Gold Coast Institute of TAFE

Diploma of Sport (Athlete Support Services) (for Overseas Students)

Diploma of Sport (Athlete Support Services) (for Overseas Students) (SRS50406)

CRICOS Provider Code: 03037G CRICOS Course Code : 065787M

This course was designed by the sports industry to prepare you for employment as a remedial massage therapist in a sporting environment and in your own practice.

You will gain experience in multiple areas of massage and sport while under supervision.

Program

Massage techniques - remedial massage, deep tissue, stretching, physical assessment, myofascial release, trigger point, lymphatic drainage, transverse friction, mobilising massage, neuromuscular techniques, cross fibre, sports injury management and pre-post-massage.

Sports units - working with elite sporting athletes, strengthening, conditioning, managing sporting events, postural analysis and nutrition information.

Health science units - anatomy and physiology, pathology, human bio-mechanics, professional terminology, referral procedures to medical professionals, report preparation, research techniques and clinical practicum.

Generic units - effective work in the health industry (duty of care, ethics, regulatory environment, etc), infection control, occupational health and safety, communication, practice management and first aid.

Career Prospects  

• On successful completion of the course students may work with elite sport persons or teams as a remedial sports massage therapist.
• From the age of 18 years, be able to apply for registration as a Massage Therapist by the Australian Association of Massage Therapists.
• On completion of the course, students may consider completion of an Advanced Diploma course.
• On completion of the course, students may gain credit towards a Bachelor of Science (Natural Therapies) with a range of universities in Australia.

Delivery Method

The course is offered for 39 weeks full time, excluding holidays.  Classes are delivered from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (these days may vary each semester) with online learning timetabled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The course is delivered using a combination of:  (i) on-campus face-to-face classroom instruction and simulated learning environment; and (ii) online learning with PowerPoint presentations and streamed audio-video conferencing.

Teaching-learning resources include:  study guides, journals, textbooks, CDs, and DVDs.

Assessment methods and tools include:  oral tasks (interview questions), written tasks (workbook, recognition of prior learning, tests, assignments, examinations), group work and discussions (case studies, role plays), project (workplace research project), and simulated or workplace performance (practical demonstration with observation checklists, and third party evidence of clinical placements within a clinical placement handbook). 

Assessment results recognise student achievement against each competency combined with performance level assessments (PLA).

Vocational Placement

GCIT offers opportunities for skills practice at internal supervised massage clinics, Academy of Natural Therapies, and field trips to elite sports practice sessions.

Entry Requirement

• Completed Year 12 or its equivalent with sound achievement in English and Mathematics.
• Mature age (18 years of age and over) with language, literacy, and numeracy proficiency.
• Overseas candidates require English language proficiency 5.5 Academic IELTS or equivalent.

Resources Required

Included in the course fees are uniforms (Academy of Natural Therapies Polo Shirt - compulsory dress for clinic and field trips), learning materials (Study Guide, assessment requirements, handouts, online resource lists, vocational placement diary/work book), and resources (CD toolboxes/VCDs), etc.

Students will have to purchase required text books ($300 approximate price in 2008), 3 large towels, plastic sleeves for notes and uniform ($200 approximate price in 2008 for polo shirt with GCIT logo, long black slacks for males, long black slacks/culottes/three-quarter pants for females; and closed-in shoes compulsory for clinic and field trips), and club memberships (gymnasium and Police Citizens Youth Club).

Students need to access a computer, the Internet, and a personal email account.  The booklist will be provided to students at orientation.

The Institute will provide access to:

• Photocopier.
• Computers - MS 2003 XP Windows, Office Professional, Outlook, Internet Explorer, job-related software for teaching-learning, computer disk drive, and USB ports.
• Models - anatomical.
• Learning environment - class rooms, table, chairs, whiteboards, overhead projectors, flip sheets, TV/video recorder, video camera, digital camera, massage table, seated massage equipment.