Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage

Summary

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.

The Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (BTSM) is a 3 year programme that can be studied full-time over 3 years or part-time over 5 years. In the first year you will study face to face at SIT/Te Pukenga Campus. You will build your knowledge in anatomy, physiology, foundations of massage therapy and learn in a clinical environment.

In the second year you will study via HyFlex which means students will have the flexibility to remain in their hometown massage therapy clinics and communities. Teaching occurs using a mix of online learning, practical experience, and traditional classroom teaching during compulsory block courses in Invercargill. The second year builds on the knowledge in Year 1 with Functional assessment, pathology, advanced techniques and massage for physical performance as well as research for the massage practitioner.

Year 3 is comprised of four papers, MT7340, MT7350, MT7360, MT7370. Each paper is 30 credits. All four papers are now taught using blended/HyFlex delivery. These papers will challenge and develop your skills, knowledge and clinical practice in massage therapy. Approximately 320 massage therapy clinical / industry hours are completed within papers MT7350, MT7360 and MT7370.

Qualification Pathways

Graduates can continue their education with:

• Master of Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Science (Wellness and Rehabilitation)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science (Wellness and Rehabilitation)

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work as therapists and sport massage specialists in the following settings:

multi disciplinary health practices,
private practice,
hospitals,
rehabilitation centres,
community centres,
gyms and sports complexes,
sports teams,
physiotherapy or
chiropractic clinics,
complementary health clinics,
hotels and resorts,
community mental health centres
and nursing homes,
as well as in education.

Therapeutic and sports massage specialists will work with individuals and groups of all ages, assisting those recovering from or dealing with injury, illness or disability, as well as individuals and groups looking for stress management intervention and injury prevention strategies.

Therapeutic and sports massage specialists will work with individuals and groups of all ages, assisting those recovering from or dealing with injury, illness or disability, as well as individuals and groups looking for stress management intervention and injury prevention strategies.