Oncology Massage Module 2

OM2 is the second module of our Foundation Program and builds on the skills and knowledge learned in OM1.

Our experienced facilitators fill this three-day course with an engaging combination of theory and practical lessons, equipping each participant with the knowledge and skills to bring gentle, effective touch therapy to their clients. 


Each course has just 6-12 students, so there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and receive one-on-one feedback from the facilitators in real time. 


Successful completion of OM2 allows students to register for the OMT National Massage Therapist Listing, to express interest in undertaking the Advanced Program in Oncology Massage, and to advertise as a qualified Oncology Massage Therapist.


To ensure that OM2 students have had the opportunity to adequately practice the core skills and techniques learnt in OM1, we require all students to have a short break between completing OM1 and attending OM2. Taking your OM1 skills into your clinic with full disclosure to your clients that you are undertaking Oncology Massage Training is encouraged. Colleagues, family or friends may also act as suitable clients to practice on so that when you work with people experiencing cancer you will feel more confident and can ensure the best outcomes for OM2.

CURRICULUM

Course Content

  • Unit 1: Introduction; science review and development of leading-edge research - psychoneuroimmunology (PNI); mindfulness touch; epigenetics; how the immune system works.
  • Unit 2: Review Bone Marrow Support Sequence; ‘lymph’ safe stroking; relaxation reflex and bowel blockages; abdominal massage demonstration.
  • Unit 3: Understanding the 4C’s, how beliefs and attitudes shape our health; managing the mind; managing the new body image after cancer.
  • Unit 4: Abdominal practical; draping review; case study assessment; discussion.
  • Unit 5: Understanding pain management; nutrition; alternative versus complementary therapies; supplements and cancer.
  • Unit 6: Ethics; professional supervision – emotional and practical; supervised practical treatment of a volunteer oncology client and assessment; debrief and feedback.


The practical assessment will take place with a volunteer client living with cancer, and/or the side effects of treatment for cancer, on day three of your course. This assessment requires you to take a full medical history, create a treatment plan and then demonstrate the relevant Oncology Massage techniques on your volunteer client. 


You may advertise as an Oncology Massage Therapist after you graduate from OM2.

Prerequisites

OM2 is open to anyone who:

  • Has successfully completed OM1, or an OM1 Refresher, no more than 18 months prior to your OM2 start date, and
  • Has successfully completed a touch therapy course recognised by OMT, and
  • Is registered with a professional organisation recognised by OMT.

Recognised Touch Therapy Qualifications


  • Diploma of Remedial Massage
  • Certificate IV in Remedial Massage
  • Diploma of Bowen Therapy
  • Certificate IV in Bowen Therapy
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (Clinical Myotherapy)
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (Myotherapy)
  • Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy
  • Diploma in Wellness & Relaxation Massage (Level 5)

Recognised Professional Organisations


  • Association of Massage Therapists
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
  • Australian Natural Therapists’ Association
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society
  • Bowen Association Australia
  • Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia
  • Massage & Myotherapy Australia
  • Massage Association of Australia
  • Massage Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Myotherapy Association Australia

If your certification or professional organisation does not appear on the lists above, please contact us to discuss.

Course Fees

Price
Standard - 2025 $1550 AUD
Early Bird - 2025 $1350 AUD
Refresher - 2025 $775 AUD
Once you have registered for the course, we’ll email you with our details for payment via bank transfer. Interest free instalment payments are available; for more information, please visit our FAQ page. 

Upcoming OM2 Courses

Can’t find a course in your area? We can travel to you. Bring a course to your community.

  • New South Wales

    | June 7 - 9, 2025 |

    Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

    119-143 Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050

    Facilitated byLizzie Milligan and Tania Shaw

    Early Bird available to May 6, 2025



    For future dates contact us on info@oncologymassagetraining.com.au to register on our Priority Notification List.

  • New Zealand

    2025


    | July 4 - 6, 2025 |

    Dove Hospice and Wellness Centre

    207A Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071

    Facilitated by Tania Shaw and Tess O'Toole

    Early Bird due by: June 3, 2025

  • Queensland

    2025


    | October 4 - 6, 2025 |

    Sunshine Coast Haematology and Oncology Clinic

    10 King Street, Buderim QLD 4556

    Facilitated by Tania Shaw

    Early Bird available to September 3, 2025

  • South Australia

    2025


    | November 7 - 9, 2025 |

    Venue: TBA

    Facilitated by Anne-Marie Halligan

    Early Bird available to October 6, 2025

  • Tasmania

    2025


    | September 12 - 14, 2025 |

    Rydges Hobart

    Corner Argyle & Lewis St, Hobart, TAS 7000

    Facilitated by Anne-Marie Halligan

    Early Bird available to August 11, 2025

  • Victoria

    2025


    | June 20 - 22, 2025 |

    Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group

    769 South Road, Bentleigh East. VIC 3165.

    Facilitated by Anne-Marie Halligan

    Early Bird available to May 19, 2025


    | October 17 - 19, 2025 |

    Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group

    769 South Road, Bentleigh East. VIC 3165.

    Facilitated by Anne-Marie Halligan

    Early Bird available to September 16, 2025

  • Western Australia

    2025


    | August 22-24, 2025 |

    Solaris Cancer Care

    80 Railway Street, Cottesloe Perth 6011

    Facilitated by Anne-Marie Halligan

    Early Bird available to July 21, 2025

PRE-COURSE

Pre-course Exam

There is also a pre-course online exam; this is open book and is designed to test your basic understanding of pathophysiology, which you would have studied as part of your initial massage training. It is a prerequisite to the course and must be completed before the OM2 Course start date. If you do not achieve the pass mark, you will have the opportunity to revisit your answers before you attend OM2. Please do not let any fear of exams deter you from undertaking this course.

Course Preparation

Required reading:


  • OM1 Manual & Notes
  • OM2 Frequently Asked Questions


Highly recommended reading to support your Oncology Massage Training:

  • Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care by Janet Penny and Rebecca Sturgeon
  • Quest for Life by Petrea King


You can find more information, and links to each book on the National Library of Australia’s Trove website, on our FAQ page.


We strongly recommend reviewing your OM1 theory and practical techniques before attending the OM2 course. There is a pre-course online exam; this is open book, and if you do not achieve the pass mark, you will have the opportunity to revisit your answers before you attend OM2. 

What to bring to the course

For an OM2, we need a massage table for every student. If you are not able to bring a massage table, please advise your Course Facilitator immediately.


Every student should bring appropriate Manchester - one full set of linen for their student practical sessions and one full, separate set of linen for their Volunteer Client session - as follows: 


  • 2 x pillows with 2 x pillowcases OR 1 x pillow with pillowcase and 1 x bolster with cover
  • Face hole pad and 3 x protectors
  • 1 x table cover
  • 1 x single sheet
  • 2 x large towels or bath sheets
  • 2 x hand towels
  • 1 x light single blanket
  • Melrose Sweet Almond Oil (or another brand of sweet almond oil)
  • Pens, notepads
  • Masks for pracs
  • Cleaning wipes
  • The mandatory pre-course paperwork