VTCT Level 3 Diploma Body Massage (Weekends Oct – Dec 2019)

If you want to start a career in massage, you would follow the Introduction course with the VTCT Level 3 Body Massage Diploma. Upon completion of this course you would be fully qualified, able to gain insurance and practice professionally as a Massage Therapist. The VTCT level 3 is internationally recognised and means you are qualified to work in spas, hotels etc and that, should you wish, you can go on to do more advanced massage courses.

VTCT is a Government approved Awarding Body offering National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s) and other Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQ’s). VTCT has been in existence for over forty years and has been at the forefront of developing the vocational system of qualifications in the United Kingdom. VTCT is the largest provider of qualifications in massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.

There are no prerequisite qualifications to join the course, however, in order to complete the VTCT qualification, it is recommended that you are educated up to at least GCSE level. You will also need a good command of spoken and written English, along with good communication/social skills.
You need to ensure you have the time required to complete the necessary home study (3-5 hours a week)
You must be comfortable with giving and receiving body massage treatments as part of this course. Training sessions may be mixed sex; however, screens are used to ensure privacy.
You will need to arrange models to complete your coursework/assessments.
You will need to have access to a computer for typing assignments and will need an internet connection with your own email address to enable the distribution of course notes and the submission of assignments. You will also need access to a printer.
Massage is physical work. You need to have good general health. No back, wrist or knee disorders.

This course is designed to meet the needs of individuals wishing to become a qualified massage therapist/complementary therapist.
Content covered in the course:

• Principles and practice of complementary therapies,
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology
• Reflective practice for body massage
• Client care
• History of massage,
• Benefits & effects, contra-indications,
• Therapist & client preparation,
• After care advice,
• Posture & stance,
• massage techniques including Effleurage, Frictions, Vibrations Neuromuscular/Passive Joint Movements
• Full body massage routine,
• Health & safety and salon/mobile professionalism,
• Business & marketing.

This qualification will confirm your competence for employment as a massage therapist. You will 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.
• Working on cruise ships or working internationally.

Our Diploma courses are intensive courses. You have 7 full days at the Academy, learning the practical techniques and theory. These 7 days take place over 3 month period. There is then a 3 month break from class-room learning. During this time, you will complete the necessary home study of four written assignments and 30 case studies.

You then return to the Academy to hand in your finished portfolio and to complete one final practical assessment.

You will be continually assessed throughout the course via the practical sessions where you work on other students and, if possible, the paying public.
You will also hand in a portfolio of written work. This is a record of supporting information to confirm that you have the skills required to complete the qualification. Your tutors will give you all the necessary guidance to help you complete your portfolio.

There are two external written papers from the VTCT which will assess your knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology

All VTCT courses are fully insurable by all the leading Holistic Therapy insurance companies. We recommend FHT, but can choose whoever you wish. Student insurance is also available, so you can start working on clients at home as you are learning.

In order to give the best individual attention to each student, we have a maximum of 6 students on each course. Our aim is to produce amazing therapists and small class sizes is one way to help achieve this.

The teaching days run from 10.30am to 5.00pm.

If you need longer, that’s fine, you can take as long as you need and simply join an assessment day when you are ready. We do have a 3 year time limit in which to complete the qualification. There may be a charge for attending a different assessment day.

There are no hidden extras! The course cost covers class tuition, VTCT registration and Record of Assessment Book, learning resources, assessment fees, portfolio marking and certification. You will need to purchase the necessary equipment for carrying out a professional treatment. (see below) etc. You may also want to buy some of the recommended text books, but this is not compulsory.

You will need the following :
Clothing

• For all assessments, a therapist tunic (NOT White – choose a dark colour – ie. black, brown or navy) with suitable, matching trousers. Shoes should be closed toe, clean and practical.
• For class and general practical sessions, a smart, plain black or navy polo shirt or T.shirt with comfortable trousers is acceptable.

Stationary to set up your Assessment Portfolio

• An empty A4 Lever Arch file A pack of A4 plastic wallets,
• A pack of highlighter pens,
• A pack of file dividers (at least 8)
• Note pad & pen

Towels

• 2 x large BATH SHEETS, 1 x Medium sized BATH TOWEL + 3 x HAND TOWELS

Equipment for delivering the therapy at home

• A massage couch
• Couch covers, cushions and blankets
• Grapeseed oil
• Hand sanitiser

Once you have the level 3 Body Massage Diploma, then you can go on to add any number of CPD (Continued Professional Development) courses in a range of subjects such as Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stones Massage, Pregnancy Massage etc. It is up to you to choose what kind of clients and what style of massage most appeals to you and do further massage courses to create the career you want for yourself.