Frequently Asked Questions

Home

About Us

FAQ's

Will NHA assist me in finding a job once I graduate?

Of course! NHA provides a Career Finder service for students, graduates and employers. We have noticeboards in each classroom as well as our handy Career Finder page on this website (Info > Career Finder). These facilities are used by prospective employers to specifically target NHA students. We also advertise rooms for subcontracting in the same places.

Do I need a Certificate or Diploma?

We recommend Diplomas as they are now the requirement for obtaining health fund provider numbers, these include Medibank Private and WorkCover. Provider numbers are vital to sustaining a successful practice and gaining employment. Diplomas are the entry requirement for most massage and natural therapy associations and eventually Certificate IV will be phased out.

Why do you offer course specialisations?

We prefer to encourage depth in subject matter so there is a complete understanding of ideas, concepts and skills. We recommend students specialise in their chosen subjects so as to obtain a high degree of proficiency. This leads to confidence and clarity in the professional setting.

I would like to be a Remedial Therapist, what course do I choose?

That depends on the focus of your clinic, for example, if it is toward treating athletes or sports injuries then the Sport Massage specialisation is the course to choose. Most practitioners, however, will run a general clinic, dealing with long-standing musculoskeletal disorders. The Myofascial or Acupressure specialisation courses may offer a better pathway in these areas. There are some who wish to treat disorders using more energetic based therapies, for example, Polarity Therapy.

Myofascial Release is the fastest growing remedial technique, why?

It is a mind-body therapy ideally suited to treating a wide variety of complaints, from musculoskeletal disorders to functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and headaches, etc. It is a strong, yet gentle therapy suitable for children and elderly and has broad appeal. People in chronic pain do not want aggressive therapy. They are attracted to this type of bodywork where healing is promoted, not forced, but where deep effective therapy can take place.

When does the next course start?

We have continuous intakes, so you can start anytime with any subject that does not have prerequisites. You may do any combination of day, evening or weekend classes.

Are evening or weekend courses Austudy or SACE approved?

Yes, full-time means an average of 25 hours a week at the Academy. This can include weekends or evenings. It does not mean attending every day at the Academy. In between subjects there is supervised clinic or assignments to do which are also counted towards full-time study.

Do you offer courses by distance education?

It is interesting to note that Chiropractors or Osteopaths take five years to complete their Degree and Physiotherapists take 3-4 years. None of these Degrees are offered here in Adelaide by Distance Education. Why? These professions require a lot of hands-on therapy and extensive training. Class and clinic interactions are vital for proper development of values, communication skills and gaining ideas of how to develop a practice. Interaction, discussion, workshopping etc cannot be done at home in front of a computer or looking at a set of notes. Massage, in particular, is a service industry that involves a high degree of client/patient communication and close up body contact with superb tactile skills.

Massage and other Remedial Therapies cannot be taught by DVD or extensive home study notes. This is because in any tactile “hands-on" subject there has to be considerable coaching and correction of practical techniques, personal postural assessments and adjustments for the performing of these skills.

Personal feedback from our experienced trainers is required to develop that quality of touch, fluidity of movement and professional presentation that must be developed for successful professional practice.

Country students are not disadvantaged at NHA as we provide many courses on weekends and in blocks of training where vital information is given and assignments are done at home.

An education at NHA prepares you for a number of careers. The Academy careers counsellor will work with you to identify the career path that best fits your talents and lifestyle. If you think you would like some advice please come to our careers night or phone our counsellor for more information.

It's the quality of touch that makes the difference!

Info Guide

Our current, comprehensive Info Guide contains detailed descriptions of courses and subjects that we offer. You may download this document in PDF format for your reference.

Click on the image below.