Subject focus: Courses in natural therapies in Australia and New Zealand

Whether you want to set up your own practice, work in a gym, cruise ships or a spa, move into sports or pregnancy Massage Therapy, then Wellpark College is a great place to learn. Our aim is to teach you well and ensure that you are aware of all the career opportunities open to Massage Therapists.

You may already be working in Natural Health and wish to add another skill, you may be looking for a career that will work around the family, you may be looking to set up a business from your home. Training to be a Massage therapist will provide you with lots of options and the team at Wellpark  College will be there to support you all the way.

Certificate in Relaxation Massage

The Certificate in Relaxation Massage taught at Wellpark College provides a sound basis of anatomy and physiology. You are introduced to the principles of healing touch and how massage can be used as a healing medium. You will learn a range of Swedish massage strokes as well as additional techniques to enhance relaxation, and reduce stress and muscle tension. Specialised therapies and infant and pregnancy massage, reflexology and holistic pulsing are introduced. Supervised clinical practice is undertaken so you gain confidence in using massage in clinical practice prior to graduation from the certificate programme.

Programme details

Duration: 6 months

Start: Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July)

Diploma in Therapeutic Massage & Remedial Therapies

Learn about the workings of the body’s systems in physiology and gain an understanding of physical conditions, causation, symptoms and the effect on the body as well as treatment approaches for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, pathology and physiology, plus a range of assessment techniques to determine specific treatment approaches. A range of specialised therapies are introduced, and may be incorporated into the remedial massage session, including lymphatic drainage, sports massage, fascial release, neuromuscular techniques, articular mobilisation, acupressure and an introduction to cranial aspects. Theoretical knowledge is incorporated into weekly clinical practice sessions ensures that you graduate feeling confident to start practicing immediately.

Student testimonial

Andie Bennett studied massage therapy at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies >>

Programme details

Duration: 18 months

Start: Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July)

Find out more about Wellpark College of Natural Therapies >>

Domestic animal health and wellness is a lot more than providing healthy food and fresh water. Many pets now suffer from a variety of complex maladies necessitating multiple drug and supplement regimes. And these integral family members can’t speak for themselves to explain their suffering. Similarly, farm and herd animals are a significant part of the global concern over the food supply chain, anti-microbial resistance and are strongly implicated in the over-use of antibiotics. Homeopathy has played a role in farm and domestic animal health for over 200 years. In this government accredited course course you learn how to interact with animals and observe their symptoms and behaviours in new ways. Homeopathy offers so many gentle and complementary treatments to conventional care.

The Diploma of Homeopathy (Animal Health) is comprised of two parts. The one year Animal Foundation Course is designed to give students a sound grasp of acute homeopathic prescribing, a good knowledge of homeopathic philosophy and theory and some in-depth study of major homeopathic remedies; along with the homeopathic therapeutics of common acute animal conditions. Animal anatomy and physiology is an integral part of the course. The course aims to establish student competence in first aid and minor acute prescribing.

A certificate of acknowledgment is granted to those who successfully complete the course. Students then may go on to complete the Diploma of Homeopathy (Animal Health) which is approved by NZQA and qualifies for student loans and allowances by the Ministry of Education. It is currently offered only at our Auckland, New Zealand venue or via distance learning.

The four year Diploma of Homeopathy (Animal Health) course aims to educate the student to practitioner standard. It is a diploma course based on current national and international standards. It demands commitment and application on the part of the student. The course offers training in all aspects of homeopathy - from philosophy and theory to practical clinical application. Animal medical science is included in the course to national accreditation standards.

The course covers six main subjects:

• Philosophy
• Theory
• Materia Medica
• Practical Application incl. clinical training
• Medical Science
• Therapeutics

Clinical training is included in the 'Practical Application' subject area. Beginning in year two, students are required to undertake on-site training with registered homeopathic practitioners. Each year of the course the subjects increase in depth and level of integration and are designed to facilitate a smooth, steady transition on the part of the student.

Course details

Fees: NZ$9,340 per year

Duration: 4 years

Find out more about the College of Natural Health and Homeopathy >>

The latest research shows that despite all the advances of western conventional medicine many patients are looking to gentler alternative and complementary therapies. Many have had enough with the conveyor belt approach to illness our health systems that are more like sickness systems and are buckling under the strain of an aging population and a lack of agility.

How are you dealing with the western conventional health care system? Does it work for you? Are you feeling as if there is not enough 'care' in health care?

Homeopathic medicine has been treating individuals and communities for 200 years for chronic acute and epidemic disease. These days becoming educated and becoming a practitioner takes the form of undergraduate diploma’s or degrees.

The fully accredited NZQA Diploma of Homeopathy offered by CNHH gives you everything you need to learn this most amazing system of medicine.

In this course students explore the underpinning principles of wellness, complementary medicine and integrative approaches to health care. Then focussing specifically on homeopathic medicine, students learn practical and therapeutic interventions for a whole range of acute, and chronic illnesses of our times. Students learn the specifics of running a thriving practice and gain in confidence through the clinical training program.

Clinical training is included in the 'Practical Application' subject area. Beginning in year two, students are required to undertake on-site training with registered homeopathic practitioners. Students become proficient in gaining health care skills, case taking, case management, and when to advise referral to other health care professionals.

Each year of the course the subjects increase in depth and level of integration and are designed to facilitate a smooth, steady transition on the part of the student.

