Many of you might have read my “Dear Susan” posts—honest questions from therapists who are confused about aspects of our profession. To be fair, there is a lot of conflicting information out there, enough to leave even the best-informed practitioners bewildered. I do my best to answer with fairness and humility, but sometimes, I want to shout in frustration (yes, I have emotions, and no, I don’t always behave like the perfect professional!).
One question I get regularly goes something like this:
"Susan, can you advise me about a client I have coming this afternoon? They were diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago and have a stoma. What techniques should I use?"
Firstly—you’re asking me about a client coming in a few hours? I try to respond urgently, if only to prevent a potential disaster. My usual answer boils down to this: You have a duty of care. Without the proper knowledge, you should not be working on this client.
There is so much more to consider than just technique. You need to understand their medical history, treatment plan, current health status, and whether they are still under the care of an oncology team. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Yet, like wildfire, short oncology massage courses are popping up everywhere—a day here, a day there. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate qualifications and marketing hype. Frankly, I’ve had enough. It’s time to speak out.
The Illusion of the "Three-Day Qualification"
How many of you have heard that you can get a massage qualification in just three days?
I imagine those of you who have put in years of hard work don’t greet this with warmth.
Me neither.
Hands-on therapy takes time to master. You cannot achieve competence in a few days. If learning a skill was like running a marathon, you might be able to drag yourself across the finish line with minimal training—but it wouldn’t be a good experience, for you or anyone watching.
So, let’s talk about the biggest deception of all: the so-called “One-Day Diploma.”
The Deception of the "One-Day Diploma": A Disrespect to Our Profession
In recent years, an alarming trend has emerged—short, one-day courses falsely advertised as diplomas. This misrepresentation not only devalues true education but also disrespects those who have spent years mastering their craft.
The True Meaning of a Diploma
A diploma, in its respected form, signifies substantial study, rigorous assessments, and hands-on experience. Whether in healthcare, massage therapy, or any other profession, earning a diploma requires dedication, critical thinking, and competence.
The Problem with One-Day “Diplomas”
Marketing a few hours of training as a “diploma” sends a dangerous message: that expertise can be acquired instantly. This is unethical and, in fields involving client care, potentially harmful. Practitioners who believe they are fully qualified after a day of training may unknowingly put clients at risk.
The Impact on Professionalism
- Devalues Proper Education – Those who have invested years into legitimate qualifications find their expertise undermined by misleading course titles.
- Misleads Students – Aspiring professionals may waste time and money on quick-fix courses that lack credibility and fail to meet industry standards.
- Compromises Client Safety – In oncology massage, where knowledge of contraindications, patient safety, and ethics is essential, a short course is nowhere near adequate.
- Erodes Trust in the Industry – When diplomas can be obtained in a day, the integrity of our profession is at stake.
Upholding Standards
As professionals, we must take a stand.
Regulators, accrediting bodies, and educators must ensure that the term diploma is reserved for programs that meet rigorous educational standards.
There should be clear distinctions between attendance certificates, skill-based certifications, and full diplomas—allowing students to make informed decisions about their education and career.
Raising the Standard for Oncology Massage Training
What can we do as oncology massage therapists?
Oncology massage therapists have a profound responsibility—not just to provide compassionate touch but to ensure that our care is safe, informed, and tailored to each client’s unique medical history. That level of expertise cannot be gained in a single day.
Mislabeling short courses as “diplomas” creates a false sense of competency, ultimately putting clients at risk. A true qualification in oncology massage must go beyond technique; it must provide a solid foundation in pathology, treatment side effects, clinical reasoning, and ethical considerations.
If we want our profession to be respected and integrated into healthcare settings, we must demand higher standards in education. That means:
- Choosing training programs that offer depth and practical experience
- Questioning misleading course titles and marketing claims
- Committing to lifelong learning and professional growth
Currently, there is no formal diploma in oncology massage, and what truly defines a competent therapist is not a title—it’s knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to safe, client-centered care. Let’s build education in our field on integrity, not just marketing gimmicks.
A Final Thought
Would you want to receive treatment from someone who has only a day of training in oncology massage?
Neither would I.
