VTCT level 3 diploma in massage (QCF)

About this course:

The VTCT level three diploma in massage (QCF) is a substantial vocational qualification that will prepare you for a career as a massage therapist.

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.
• UV31267 Business practice for complementary therapies.

You may also choose to complete an optional additional unit which will develop your knowledge and understanding of healthy eating and well-being for the complementary therapy client:

• UV31303 Healthy eating and well-being for the complementary therapy client.

The primary outcome of the VTCT level three diploma in massage is to confirm your competence as a massage therapist in the complementary therapy sector. All the units in this qualification relate directly to the specific job role of a massage therapist.

This is a vocational qualification and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a massage therapist including the mandatory units, knowledge and understanding the principles of complementary therapies and business practice, anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies. You will also develop your understanding and practical skills to competently provide massage services.

Throughout this qualification you develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology, health and safety, and client care. You will also develop a range of technical skills enabling you to provide massage treatments using a variety of different techniques. You will also develop interpersonal skills that will assist you to communicate effectively with clients.

This qualification will confirm your competence for employment as a massage therapist. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a massage therapist. Career opportunities as a massage therapist exist in a variety of contexts, including:

• Working in commercial a complementary therapy clinic, beauty salon or spa.
• Working in the NHS in a hospital or care home.
• Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings.

This qualification is based on the complementary therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK’s leading professional association, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) as being fit for purpose for preparing you for a career as a reflexologist. Holders of this qualification are eligible to become a professional member of BABTAC.

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 six 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. The 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 complusory interactive treatment room sessions will be accessed by attending sessions at our centre over a period of five days or two hours per week, evenings or weekends for 15 weeks with one of our massage tutors Joanne Lee, Cindy Vernon and Tracy Kruup.

Case studies: You must carry out and document evidence for at least 30 treatments on a minimum of four clients to consolidate the learning and practice skills required. There must be a minimum of four treatments for at least two clients. 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 massage (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 three diploma in aromatherapy (QCF).

You can progress from the The VTCT level three diploma in massage (QCF) directly into a massage therapist role as you will possess the skills to enable you to provide massage 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 massage (QCF) today...