Course Title: Assess client massage needs

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: REHA5009C

Course Title: Assess client massage needs

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5426 - Diploma of Remedial Massage

Course Contact: Toby Glennon

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99250320

Course Contact Email: toby.glennon@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers

Christine O'Connor

christine.oconnor@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 100

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for this unit

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather client information, make a client assessment and determine massage treatment options.

This unit applies to massage therapists providing therapeutic and relaxation massage treatments. It does not include remedial massage assessment techniques.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	HLTMSG010 Assess client massage needs
Element:	1. Determine scope of client needs
Performance Criteria:	1.1. Ensure client completes client intake form prior to assessment. 1.2. Clarify client expectations and identify reason client is wanting to receive massage therapy. 1.3. Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided. 1.4. Collect accurate, relevant and organised health record and document in a form which can be interpreted readily by other professionals. 1.5. Recognise needs that are beyond scope of own practice, and discuss other health care options as required with client. 1.6. Identify and respond to any barriers to information gathering and assessment. 1.7. Seek client information respectfully using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questioning. 1.8. Manage information in a confidential and secure way in accordance with legal and ethical considerations.
Element:	2. Conduct client assessment.
Performance Criteria:	2.1. Determine appropriate assessment process. 2.2. Advise client about the assessment process and obtain informed client consent to proceed. 2.3. Follow clinical and therapist hygiene protocols. 2.4. Respect client dignity and anticipate potential sensitivities. 2.5. Seek client feedback on comfort levels throughout assessment process. 2.6. Assess client through palpation and observation. 2.7. Observe and note any client concerns about pain and health. 2.8. Identify and respond to cautions and contra-indications to massage treatment. 2.9. Document all assessment findings.
Element:	3. Determine and discuss treatment approach.
Performance Criteria:	3.1. Discuss assessment findings to determine treatment needs. 3.2. Discuss assessment and rationale for treatment with the client. 3.3. Respond to client enquiries using language the client understands. 3.4. Discuss referral and collaborative options with the client. 3.5. Obtain informed consent for massage therapy treatment.

Learning Outcomes

Please refer to the Elements of Competency above

Details of Learning Activities

This course may include the following activities: -

• Blog or other online discussion and participation
• practical workshops
• practical demonstrations
• group projects
• peer learning
• guest lecture/presentation
• class presentations
• group discussion
• research
• independent project-based work
• group activities/projects
• simulated workplace activities.

Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week	Date	Topics	Assessment Tasks Due
1	14/07/25	Introduction to palpation and navigating the body
18/07/25	Client information & expectations; Subjective examination; Considerations when performing an assessment; Contraindications and Barriers to treatment	Upload - • Student Consent Form; • Clinic Entrance Agreement
2	21/07/25	The skeletal system and palpable bony landmarks; Legal and ethical considerations; Scope of practice and Physical health status
25/07/25	Postural observation; Inflammation and wound healing; Muscle contraction
3	28/07/25	Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar ROM
01/08/25	AT 2.1 ACMN Online quiz 1	AT 2.1 ACMN Online quiz 1
Cervical and face anatomy
4	04/08/25	Trunk anatomy
08/08/25	Anatomy Revision	AT 2.2 ACMN Online quiz 2
5	11/08/25
15/08/25	Revision, mock assessment
6	18/08/25	In class - Practical assessment 1	Task 1 Practical regional assessment
22/08/25	In class - Practical assessment 1
7	25/08/29	Subjective and Postural assessment, Shoulder ROM
29/08/25	Subjective and Postural assessment, Shoulder ROM
Elbow and Wrist ROM
	01 - 05 Sept	Mid Semester Break
8	08/09/25	Shoulder anatomy	AT2.3 ACMN Online quiz 3
12/09/25	Shoulder, upper arm anatomy	Task 5 Knowledge task
9	15/09/25	Forearm anatomy
19/09/25	AT 2.4 ACMN Quiz 4 in class Shoulder Elbow Wrist revision	AT 2.4 ACMN Online quiz 4
10	22/09/25	Revision, mock assessment
26/09/25	Public Holiday - Friday before GF day
11	29/09/25	In class - Practical assessment 2	Task 2 Practical regional assessment
03/10/25	In class - Practical assessment 2
12	06/10/25	Subjective and Postural assessment
10/10/25	Hip ROM
13	13/10/25	Knee and ankle ROM
17/10/25	Gluteal anatomy	AT2.5 ACMN Online quiz 5
14	20/10/25	Thigh anatomy
24/10/25	Lower leg anatomy	Task 3 Practical Assessment Practice
15	27/10/25	In class - Practical assessment 3	Task 3 Practical regional assessment
31/10/25	In class - Practical assessment 3	Task 3 Practical regional assessment
16	03/11/25	In class - Practical assessment 3
07/11/25	In class - Practical assessment 3
Week 17	Assessment Week 1
Week 18	Assessment Week 2

