A Hands-On Path to a New Career

After spending 10 years working in pet retail, Adam Forber knew he wanted a career that allowed him to work closely with people and make a meaningful difference in their lives. A visit to a remedial massage appointment with a friend inspired him to enrol in Chisholm's Diploma of Remedial Massage, setting him on a path towards a rewarding new career helping others improve their health and wellbeing.

Watching the therapist assess and treat his friend's neck pain left a lasting impression. Adam was fascinated by how thoroughly the therapist assessed the problem and understood what was happening in the body. “My friend got off the table feeling like a whole new person, and something just clicked for me,” he says. It was the moment he realised remedial massage could combine his passion for helping people with a rewarding new career.

Having not studied for 10 years, Adam was initially unsure about stepping back into the classroom. However, he quickly discovered that the hands-on nature of the course suited the way he learns best. While he expected to learn massage techniques, he soon realised the course was much broader than he anticipated.

“Before I started, I thought massage was mainly about learning some techniques,” he says. “What surprised me most was how much you learn about the body as a whole and how everything is connected.”

One of the factors that helped make the transition possible was Chisholm's additional mid-year intake. Rather than waiting months to start, Adam was able to begin studying when he felt ready to take the next step.

As his studies progressed, the opportunity to work with real clients through Chisholm's student massage clinic became one of the most valuable parts of his learning experience. Built into the course, the clinic operates like a genuine workplace, giving students the opportunity to develop professional skills and build confidence under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

For Adam, one client experience reinforced that he had chosen the right career path.

A woman came to the clinic with significant pain and restricted movement in her shoulder after seeking help from multiple health professionals. After completing an assessment and treatment plan, Adam was able to improve her movement and reduce her discomfort. When she became emotional after experiencing relief, he realised he was making the kind of difference that had drawn him to the profession in the first place. “That was the moment I realised the difference I could make in someone's life.”

The support of Chisholm's teachers has also played an important role in Adam's success. Drawing on their own industry experience, they provide practical insights and adapt their teaching to support different learning styles, helping students build both their knowledge and confidence. Combined with small class sizes, Adam says the supportive learning environment helped him thrive after a decade away from study.

“The teachers have all worked in the massage industry, so their knowledge and experience is real. They'll do whatever they can to help you with your learning.”

As he looks ahead to a career in remedial massage, Adam is grateful he took the leap back into study. His advice to anyone considering the course is simple: back yourself.

“I wasn't sure I could do it,” he says. “But if you're willing to learn and trust the process, you'll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”