The course covers six main subjects :

• Philosophy
• Theory
• Materia Medica
• Practical Application including clinical training
• Medical Science
• Therapeutics

The course offers training in all aspects of homeopathy - from philosophy and theory to practical clinical application. Medical Science is included in the course to national accreditation standards. Anatomy and physiology are also included and integrated along with homeopathic therapeutics to facilitate the use of homeopathic remedies for specific conditions for which there is good traditional and scientific evidence (earaches, sore throats etc).

Programme details:

Fees: NZ$9,340 per year

Find out more about the College of Natural Health and Homeopathy >>

This is an exciting time for the field of Nutrition as globally we gain a better understanding and interest in what we eat and how it impacts on our health. We are starting to realise that by taking a holistic approach, analysing our diets and applying sensible healthy eating, that we can help prevent diseases and ailments in the future.

If you already have a love of food and want to increase this knowledge so that you can turn your passion into a profession that can help others achieve better health and wellbeing then Wellpark College is the place for you.

As a Nutrition Student you will gain a comprehensive understanding of various theories about, and approaches to nutrition. You will have a solid grounding in the health sciences including: human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutritional biochemistry, pathology patterns of disease, microbiology and health assessment. Gain confidence as you apply the principles you have learned, working with clients in a supervised clinical environment at our student clinic.

You join us as students and leave us as colleagues!

Student Testimonial

Bettina Buch studied the Diploma in Nutrition >>

Programme details

Duration: 2 years

Fees: Approx. AU$14,020 per year + NZ$200 for compulsory first aid training before starting your programme

Find out more about Wellpark College of Natural Therapies >>

The Diploma of Remedial Massage provides you with the skills and knowledge to work as a remedial massage practitioner or remedial massage therapist. It covers the provision of remedial massage to clients with specific needs such as injury management, rehabilitation, palliative care, aged care and women and children.

You will acquire knowledge in the chemical, biological and biophysical aspects of massage, and in the philosophy, principles and practice of complementary health care to enable you to work safely and ethically with your clients, and in ways that allow you to establish and maintain your status as a health care professional in public or private employment.

Career opportunities

This qualification provides the skills required for competence in remedial massage practice and practitioners at this level may be self-employed as independent practitioners or may work within a larger health service. It covers the provision of remedial massage treatment to clients with specific needs such as injury management, rehabilitation, palliative care, aged care, women and children. Practitioners at this level may supervise other massage therapists.

Career opportunities include: remedial massage therapy practitioner, remedial massage therapist, remedial therapist.

Core units

• Analyse health information
• Apply first aid
• Apply massage assessment framework
• Apply remedial massage assessment framework
• Communicate and work effectively in health
• Communicate effectively with clients
• Comply with infection control policies and procedures in health work
• Confirm physical health status
• Contribute to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) processes
• Develop professional expertise
• Implement and monitor compliance with legal and ethical requirements
• Maintain an effective health work environment
• Make referrals to other health care professionals when appropriate
• Manage a practice
• Perform massage health assessment
• Perform remedial massage health assessment
• Plan massage treatment
• Plan remedial massage treatment strategy
• Provide massage treatment
• Provide remedial massage treatment
• Provide specialised remedial massage treatments
• Reflect and improve upon professional practice
• Use specific health terminology to communicate effectively
• Work effectively with others
• Work within a massage framework

Programme Details

Duration: 1.5 years

Fees: AU$15,750 – AU$15,910 *(the course fee varies based on the location chosen and the year study commences)

Entry requirements: Year 12 or equivalent

Find out more about TAFE NSW >>

Diploma in Yoga

The Wellpark College teacher training programme is a registered yoga school with the Yoga Alliance at levels 200 and 500 hours. Studying to be a yoga teacher with Wellpark College will not only provide you with a solid foundation into yoga asanas, anatomy and physiology, but we will also ensure that you have comprehensive understanding of the history, philosophy and traditions of yoga. Inspiring and supportive teachers along with the opportunity to lead lunch time college practices and practise at our student clinic, will see you graduating with the confidence to teach in the community at large.

Programme details

Duration: 1 year

Start: Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July)

Entry requirements: At least 6 months of yoga practice

Diploma in Yoga Therapy

Combining classical yoga with an understanding of medical sciences through the study of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.  You will learn how to design yoga therapy plans to facilitate healing in a clinical setting by using postures, breathing practices, mudra, cleansing techniques, relaxation and meditation practices.

Graduates of our Diploma in Yoga Therapy have gone on to work in professional practice in yoga therapy, have become health care advisors in the field of yoga, work in integrated clinics, and in gyms.

Programme details

Duration: 1 year

Start: Semester 1 (February)

Entry requirements: Graduate of Diploma in Yoga or equivalent, and three years professional practice.

Find out more about Wellpark College of Natural Therapies >>

Wellpark College offers a leading degree programme in naturopathic and herbal medicine, that develops critical thinkers who can provide a holistic approach to individual cases. You will gain an extensive knowledge in a variety of health sciences including; anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology and health assessment. You will study a wide range of natural therapies; including nutrition, herbal medicine, massage and aromatherapy, all from a sound philosophical framework and research base. You will be trained in full health assessment that includes physical assessment, laboratory and functional medicine tests and you will practice under supervision at our student clinic.

Course details

Start date: February 2016

Entry requirements: You must be at least 18 to apply for this course. Have studied maths and english at GCSE level, and science at a higher level. Talk to a Study Options student advisor to find out more about the entry requirements for this programme.

Fees: Approx. NZ$15,300 per year + NZ$200 for compulsory first aid training before starting your programme

Find out more about Wellpark College of Natural Therapies >>