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops

Complete Anatomy - web application https://3d4medical.com/ "Trail Guide to the Body", 2015, Biel, A; Dorn, R "Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction : The Trigger Point Manual.", 2019, Simons,

Overview of Assessment

Assessments may include any of the below :

• Case studies
• Quizzes
• Knowledge assessment
• Portfolio assessment
• Role play
• Clinical logbook
• Practical assessments

Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, and through the application of learned skills, knowledge and insights.

Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS. There are three (3) summative assessments for this unit, listed below. Feedback will be provided via CANVAS

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved. Unless otherwise advised you must submit all work via the RMIT issued assessment tool which is located in Canvas for you to populate.

Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator. Please see below statement under Resubmission

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

Practical Regional Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1.1 - Practical regional assessment. Cx, Tx, Lx

Assessment Task 1.2 - Practical regional assessment - Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist

Assessment Task 1.3 - Practical regional assessment - Hip, Knee, Ankle

Online Quizzes

Assessment Task 2.1 - Online Quiz 1

Assessment Task 2.2 - Online Quiz 2

Assessment Task 2.3 - Online Quiz 3

Assessment Task 2.4 - Online Quiz 4

Assessment Task 2.5 - Online Quiz 5

Written Knowledge Task

Assessment Task 3 - Written Knowledge Task

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are: CA: Competency Achieved NYC: Not Yet Competent DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment Resubmissions:

Students are allowed two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate competency for the required skills. If an assessment is not submitted by the due date, or you do not attend a practical assessment, regardless of whether it is a first or second attempt, you must apply for special consideration within five (5) working days. If your application is approved, you will be permitted to complete the assessment task at a later date. Without approval for special consideration, you will receive a 'Not Yet Competent' (NYC) grade for that assessment.

A Supplementary Assessment may be granted at the discretion of the Program Coordinator or Program Manager, following discussions with the teacher and/or Course Advisory Committee. Factors such as class attendance (80-100% requirement), class participation and communication with the teacher will be considered.

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.

It is strongly advised and expected that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Class attendance of less than 80% of the class exercise sessions may negatively impact any possibility of additional submissions (see also above in “Assessment Tasks: Re-submissions”).

If you attend late to a lab/clinic/practical teaching session you must wait to be allowed entrance to the lab/clinic as this can pose a WHS issue, especially if specialised equipment is being used and demonstrated. Teachers are permitted to not allow you to use equipment if formal training has been missed, if this happens you must request a meeting with the teacher and program coordinator to discuss moving forward.

If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to apply for special consideration. The special consideration department will ask you to provide a medical certificate or give other evidence to support your request. Once Special consideration has been applied for the students will wait for the result and then contact their teacher on the outcome.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days to your Program Coordinator through your Canvas Course Shell one working day BEFORE the due date. Please provide evidence and /or valid reasonings why you were unable to complete the submission on time within this email. Extensions cannot be guaranteed if evidence or valid reasons are not given. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration:

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview