Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

Hi, 1st post & just after a bit of advice from all you experts out there!

My partner will soon be a fully qualified massage therapist and was wondering what the chances are of getting a VISA for this profession, is it demand, does it score enough points etc???

We are both early 30's and have 2 small children.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Re: Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

have a look here
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf

Re: Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

Its a 40 Point occupation for the points test but is on the SOL list. But you should contact an agent to see if you have enough points since most people require specific experience in a field and you say he has not qualified.

Here is Australia we have various levels of massage therapist ranging from the Cert IV in massage which is a normal massage therapist (6 months to train) to a Remedial Massage Therapist (sports, injury based etc) which requires 18 months/2 years of study.

From personal experience he should aim for recognition as a remedial therapist which will allow access to health funds as a provider (people can claim back his charges from their private health funds). Also membership of the AAMT which is the professional body and will allow access to annual professional insurance and pretty much every therapist will be a member of.

Good luck.

Re: Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

Hi CityRed

I don't normally post on here, but my husband said there was a Massage Therapy thread. I'm a "fully qualified" massage therapist, with years of ITEC training in various forms of massage BUT I have chosen not to follow it as a career over here in Oz.

Firstly where we are in Melbourne is over-run with massage therapists, so there is a market for them, but in my opinion it is saturated.

As far as qualifications go to use in a visa application, it is my understanding that you must have a QCA Level IV qualification to be eligible for 40 points. You didn't mention what body your husband is qualifying with so he should ask them what QCA level he studied as this is what VETASSES compare to, but to give you an idea, the ITEC practitioner diplomas are only level III, no matter how many you have. The HND in Complementary therapies is a level IV & a BSc Hons in Complementary Therapies is a level V.

I'm sure others will be more knowledgeable about other professional bodies and their QCA Level, but as I understand it you must also have work experience.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Re: Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

Hello
I moved to QLD two years ago as a qualified sports therapist. I joined the AAMT who accepted my qualifications but i also spent a lot of money qualifying in this country as a Remedial Massage Therapist. This means i have full provider status which means people can claim on their health insurance for massage.
Massage is very popular in this country and a great profession to be in.
I came here on a spouse visa so i didnt use my qualifications to gain entry.
Therefore, i dont know the rules with regard to the point system. In any event, i wish you all the best of luck.
Angela

Re: Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

Wot no pervy massage comments? :D

Re: Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

Same story for me really.

In terms of profession its awesome and the demand is moreso than the UK. I have to regularly stop accepting any new clients as otherwise I'm simply too busy and its just too demanding on me physically.

Re: Massage Therapist (Is it in demand in Oz)
 

Thanks for your responses, certainly a fair bit to take in.

Just to stop any confusion my partner is Female & is the one training as a massage therapist, I'm stuck in a boring (Civil Service) office job so no hope for me qualifying.

Cheers