Massage Therapist Requirements in New Zealand

Massage therapy is popular around the globe, and New Zealand is no exception. According to the Australian Government Job Outlook initiative, which also covers New Zealand data, about 12,400 massage therapist jobs existed in 2008, with strong employment projected for 2012-2013. For those interested in joining this fast growing profession, it is important to know the requirements in advance to ensure a smooth transition into the field of massage therapy.

Job Description

• Massage therapists manipulate soft body tissues, which include ligaments, muscles and tendons, to provide therapeutic and rehabilitative recovery and to promote relaxation. They use a variety of massage techniques to relieve muscular tension and improve circulation. Massage therapists determine the appropriate treatment by accessing their client's history and physical condition. They educate clients on appropriate stretching, relaxation and exercise techniques.

Certification

• The government of New Zealand does not regulate massage therapy and there are no formal educational requirements. The field of massage therapy has become self-regulating, with growth of organizations such as Massage New Zealand. This organization provides information about the profession and encourages certification as a massage therapist. The two levels of certification are certified massage therapist (CMT) and remedial massage therapist (RMT).

Certified Massage Therapist

• A CMT is knowledgeable in relaxation massage methods. They must demonstrate competency in taking a patient's history and determining which information is relevant to treatment. They must determine if the patient's needs are outside of the scope of practice of a CMT and refer patients to health care professionals as appropriate. They must demonstrate accepted industry standards of relaxation massage strokes. They are required to gain patient consent for massage and provide post-treatment education and advice.

Remedial Massage Therapist

• An RMT shares much of the competency requirements of a CMT, but demonstrates additional knowledge in orthopedic or remedial massage. They physically assess clients using palpation, observation, range of movement and resistance strength evaluation or other orthopedic tests. They must determine a treatment plan that is appropriate and effective and provide post-assessments and educational advice that includes stretches to perform at home and methods of reducing pain.

Code of Ethics

• The Massage New Zealand organization holds both levels of massage therapists to a code of ethics. This code requires that practitioners value patient privacy, confidentiality and diversity. They will be honest and openly communicate with their clients. They will never engage in sexual relations with their clients or put them in any emotional, physical or mental danger. They will honestly represent their training and qualifications, and never perform treatment outside of their scope of training.