We welcome your interest in the School of Integrated Body Therapy and look forward to an opportunity to support your growth and learning from your participation in our wide range of interesting, professional massage courses. The School's philosophy embraces a holistic approach to healing and recovery through massage and bodywork.
The School is one of the most experienced specialty massage schools in Australia and was established in 1985. SIBT provides cutting edge bodywork and massage training courses with a focus on the latest hands-on therapy, techniques and skills. The School has been a major contributor to training standards for massage in Australia, is a fully accredited, independent Registered Training Organisation 90362 and is accredited with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. SIBT is also a fully recognised provider of natural medicine education for the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. Please browse through our information and our professional and friendly staff welcome your enquiry should you require further information or advice about direction.

Maggie Sands, SIBT Managing Director/School Principal - Maggie is a Life Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society which was bestowed in 1999 and has held the position of Director since 1987. She has been honoured with the position of President/Chair and Vice President on two separate occasions collectively spanning over 15 years and has also held the position of Treasurer. Maggie has been structurally and politically involved in the development of the Massage profession and has sat on a variety of committees that help steer Natural Therapies in Australia. Maggie was invited to be a member of the Complimentary Health Industry Reference Committee in 2018 for a 3 year term. Maggie is also responsible for the successful development of SIBT into the Asian massage training area.

 

School History

 

The School's co-founders, Maggie Sands and David Griffiths, had humble beginnings with a small group of enthusiastic students in 1985. During the School's growth we have aided and witnessed the evolution of Massage as a highly respected profession in Australia. These years of experience have allowed SIBT to develop and offer a reliable and sound skills-based professional training to a practitioner level.
The school founded the Sands Integration Therapy Method, Myofascial Release and Counselling accreditations within the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. The School has also created other specialty modalities which include Neurolymphatic Massage, Detox Massage and Treating with Ear Candles.
Due to growth and demand the School relocated into its current home at Charmhaven in early 2000 and the Lake Spa Wellness Centre was born. The purposefully designed building houses the School's training rooms, student clinics, administration offices and the Lake Spa team of professional natural medicine practitioners. Students love to learn in the wonderful ambience of the building.
In January 2006 the School was affected by a large fire. During 2006 the School moved offsite to several external premises but continued to function at the high standard it always has. The School building had to be rebuild and the School was relocated back to it’s original home in March 2007.
The School has had enormous success in exporting Massage education internationally and has successfully run various massage trainings in countries including Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong. SIBT now has spanned four decades and has trained thousands of successful massage practitioners. This lengthy ongoing experience has allowed SIBT to become a leader within the world massage training market .Many organisations copy what we do, we are proud to share our knowledge and give back in a variety of ways. We look forward to welcoming you to SIBT and or to LakeSpa Wellness Centre as a student or a client. We are proud and have a great team of teachers, supervisors and practitioners who all love what they do.

 

Why Learn Massage

 

Self Assessment - Assess your suitability for massage training

 

Rewarding

Massage therapy is a rewarding career or interest in which you are able to assist people to improve and maintain their health.

 

Personal interest

Not only will you learn professional massage skills, you will also gain a great understanding of yourself and of others. You will gain an understanding of how the body works, moves and the effects of dysfunction and pain. You will meet a number of likeminded people during the course of your study. Often lifelong friendships are made during these classes.

 

Career Opportunities

There are many exciting career prospects available to qualified massage practitioners.

These may include:

Setting up a business and working from your own home

Providing a mobile massage service

Working in a Massage Therapy Clinic with other therapists

Working with Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists

In Nursing Homes

Resorts/Spas

On cruise ships

In gymnasiums

With Sporting Clubs

 

Work Flexible Hours

Various career paths enable you to work your own hours around your busy lifestyle and/or family commitments. You may like to simply do a few hours a week to supplement your income, build up clientele or complete further advanced training. There are also opportunities to work full time or part time.

