Question:
What is the difference between the ATA qualification and the Government HLT02 qualification?
Answer:
Several years ago, many Australian massage associations underwent a major restructure and introduced minimum entry levels. The Certificate IV in Massage (HLT30402) from the Health Training Package became the recognised standard.
To ensure consistency, associations defined graduates of Certificate IV in Massage as “Massage Therapists whilst graduates of Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT50302) were given the title of “Remedial Massage Therapist”.
There are currently two main types of massage qualifications available in Australia. Qualifications from the Health Training Package (currently HLT02) and accredited courses that have been developed by providers in consultation with industry.
Both types are nationally recognised and incorporate common units with specialisation units. In achieving competency within a set range of units, students are eligible to be awarded nationally recognised qualifications within the Australian qualifications framework and apply for membership of professional associations.
The Academy of Therapeutic Arts (ATA) is registered to teach both massage qualifications from the Health Training Package as well as accredited courses ATA has developed. The accredited Certificate IV and Diploma, outlined within this Course Guide, contain a number of common, specialisation and elective units from the Health Training Package.
Once students have completed the accredited Certificate IV or Diploma at ATA, a small ‘bridging subject’ is all that is required for students to receive the relevant award from the Health Training Package.
This will not only enable you to join Massage Associations and receive all of the membership benefits but also make you eligible to receive another qualification.*ATA does not charge any training fees for the ‘bridging subject’ when students enrol in Certificate IV or Diploma qualifications, however there is a small administration fee. Massage Therapy training courses are run reguarly, if you would like to know about upcoming course dates go to the Massage Therapy training course calendar.