ITEC Massage Diploma (Level 3 QCF)

The School of Natural Therapies' ITEC Holistic Massage Diploma Course provides an exciting, dynamic and thoroughly enjoyable learning experience for all students undertaking one of our internationally recognised diplomas. The course provides a vital ‘stepping stone’ for candidates wanting to move into the rapidly growing field of massage and complementary health; after successful completion  candidates may also wish to further develop their massage and therapeutic skills on one of our advanced massage workshops or higher diplomas such as sports massage or aromatherapy massage.

With a long standing reputation for learning excellence and on-going tutor support, the School of Natural Therapies' prides itself on ensuring that students are well prepared for the ITEC Diploma examination. On successful completion of the examination, post graduate students will be able to begin a new career or earn additional income in any of the following ways:

• Work in a Health Club, Hotel, Cruise Ship or a Ski Resort
• Set up a practice from a spare room at home
• Study one of our further advanced massage courses such as the BTEC Sports Massage
• Supplement your full time income by building your own client base for Massage and Beauty Treatments
• Carry out treatments for family/friends or colleagues

To complete the Diploma, we offer a ‘Fast track’ option, which takes place over 8 separate weekends, this means that throughout the three/four months you study with us, it will include most weekends, but not every weekend.
We also run two weekday courses throughgout the year, for those who are unable to study at weekends – dates for our next weekday courses starting in early 2013 will be advertised on this site very soon.
Courses take place in South West London at our popular venues in Clapham, both close to the common with excellent public transport links – parking is also free at weekends.
 
 

The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage, Anatomy & Physiology is a fast track, intensive course of study designed for those wishing to build the base from which to develop a career in alternative therapies. The course is run by enthusiastic, dedicated ITEC professionals who teach not because they can do but because they love to. The Diploma is comprised of four independent units or modules including:

Please note that as from September 2012, the structure of the ITEC Diploma in Massage will change nationally and the School of Natural Therapies will be offering the diploma in it’s new and up to date format – please see details of the new course structure below.

The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage, Anatomy & Physiology is a fast track, intensive course of study designed for those wishing to build the base from which to develop a career in complementary therapies. The course is run by enthusiastic, dedicated ITEC professionals who teach not because they can do but because they love to. The Diploma is comprised of four independent units, with the option of a fifth unit in Healthy Eating & Well-being as well, if this unit is of interest to the student.

The compulsory units are:
 

ITEC Unit 380 Massage for Complementary Therapies

Students will learn how to evaluate contraindications or cautions that may restrict or prevent treatment, deliver an effective massage treatment in a safe, hygienic and professional manner.
Learning outcomes for this unit include:

• How to prepare for a body massage treatment, in a safe, comfortable work area, in line with current legislation & working practice requirements
• Through effective client consultation, learn how to respond to any presenting contra-indications and provide a safe, appropriate and comfortable massage treatment as appropriate for the individual client.
• The identification of important body surface landmarks, such as muscles and bones
• The principles of Holistic/Therapeutic Body Massage and its psychological effects and benefits to the human mind
• Guidance on how to develop a massage routine for each individual client
• Development of a holistic approach - treating the 'mind, body and spirit'
• The correct application of massage techniques and use of body posture/mechanics by the therapist, in order to prevent mechanical injuries
• The benefits of massage on a physical level
• Identify lifelong learning opportunities to plan for self-development

Students will be expected to undertake case studies as part of the course and provide evidence of these treatments on case study forms – the majority of this work is expected to be completed by the student at home; however, some of this work will be carried out during the class time as well.
This unit is externally examined by a visiting ITEC examiner and will be  45 minutes long. Exam days are confirmed once the course is under way.

