In Perth, you can study the HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage with TrainSmart Australia either fully on campus, with classes two days a week over 15 months, or blended, with theory online and supervised clinic sessions at the Perth CBD campus over 12 months. Both options lead to the same nationally recognised qualification and include 200 hours of supervised treatment in the TrainSmart Australia student clinic.
This guide compares the two ways to complete a remedial massage course in Perth, so you can choose the one that fits your learning style, schedule and goals.
On campus vs blended: what is the short answer?
Choose on campus if you want a fixed timetable, face-to-face teaching for every unit and regular in-person practice with your class. Choose blended if you need flexibility, want to study theory online at your own pace, and can come in a few days a month for supervised clinic practice.
Remedial massage course in Perth at a glance
| On campus | Online/blended | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage | HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage |
| Units | 21 | 21 |
| Duration | 15 months (60 weeks) | 12 months |
| Theory | Face-to-face classes at the Perth CBD campus, with learning resources online | Online through the LearnSmart platform, with optional weekly Q&A sessions with a trainer |
| Campus attendance | Two days a week | Approximately 2 to 4 days a month for supervised student clinic activities |
| Supervised clinic | 200 hours in the on-campus student clinic | 200 hours in the student clinic at Perth CBD |
| Intakes | Set intakes (contact TrainSmart Australia for 2027 dates) | Rolling intake |
| Best for | People who want structure and in-person learning | People balancing work, family or other commitments |
What is the HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage?
The HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage is the nationally recognised qualification for remedial massage therapists in Australia. According to training.gov.au, it reflects the role of remedial massage therapists who work with clients presenting with soft tissue dysfunction, musculoskeletal imbalance or restriction in range of motion, and therapists may be self-employed or work within a larger health service.
The qualification has 21 units. To achieve it, students must complete at least 200 hours of work in a simulated clinical environment, which at TrainSmart Australia is completed in the supervised student clinic.
Jobs and Skills Australia describes remedial massage therapists as performing remedial massage therapy to relieve pain and stress, and to improve musculoskeletal function, circulation and movement. It classifies the occupation at skill level 2, equivalent to a diploma or advanced diploma, and lists no licensing or registration requirements.
What will you learn in a remedial massage course?
The core units of the qualification, listed on training.gov.au, cover:
- Anatomy, physiology and health status: confirming a client’s physical health status and analysing and responding to client health information
- Assessment: assessing massage needs and performing remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments
- Treatment: providing massage and remedial massage treatments, adapting treatments to specific needs, and applying principles of pain neuroscience
- Clinical practice: applying remedial massage clinical practice, infection prevention and control, and work health and safety
- Working with others: establishing and managing client relationships, working with diverse people, and engaging with other health professionals and the health system
- Running a practice: developing a massage practice, managing legal and ethical compliance, and researching and developing business plans.
Jobs and Skills Australia notes that remedial massage therapists use techniques such as joint mobilisation and myofascial release to remediate muscle tension and pain, improve circulation and support movement and rehabilitation.
What does on-campus study involve?
The HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage (On Campus) runs with two classes a week at TrainSmart Australia’s Perth CBD campus over 15 months. Delivery is face to face, with learning resources available online. It is not an online course.
You learn massage techniques and theory in the classroom with your trainer and classmates, then apply your skills in practical sessions in the student clinic, where you provide remedial massages and develop ongoing treatment plans for clients. The course also covers small business planning and marketing, which helps if you plan to start your own practice.
Who this option suits
- people who learn best with face-to-face teaching and immediate feedback
- people who want a regular timetable and the routine of attending class
- people who enjoy learning alongside a cohort and practising techniques on each other
- people who live close enough to attend two days a week.
What does blended study involve?
The HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage (Online/Blended) combines online theory with hands-on practical training at the Perth CBD campus over 12 months, with a rolling intake.
You complete your theoretical learning online through TrainSmart Australia’s LearnSmart platform, where you access course materials, learner resources, training videos and assessments. Optional weekly Q&A sessions give you the chance to connect with a trainer for extra academic support.
