Massage and Complementary Therapies

Qualification

iTEC Level 3

Duration

One to three years

Entry requirements 

There are no formal entry requirements, however an interest in people, your own health and personal growth are essential along with self-motivation, good communication skills, a caring nature and good fitness levels. Good basic computer skills are needed for this course. There will also be an internal assessment to ensure that you are working at the appropriate level for this course and your individual circumstances can be discussed at your Pre-Entry Assessment.

What does the course involve?

Mandatory units include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Holistic Massage
• Business

There are also optional disciplines which you can choose to study depending on your abilities and interests:

• Aromatherapy
• Sports Massage
• Reflexology
• Indian Head Massage
• On-site Chair Massage

How you’ll learn

Therapies are taught in small groups which promote independent working. Internal and external clinics are all supervised. There is a mixture of theory and practical work which will include early interaction with a range of different clients. Students will be expected to work with a certain number of clients per module and write up detailed notes as case studies.

Work based learning

You will have weekly practical experience, providing massages to members of the public during open clinics and sessions by appointment. You will also have the opportunity to attend events to gain experience of massaging a range of people. These may include running and cycling races, pamper days for the community and corporate clinics. Working with various charities, notably those for people with different conditions, provides you with a range of learning experiences to develop transferable skills.

How you’ll be assessed

Students will have formal combined exams, for which you will gain practice from a series of mock exams. Students take part in several supervised clinics which require written case studies, collated in a portfolio of evidence.

Where will it take me?

Many of our students go into employment, working in health spas and fitness centres. Self-employment as a massage therapist is a popular career path, which includes building a client base, utilising business skills for self promotion and gaining membership of a professional body.