VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies

This is a very exciting advanced course. To be a Level 3 Complementary Therapist it is essential that you can demonstrate competence in dealing with clients, using information for planning treatments and provide such treatments safely and effectively.

Course content

• Principals and practise of Complementary Therapies
• Business practise for Complementary Therapies
• Health, safety and hygiene for Complementary Therapies (VR02 and VR74 units)
• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
• Less common Pathology
• Prepare for and provide Body Massage
• Reflective practise for Body Massage
• Provide Aromatherapy (42 essentail oils and 18 carrier oils covered)
• Reflective practise for Aromatherapy
• Aromatherapy massage
• Prepare for and provide Reflexology
• Reflective practise for Reflexology
• Healthy eating and well being for the Complementary Therapy client

How long is the course?

We are running this course in modules making it suitable students who have to travel from further away as well as local students. Each module is covered mostly over weekends, however there are a few weekdays which we tag onto or before a weekend date.

This course can be started at any time and studies at the pace that suits you. start with home study or come to the centre for your H&S and A&P. Then choose which courses you wish to study first. qualify in these and carry on with other courses until you achieve the full Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Health. Easy!

Days for each module are as follows:

• H&S - Either home study or one day at centre
• A&P - Either home study or 2 days at centre
• Pathology - 2 days
• Lesser known Pathology - 1 day
• Body massage - 6 days
• Reflexology - 6 days
• Aromatherapy - 8 days
• Business - 2 days
• Additional/advanced Aromatherapy - 4 days
• Additional/advanced Reflexology - 4 days
• Nutrition - 5 days

How is the course taught?

The course is taught through a series of lectures and tutorials, utilising visual learning aids, an interactive smart board and an internet link. Students will also practise treatments upon one another during the practical sessions and also models that we provide at the centre. All practical sessions are taught using organic products sourced from a local perfumer.

What equipment is required for the course?

Students will be required to wear the college uniform of a plain black t-shirt (no logos) or black tunic top, black trousers and flat black clean shoes (no open toes). Students will need to have access to a computer for typing assignments and will need an internet connection with their own email address to enable the distribution of course notes and, importantly, for the submission of assignments. Students will also need pens, notepaper and coloured pencils unless they are working directly onto a laptop. Additionally, students will be required to purchase two recommended course books. You will also require to purchase for home practicals and case studies: couch, towels, essentail oil kit, basic oils, refexology products.

How is the course assessed?

• Completed case studies. Body Massage: 30 treatments (6X4 or 4X6 case studies, 4 people back, neck and shoulders only, 4 people back, neck and shoulders in sitting position, 4 models at centre)
• Completed case studies. Aromatherapy: 60 treatments (6 clients x 6 treatments case studies plus 6 clients relaxation treatment only, varying ages, 12 compressess, inhalations, oil blends, 6 models at centre)
• Completed case studies. Reflexology: 100 treatments (5 clients X 6 times case studies full treatments, 4X5 or 5X4 hand Reflexology sessions, 20 full treatments on varying ages, 6 models at centre)
• EACH UNIT IS PRACTICALLY ASSESSED BY PRACITCAL OBSERVATION AND KNOWLEDGE EVIDENCE. A TASK BASED CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT SET BY VTCT AND TAKEN UNDER INVIGILATED CONDITIONS, MARKED INTERNALLY AND SAMPLED BY VTCT
• Completed portfolio and Assessment Book.
• Continuous assessment throughout the course in the form of written assignments, worksheets, oral questions, presentations and blending of oils.
• Three tutorials.

Is there any home study?

Independent study is an essential part of this course and you will be required to do practical and theoretical home study between college sessions. You should set aside 6- 9 hours a week for study.