College Launches First Degree In Massage Therapy

November 23 2005

College Launches First Degree In Massage Therapy

The New Zealand College of Massage has launched the first degree qualification in the Southern Hemisphere specialising in massage and neuromuscular therapy.

"This degree is a new benchmark for massage education in New Zealand and will give massage therapists a similar standing to physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other allied health professionals," explains NZCM co-founder and director, Susan (Shay) Penman.

The new Bachelor of Health Studies (massage and neuromuscular therapy) programme, which starts in February 2006, integrates and extends on the College's current two-year Diplomas in Clinical Sports Therapy and the Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy.

Initial intake for the New Zealand Qualifications Authority approved three-year degree programme is restricted to 30 students, and the College says there has already been considerable interest from previous students.

"Massage therapy has come a long way since we started the College in 1984. We promote evidence-based practice and world standard education. Recent massage research has verified the benefits of massage, sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, and other forms of hands-on therapies," comments Ms Penman.

She adds that there has been a rapid increase in demand for quality massage and other body therapies and NZCM graduates make up the majority of registered therapists in New Zealand.

"As the leader in massage therapy education, we specialise in personal and professional development. A good massage therapist must have technical knowledge and skills but must also be able to run a business and be good with people," says Ms Penman.

She believes the new degree programme will appeal to existing therapists, school leavers and more mature people looking for a rewarding career change. Enrolments are now open.

ENDS

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