HLT42021

Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

Open up a career in massage therapy with this hands-on course and get the skills you need to work as a qualified massage therapist.

Apply now

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Darling Downs and South West

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY Start date: 13 Jul 2026 Duration: 6 months View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Full Fee

$8,830

Course overview

Launch your career in massage therapy with this entry-level course. This qualification will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to start your career as a qualified massage therapist.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as massage therapists has experienced very strong growth and is expected to continue over the coming years.

In this practical course you'll learn how to establish and manage professional relationships with clients, determine massage treatment options, and provide massage treatments using a range of techniques. You'll also cover essential industry skills including providing first aid and managing workplace health and safety.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a massage therapist. You'll also have the foundation knowledge required to continue with further studies in this field.

What can I do?

Massage Therapist

Course outcome:

HLT42021 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

Industry-embedded teachers

Our teaching staff are at the top of their game and are still heavily involved in the industry. This means you're being taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

Learning support

We have numerous support services if you need an extra hand. The Learning Skills Centre, located in most campus libraries, is a drop-in service staffed by experienced teachers who can help with basic and complex skills. Studiosity is an online after hours tutoring service focusing on writing, research and referencing, as well as subject-specific questions.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 3 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CHCCOM006

Establish and manage client relationships

UNIT CODE :
CHCCOM006

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to establish and manage professional on-to-one relationships with clients in the context of providing an ongoing health service or intervention.
UNIT NAME
Establish and manage client relationships

UNIT CODE
CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE :
CHCDIV001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
UNIT NAME
Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE
CHCLEG003

Manage legal and ethical compliance

UNIT CODE :
CHCLEG003

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research information about compliance and ethical practice responsibilities, and then develop and monitor policies and procedures to meet those responsibilities.
UNIT NAME
Manage legal and ethical compliance

UNIT CODE
HLTAAP002

Confirm physical health status

UNIT CODE :
HLTAAP002

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and interpret information about client health status and to check a client's physical health. It requires a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
UNIT NAME
Confirm physical health status

UNIT CODE
HLTINF004

Manage the prevention and control of infection

UNIT CODE :
HLTINF004

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and monitor infection prevention and control systems and procedures in work contexts where health and personal care services are provided.
UNIT NAME
Manage the prevention and control of infection

UNIT CODE
HLTMSG009

Develop massage practice

UNIT CODE :
HLTMSG009

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish the foundations of massage practice and its place in the Australian health care system, identify and provide appropriate information about massage to different audiences, develop own approach to massage practice and evaluate what makes a sustainable practice.
UNIT NAME
Develop massage practice

UNIT CODE
HLTMSG010

Assess client massage needs

UNIT CODE :
HLTMSG010

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather client information, make a client assessment and determine massage treatment options.
UNIT NAME
Assess client massage needs

UNIT CODE
HLTMSG011

Provide massage treatments

UNIT CODE :
HLTMSG011

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare for and provide massage treatments using a range of relaxation techniques and sequences.
UNIT NAME
Provide massage treatments

UNIT CODE
HLTMSG012

Apply relaxation massage clinical practice

UNIT CODE :
HLTMSG012

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake relaxation massage consultations in a clinical setting. This includes provision of relaxation massage treatments, as well as clinic preparation for consultation, client assessment and monitoring of client during treatment. It incorporates understanding of industry practices and professional development opportunities for massage therapists.
UNIT NAME
Apply relaxation massage clinical practice

UNIT CODE
HLTWHS004

Manage work health and safety

UNIT CODE :
HLTWHS004

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements.
UNIT NAME
Manage work health and safety

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBESB401

Research and develop business plans

UNIT CODE :
BSBESB401

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and develop business plans for achieving business goals and objectives.
UNIT NAME
Research and develop business plans

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE
HLTMSG016

Apply principles of pain neuroscience

UNIT CODE :
HLTMSG016

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply the principles of pain neuroscience in health care assessment and treatment.
UNIT NAME
Apply principles of pain neuroscience

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Springfield	On campus with some online	13 Jul 2026	6 months	Full time 1 x Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning	Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 13 Jul 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 1 x Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Springfield	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2027	6 months	Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning	Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2027 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Springfield	On campus with some online	12 Jul 2027	6 months	Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning	Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 12 Jul 2027 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Toowoomba	On campus with some online	13 Jul 2026	6 months	Full time 1 x Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning	Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 13 Jul 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 1 x Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Toowoomba	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2027	6 months	Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning	Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2027 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Toowoomba	On campus with some online	12 Jul 2027	6 months	Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning	Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 12 Jul 2027 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 1 Zoom session and 1 practical day on campus per week plus self-directed learning The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $8,830 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Certificate IV in Massage Therapy (HLT42021)

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Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

COURSE CODE: HLT42021

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Resources required

You will need to provide the following items for your personal use during the learning periods:

A black polo shirt will be required when we deliver our clinic period
Shorts, knee length skirt or long pants (black preferable due to oil spillage)
Closed-in shoes (no thongs, open sandals or bare feet allowed) – sneakers preferred
Suitable/comfortable clothing for massage practice (as a client)
2 large bath sheet sized towels, solid colours
2 normal bath size towels
1 or 2 hand towel sized
1 face-washer sized (optional)
Massage oil dispenser bottle, plastic pump type, 500ml or smaller
Writing materials
USB key

Access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online systems, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for students to use at a number of TAFE Queensland locations.

There are no required texts for this course, however the following book is highly recommended:

Title: Muscle Manual Textbook
By Dr Nikita Vizniak
Publisher: Prohealthsys
ISBN: 9780973274226

Important information

If you have a criminal record, or are not eligible to hold a blue card, this will not preclude enrolment at TAFE Queensland. However, it will preclude membership into industry associations and subsequently holding professional indemnity or public liability insurance.

Blue Card
To successfully satisfy all course requirements you will be required to apply for a Blue Card (working with children check). Learn More

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application. For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Diploma of Remedial Massage

Take the next step in your career in massage with this advanced-level course that will qualify you to work as a remedial massage therapist or to specialise in other complementary therapies and sport massage treatments.

Careers

Remedial Massage Therapist
Sports Massage Therapist

Next Start : 13 Jul 2026

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Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Industry-embedded teachers

Learning support

Core units

Elective units

Springfield

Springfield

Springfield

Toowoomba

Toowoomba

Toowoomba

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Resources required

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Remedial Massage

Careers