ITEC Unit 383, Knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies
(Multiple choice theory test 50 questions on exam day – 1 hour paper, taken alongside the practical exam for unit 380)
Human Anatomy and Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies, covering all major systems and their functions, incorporating:

• Cell Structure, Tissue and Skin Cellular Composition
• Muscular and Skeletal Systems
• Cardiovascular - Heart and Blood Circulation
• Lymphatic System - Lymph glands and production of Tissue Fluid
• Neurological System - Brain and Nervous System
• Endocrine System - Hormonal producing organs and role of hormones in the human body
• Respiratory System - Lungs and air pathways
• Digestive System
• Genito-Urinary System - Kidneys and water metabolism
• Reproductive System

ITEC Unit 384 - Principles and Practice of Complementary Therapies
(Assignment based learning which allows the student to research four other complementary therapies in the form of  four assignments – these will be submitted andmarked internally by the school)

ITEC Unit 385 - Business Practice for Complementary Therapies
(Assignment based learning – students will write their own business plan in relation to a holistic business – internally marked and assessed by the school)

There is also an optional study unit, which can be taken in addition to the above course and will benefit the student by: –
Unit 386 Healthy Eating and Well Being for the Complementary Therapy Client – Please note that this course does not form part of the above course, but can be taken if desired as a separate unit during the course. Students may wish to study this unit in order to enhance their Holistic Massage Diploma and earn additional learner credits through Ofqual. Successful candidates my want to offer nutritional advice as part of their new practice and may adopt the status of ‘Nutritional Adviser’.
Those undertaking this additional unit will be able to:-

• Evaluate the client's present eating habits in line with current healthy eating guidelines
• Provide general information and nutritional advice, in order to maintain health and well-being
• Explain the factors that should be considered when planning healthy eating for the Complementary Therapy Client.

The School of Natural Therapies also runs an advanced course in diet and nutrition, which takes place over three study weekends. Please click here for more details of our ITEC Diploma course in Diet and Nutrition

 

• A genuine desire to learn the art and skill of massage and bodywork and it’s therapeutic values as a complementary treatment
• Education to GCSE standard is desirable
• Good command of English language is desirable
• Time to compile 18 ‘case study’ treatments)
• To be prepared to complete at least 5 hours home study per week
• There is also an opportunity to undertake an industry approved First Aid Course (1 day) which is recognised as good practice in the complementary health industry. The course is offered at a discounted rate for students on this course

• ITEC Practical Examination – 45 minutes
• ITEC Anatomy and Physiology paper 50 question ‘multiple choice’ question paper - 1hr
• The remaining units, such as business studies are completed throughout the duration of the course and are assessed internally by the tutor - all work is then externally verified by the visiting examiner

• Guided learning with tutor support for home study
• All relevant massage equipment, towels, oils, etc are provided, a complementary t-shirt to work in for the practical part of the course
• Comprehensive course manual.
• School of Natural Therapies polo shirt
• Advice, guidance and help with choosing and purchasing a massage tunic/uniform and top quality massage couch and equipment at student rates
• Exclusive SNT's own DVD with Massage Routine
• All ITEC’s exam fees
• A friendly and relaxed learning environment

You may wish to undertake further your massage skills in specialised areas, such as Reflexology and  Sports & Remedial Massage.

You may also wish to enhance your treatment portfolio with other treatments such as:

• Deep Tissue Massage
• Simply Hands Free Massage
• Specialist Massage of The Shoulder or Muscular Aches and Pains

Professional Membership
On successful completion of the diploma, graduates are also able to register with any number of professional membership associations; this will enhance your professional reputation and standing.

These bodies include:
FHT, CThA/Embody, CMA, The Guild of Beauty Therapists, GCMT, CNHC

Did you know?
The School of Natural Therapies are working to the new ITEC syllabus, which incorporates the new QCF (Qualification Credit Framework) standards. The QCF is at the heart of a major educational reform process in England, Wales & Ireland which allows skills gained (such as this diploma course) to have value and credit in industry needs, opening up collaborative working opportunities between sector skills councils (SSC’s) standards setting bodies (SSB’s) employers and awarding organisations and to suit potential employers needs.

Credits gained in these QCF’s can now count towards future education and university degrees.