was conveniently located, and compared with other courses I felt this was the most in-depth. "The corporate stress component focuses on helping people to help themselves. We learnt a little about counselling we know not to give advice, but to listen instead, helping people to find solutions and come to their own conclusions. We can help them through adapting our services too, such as offering a non-invasive seated massage instead of a full-body one, if that makes them more relaxed. "I am building my own business. Towards the end of the course you cover the basics about running a business, especially areas such as how to carefully screen your clients. "Although studying part-time was difficult in terms of balancing my work and study commitments, I knew it was worth the effort. Now I'm interested in learning about other areas of massage, such as massage for pregnant women, and children. "I think there is a growing need for massage and corporate stress services. A lot of people need to learn to relax or take time out. Sometimes a seated massage during a lunch hour is just what they need to put things in perspective." Tracey Clark, 27, sales and marketing specialist and part-time massage therapist, Chatswood. Graduated last year. "I always wanted to get into natural therapies, helping and healing people. I did the diploma in remedial massage and corporate stress therapies as a stepping-stone towards a career in naturopathy. "There is a growing demand for massage and corporate therapy services. I work full-time in a corporate environment so I know how good it feels to have someone give you a massage it relieves the stress of the day and is an invigorating break from the workplace. "The distinguishing factors about the course are that the lecturers are enthusiastic and can relate their industry experience to examples in the classroom. The course is flexible and has many options for graduates. You might work full-time or part-time, work day or night, and could easily find work overseas."
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Copyright © 2002 Macquarie Institute, Australia
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