Oncology Massage - NAT Certification Course (9.5 hrs)
Oncology Massage
9.5 Hours CE/CPD | Online Course with Maureen Abson
Working with clients who have cancer, are undergoing treatment, or have a history of cancer requires knowledge, sensitivity, clinical reasoning, and a clear understanding of safe practice principles.
Oncology Massage provides a practical, evidence-informed introduction to massage therapy for clients affected by cancer, helping therapists understand how to adapt treatment safely while supporting comfort, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Presented by oncology massage educator Maureen Abson, author of the bestselling book Healing Massage, this comprehensive course explores both the application of massage therapy for oncology clients and an introduction to Manual Lymphatic Drainage within the context of cancer care.
Course Overview
Across this 9.5-hour CE/CPD course, participants will develop a stronger understanding of how cancer, cancer treatments, and treatment side effects may influence massage therapy assessment, planning, treatment adaptation, and client management.
The course is divided into two complementary areas of study. The first focuses on oncology massage and the practical application of massage therapy for clients with cancer or a cancer history. The second provides an introduction to Manual Lymphatic Drainage and its role within supportive care.
Drawing upon current research and modern oncology massage principles, the course helps therapists move beyond outdated myths and develop confidence in delivering safe, appropriate, and client-centred care.
Supported by 13 online video classes, fully illustrated course notes, lesson quizzes, online examinations, certificate of completion, and lifetime access, this course provides a structured learning experience for qualified rehabilitation and healthcare professionals.
What You Will Learn
| Topic | Focus |
|---|---|
| Cancer & Massage Therapy | Understanding how cancer and cancer treatments may influence massage therapy planning and delivery |
| Safety & Treatment Adaptation | Learning how to modify pressure, positioning, treatment goals, and session structure appropriately |
| Side Effects & Clinical Considerations | Recognising common treatment-related concerns and adapting care accordingly |
| Manual Lymphatic Drainage | Understanding the principles and potential applications of Manual Lymphatic Drainage within supportive care |
| Evidence-Informed Practice | Applying current research and modern oncology massage principles to professional decision-making |
| Client-Centred Care | Supporting comfort, wellbeing, communication, and quality of life throughout the therapeutic relationship |
Course Content
The course combines oncology massage education, cancer treatment awareness, clinical adaptation strategies, lymphatic system concepts, Manual Lymphatic Drainage principles, and evidence-informed professional practice.
| Module | Focus |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Oncology Massage | Understanding cancer care, oncology massage principles, and modern professional practice |
| Cancer Treatments & Side Effects | Exploring how treatment pathways may influence massage considerations and adaptations |
| Assessment & Treatment Planning | Client screening, communication, contraindications, and safe treatment decision-making |
| Massage Adaptations for Oncology Clients | Pressure modification, positioning, comfort measures, and supportive treatment approaches |
| Introduction to Manual Lymphatic Drainage | Lymphatic system principles and introductory Manual Lymphatic Drainage concepts |
| Clinical Integration & Professional Practice | Applying evidence-informed oncology massage principles within professional scope of practice |
Who This Course Is For
This course is intended for licensed or qualified rehabilitation and healthcare professionals who are permitted to work with clients within their professional scope of practice.
Suitable professionals may include rehabilitation professionals, manual therapists, massage therapists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, trigger point therapists, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, nurses, and other appropriately qualified healthcare practitioners.
Please note that certification for this course is intended for qualified professionals working within their legal and professional scope of practice.
About Maureen Abson
Maureen Abson is an experienced massage therapist, educator, and internationally respected oncology massage instructor. She is the author of the bestselling book Healing Massage and has dedicated many years to advancing education in oncology massage and supportive cancer care.
Known for her practical teaching style and compassionate approach, Maureen has helped therapists around the world develop greater confidence when working with clients affected by cancer and complex health conditions.
Her teaching combines current research, clinical experience, and a strong emphasis on safe, client-centred care, helping practitioners understand how massage therapy can be adapted appropriately within oncology settings.
Included With This Course
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Classes | 13 online video classes presented by Maureen Abson |
| Fully Illustrated Course Notes | Comprehensive oncology massage course notes with full-colour illustrations and quick-reference format |
| Companion Course | Comprehensive companion course designed to reinforce and deepen learning |
| Lesson Quizzes | Knowledge checks designed to reinforce learning throughout the course |
| Online Exams | Assessments included for course completion and certification |
| Certificate | 9.5 Hours CE/CPD following successful completion |
| Lifetime Access | Study at your own pace and revisit the material whenever required |
| Subtitles | English, French, German, and Spanish subtitles included |
CE Finder
This course has been approved for continuing education by numerous professional boards and associations worldwide. Scroll sideways to find your board or association.
Approvals Listed: 62
CE Broker Provider: #20-658140
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Approval requirements can change. Please confirm acceptance with your own board, association, employer, or regulatory authority before registration.
Oncology Massage
Professional Reviews & Feedback
The reviews below represent feedback provided by students and practitioners through Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Judge.me.
“This course gave me a much clearer understanding of how to adapt massage safely for clients with cancer or a cancer history.”
“The teaching was calm, practical, and very respectful of the sensitivity required when working with oncology clients.”
“A very worthwhile course. I appreciated the balance between safety, clinical reasoning, and compassionate client care.”
“The oncology massage content was clear and reassuring. It helped me feel more confident about appropriate modifications.”
“Maureen Abson explains the material beautifully. The course notes were detailed, practical, and easy to return to.”
“Excellent continuing education for massage therapists who want to work more safely and sensitively with oncology clients.”
“The course helped remove a lot of uncertainty around contraindications and precautions. Very useful for real clinical practice.”
“I found the Manual Lymphatic Drainage introduction especially helpful. It was explained in a careful and accessible way.”
“The course felt professional from start to finish. The information was serious, practical, and presented with appropriate care.”
“This is one of the most useful oncology massage courses I have taken online. The content was thoughtful and well organised.”
“The emphasis on safety, communication, and treatment adaptation was exactly what I was looking for.”
“A strong course for therapists who want to provide supportive massage while staying within safe professional boundaries.”
“The explanations around cancer history, treatment stages, and client presentation were very helpful. I feel better prepared.”
“The course gave me a sensible framework for intake, decision-making, and adapting pressure for each client.”
“Very clear instruction and excellent supporting notes. I appreciated the conservative, safety-first approach.”
“This training helped me understand that oncology massage is not about a fixed routine, but about thoughtful clinical adaptation.”
“The presentation was professional and easy to follow. The course gave me practical guidance I can use with confidence.”
“A compassionate and practical course. The material was delivered with the seriousness and sensitivity the subject deserves.”
“I especially valued the guidance around when to modify treatment and when to seek further medical information.”
“The course strengthened my understanding of safe massage for clients with complex medical histories.”
“A well-structured course with excellent explanations. It gave me more confidence without ever encouraging overconfidence.”
“The oncology massage section and lymphatic content worked well together. The course felt complete and professionally delivered.”
“Clear, respectful, and clinically useful. I would recommend this course to any therapist wanting to work more safely with oncology clients.”
“The course was detailed without being overwhelming. The quick-reference style notes are especially useful.”
