VTCT level 3 diploma in complementary therapies (QCF)

About this course:

The VTCT level three diploma in complementary therapies (QCF) is a technical level qualification that provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as an employed and/or self-employed complementary therapist, either within the National Health Service or in private practice.

The following mandatory units are included:

• UV31268 Principles and practice of complementary therapies.
• UV31299 Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies.
• UV31300 Provide body massage for complementary therapies.
• UV31301 Provide aromatherapy for complementary therapies.
• UV31302 Provide reflexology for complementary therapies.
• UV31267 Business practice for complementary therapies.

The VTCT level three diploma in complementary therapies (QCF) is a preparation for work qualification that has been designed to prepare you for a career as a complementary therapist, whether it be as an aromatherapist, reflexologist or massage therapist/practitioner.

This qualification will develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice and business practice for complementary therapies.

Furthermore, you will learn about anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies.

You will also develop your understanding and practical skills to provide body massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. You may also choose to complete an additional unit which will develop your knowledge and understanding of healthy eating and well-being for the complementary therapy client. This optional unit will help to enhance learners skills in providing after-care advice and recommendations to their clients.

This is a practitioner level qualification.

This qualification is based on Skills for Health Complementary Therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and core curricula published by lead bodies in the sector. This qualification is recognised by the UK’s largest complementary therapy trade body/professional association, The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and also the UK’s second largest association representing complementary therapists; the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career as a complementary therapist.

Learners who complete this qualification are eligible to register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) which is the government backed voluntary regulator for the sector. CNHC registration is compulsory for all complementary therapists who work in the NHS.

Units in this qualification have been mapped to the relevant NOS (where applicable).

This qualification is regulated on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

CPD points: 20

Prerequisite: There are no formal prerequisite qualifications that you must have prior to undertaking this qualification. It is recommended that you have a level of general education comparable to GCSEs. You should have a caring disposition and be committed to fulfilling both practical and theory elements. You must meet the required Guided Learning Hours (GLH) by attending our centre for the practical elements and by working through the theory elements, taking part in online discussions, assessments and reviews with your tutor and assessor via our virtual learning environment. Practical elements may be of mixed sex and learners will be required to work on each other.

Duration: This qualification can be completed in a minimum of nine months, on average it takes 12 months to complete the practical and theory elements.

Course delivery: Theory elements are covered online in your own home, in your own time and at your own pace via self study using our virtual learning environment. This theory elements are perfectly suited to online delivery therefore they can be delivered and learning assessed online. You will be fully supported by your course tutor who’s role it is to help and guide you through the process from beginning to end. Both your tutor and assessor will ensure that you not only reach your goals but maintain industry and awarding body standards.

Practical elements are brought to life in a treatment room environment which enhances the learning experience. Therefore compulsory interactive treatment room sessions will be accessed by attending sessions at our centre over a period of 14 days or two hours per week, evenings or weekends for 42 weeks with one of our complementary therapy tutors Joanne Lee and Cindy Vernon.

Case studies: For unit UV31300 provide body massage for complementary therapies you must carry out and document evidence for at least 30 treatments. There must be a minimum of two treatments for each of six clients to consolidate the learning and practice skills required. For unit UV31301provide aromatherapy for complementary therapies you must carry out and document evidence for at least 60 treatments consisting of the following:

a) Aromatherapy massage (minimum of 36 treatments) – six clients must receive a minimum of six treatments

b) Other methods of application (minimum of nine treatments) – compresses, inhalations, blending of creams/lotions etc.

For unit UV31302 provide reflexology for complementary therapies you must carry out and document evidence for at least 100 treatments, which must be carried out on a minimum of four clients. There must be a minimum of six treatments for at least two clients to consolidate the learning and practice skills required. Each case study must include a client questionnaire, lifestyle assessment, consent form, consultation record, treatment record, after care advice and client feedback.

Virtual learning resource: Upon enrolment you will be able to login and access your course content. Simply progress through each section and lecture, complete all your written assignments, email them to your tutor for marking and include the final drafts in your portfolio of evidence.

Upon completion you will be required to attend our assessment centre here in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester to sit an external and invigilated multiple choice exam paper and internal observations as your final assessment.

Minimum system requirement: As this course is delivered via our online virtual learning resource there are some minimum system requirements including:

• Laptop, PC or MAC.
• Broadband internet connection.
• Browsers IE9, IE10, IE11, Firefox, Safari or Chrome.
• Adobe PDF Reader.
• Adobe Flash Player.
• Microsoft Word (or equivalent).

Upon completion of both practical and theory elements, assessments and written papers a VTCT level three diploma in complementary therapies (QCF) will be awarded.

Additional information: All necessary materials and equipment will be provided for use during the practical elements and for final assessments however you will be required to ensure that you have the necessary materials and equipment to continue and complete this qualification.

Progression: On completion of this qualification you may choose to undertake further study; qualifications you could progress to include:

• VTCT level four diploma in stress management strategies (QCF).

You can progress from the VTCT level three diploma in complementary therapies (QCF) directly into a complementary therapist role as you will possess the skills to enable you to provide complementary therapy treatments for clients via employment or self-employment in the complementary and healthcare sector.

What do I do now?

Begin training for a new career or expand your current skill set, enroll on our VTCT level three diploma in complementary therapies (QCF) today....