For the practical components, you attend the Perth CBD campus approximately 2 to 4 days a month for supervised student clinic activities. As part of the course you complete 200 supervised treatment hours, including 40 relaxation massage treatments and 100 remedial massage treatments.
Who this option suits
- people who work or have family commitments during the week
- self-motivated learners who are comfortable studying theory online
- people who want to start sooner, thanks to the rolling intake
- people who can travel in for clinic sessions a few days a month.
For more on how online and practical learning fit together, read can you study remedial massage online?
Why is the student clinic so important?
Remedial massage is a hands-on profession, so practical experience is essential whichever way you study. In the supervised student clinic you work with real clients, conduct consultations and assessments, apply techniques and develop treatment plans, with trainers on hand to guide and assess you.
Jobs and Skills Australia lists tasks for remedial massage therapists that include assessing clients’ musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions, consulting with clients about treatments and techniques, and administering remedial manual therapies to the deep or shallow soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, fascia and ligaments. The student clinic is where you practise these skills before you graduate.
What equipment do you need?
For health and hygiene purposes, students in both options provide their own equipment, including linens. On campus, the course page notes linens for four clients per day are required. Your trainers provide a full equipment list before the course starts.
Can you get subsidised fees for remedial massage in Perth?
Eligible WA students may be able to access Jobs and Skills WA subsidised fees for the on-campus Diploma of Remedial Massage when places are available. To gain the WA Government subsidy, students attend face-to-face classes at the Perth CBD campus. TrainSmart Australia’s course page lists two days of classes per week for eligible job seekers, along with 200 hours in the supervised student clinic. If you are an eligible existing worker, speak with our Career Advisor about your study options.
Jobs and Skills WA is the way the WA State Government prioritises its investment in training, focusing on courses that equip people for jobs that are or will be in high demand. Eligibility rules apply, so speak with a TrainSmart Australia career adviser about your situation. For other ways to pay, see our payment options.
What career opportunities are there in remedial massage?
Remedial massage therapists may work in an established massage clinic or allied health practice, or build their own business. TrainSmart Australia lists career opportunities for the qualification including:
- remedial massage therapist
- sports team remedial massage therapist
- remedial massage therapist in allied health clinics
- remedial massage therapist at a chiropractic clinic, physiotherapy clinic or medical centre
- home-business remedial massage therapist.
To understand how remedial massage differs from general massage, read the difference between remedial massage and massage therapy.
How do you choose between on campus and blended?
Ask yourself these questions:
- How do I learn best? If you need face-to-face teaching and regular practice with others, on campus may suit you. If you are disciplined and like learning at your own pace, blended may be better.
- What does my week look like? Two fixed days a week suits some people; a few days a month at the clinic suits others.
- When do I want to start? The blended option has a rolling intake, while the on-campus course has set intakes.
- Am I eligible for a subsidy? If you are an eligible WA student, Jobs and Skills WA subsidised places for the on-campus course may be available when places open.
Whichever you choose, you complete the same 21 units and 200 supervised treatment hours for the same qualification.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a remedial massage course take in Perth?
With TrainSmart Australia, the on-campus HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage runs for 15 months, and the online/blended option runs for 12 months.
Can I study remedial massage completely online?
No. Remedial massage is a hands-on skill. In the blended option, theory is studied online, but you attend the Perth CBD campus for supervised student clinic activities and complete 200 supervised treatment hours.
Where is the student clinic?
The supervised student clinic is at TrainSmart Australia’s Perth CBD campus, where all students complete their clinic hours.
Do I get the same qualification on campus and blended?
Yes. Both options lead to the same nationally recognised qualification, with the same 21 units and 200 supervised treatment hours.
Considering a career in remedial massage?
Remedial massage is a practical, people-focused career where you help clients move and feel better. Explore the on-campus Diploma of Remedial Massage or the online/blended Diploma of Remedial Massage with TrainSmart Australia, or speak with a career adviser about which option suits you.
TrainSmart Australia is the trading name of SMR Learning Services Pty Ltd (RTO 51771). This article is general information. Course details, intakes and subsidy availability can change, so check the course page or speak with a career adviser before enrolling.