 

Growth in Industry

Current trends both internationally and in Australia indicate that the health and wellness industry throughout the work is expanding at a rapid pace. Research indicates the growing interest in bodywork modalities and show that approximately 70% of the Australian adult population has chosen a Chiropractor/Osteopath or a Remedial Massage Therapist as their preferred healthcare professional.

Further information "Exciting Career Prospects..." Article

 

Association Membership

On completion of your HLT40312 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice with SIBT you are eligible to join an industry association i.e. Australian Traditional Medicine Society. This enables you to obtain professional indemnity insurance and receive expert support.

 

Health Fund Rebates

Health Funds in Australia have identified the popularity and success of the complementary medicine profession. As a result many health funds give rebates for massage treatments for professionally qualified and accredited Massage Therapists.

 

And best of all you will receive a massage each week while you are training.

 

 

Why Study with SIBT

 

Industry Leaders

SIBT has trained natural therapy practitioners in Australia for over 3 decades.
SIBT leads by example, other schools copy what we do. SIBT has trained many other school owners and teachers from other training organisations.

 

Nationally Recognised Training

The School of Integrated Body Therapy is a Registered Training Organisation 90362 and delivers the courses below:

HLT42015 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

HLT52015 Diploma of Remedial Massage

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Industry Accreditation. ATMS Recognised Natural Medicine education provider.

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Allowing practitioners the benefits of affordable insurance, health fund rebates on many client services, journals, continuing education opportunities and political support.

 

All Inclusive Course Fees

Course fees are competitive.  SIBT gives the “whole price” and has no hidden costs. SIBT gives a one-off cost that covers all your training including student clinic. Texts may be suggested but these are optional extras to assist with your education. Different payment options are available and we are happy to work out a payment plan to suit you. The school will not accept a payment over $1500 at any one time.

 

High Reputation

Highly recommended by therapists/employers.  Our graduates are sought after!

 

Industry Commitment

Major contributors to national training standards for massage in Australia.
Ongoing academic involvement at industry level.
Maggie Sands, School Principal, has been an active committee member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society over the past 3 decades and has held many honorary positions at a senior level. Maggie has been awarded Life Membership of the Society for her ongoing commitment to the natural therapies industry in Australia.

 

International Experience

The School is supported by the Australian Trade Commission to export massage education. SIBT is the only natural therapies School in Australia, because of it’s vast experience, to export massage training internationally. The School has successfully completed trainings in Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. Teachers are trained and experienced to work with international interpreters as in many countries English is not their first language. The School often introduces a new concept overseas, ie. Remedial Massage as a viable treatment option.

 

Quality Training

Our quality training is second to none. We continually upgrade and fine-tune our curriculum to provide the latest skills-based programs.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation assistance available.

 

Job Placement Opportunities

Because of our quality reputation, numerous organisations approach SIBT when they have Massage Therapy positions available. Positions Vacant are also listed in our "Student Info" section. We provide support and direction for students if required through career guidance.

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Experienced Teachers

Professional, caring, experienced trainers dedicated to teaching and sharing what they know. Our teachers understand the industry. They have personally completed various courses and our extensive teacher training pathway. Trainers also work in the industry many having their own successful massage therapy practices. Teachers are personally trained by SIBT to ensure the School philosophy of “intention” is practiced and taught.

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Student Supervised Clinic/Supervisors

We believe we run one of the most successful and professional student clinics in Australia. The clinic allows students to get on-the-job training in preparation for being a professional practitioner. Student clinic supervisors have “real” massage practice experience and are dedicated to sharing their knowledge to students developing their practice skills under supervision. Clinics are run on Friday and Saturdays. Clinic fees are included in course fees.

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Facilities

Students are provided with informative study guides. Text books, models, charts and other modern teaching tools may be used to assist your learning.

 

Special Student Needs Support

If you need that extra bit of support during courses we are here to help. We have had numerous students who have disabilities which have include sight and hearing impaired students, students in wheelchairs, or students who just needed a bit of support with their study. SIBT also embraces students from other countries and cultures.