ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage

Train from a complete beginner into a professional massage therapist with an internationally recognised ITEC qualification, opening doors to diverse career opportunities:

• Establish your own private practice as a self-employed therapist.
• Thrive in salons, clinics, health clubs, spas, yachts, and hotels.
• Contribute to healthcare settings like the NHS and hospices.

Strive for excellence as you learn to create a nurturing space for your clients, revitalising their well-being, and addressing their unique needs. Our comprehensive training covers full-body massage techniques, enabling you to design tailored routines and treatment plans, from initial consultation to post-treatment care.

Develop into a skilled and dynamic therapist with a deep understanding of the body and its systems. Whether you're embarking on a new career or seeking an additional income stream, successful completion of this course will certify you as a professional massage therapist, eligible for public practice insurance and professional association membership.

Moreover, as a qualified therapist, you can further expand your skill set through Continued Professional Development (CPD) short courses. Our offerings include 1 and 2-day courses like pregnancy massage, hot stone therapy and trigger point therapy, empowering you to create a unique and exciting business in this thriving industry.

• Online Learning: Study Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology and Massage Theory through interactive e-learning with presentations, videos, materials, and quizzes. Classroom options available for A&P (which can be selected during booking).
• Classroom Training: 5 days of hands-on classroom instruction to reinforce theory, acquire practical skills, and master consultation processes.
• Personalised Support: Benefit from one-to-one video calls with your tutor upon request.
• Community Access: Join 'Thursday Evenings' to practice, learn from peers, and connect with fellow therapists.
• Small Class Sizes: Experience maximum support in small class groups (8-10 students max).
• All-Inclusive: Your course cost covers ITEC Registration and final exam fees.
• Career Resources: Access our private Facebook group with local job listings and equipment options.
• Business Building: Attend free workshops to enhance your entrepreneurial skills.

For detailed information, please refer to the course syllabus tab.

Customise Your Anatomy & Physiology Learning Experience:

At the Cotswold Academy, we offer you the flexibility to choose how you'd like to study the Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) component of your course. By default, this unit is available for e-learning, but you have the option to switch to classroom learning and select your preferred attendance dates.

If you opt for e-learning, you'll gain instant access to our comprehensive online A&P curriculum. Designed to be self-paced, you can delve into the materials at your convenience. This means you can explore the A&P unit before, during, and after your classroom contact days. Our e-learning package includes a variety of resources, such as videos, interactive presentations, written materials, and quizzes. Additionally, you'll have access to Zoom catchup sessions every three weeks, offering valuable support specifically tailored to the A&P portion of your course.

Access to your Massage Course Learning Materials:

Furthermore, you'll have immediate access to your Massage online theory study. This section is thoughtfully designed to introduce you to crucial aspects, including history, benefits, and contraindications of Massage. We recommend that students spend approximately 2-4 weeks before their classroom dates to review this learning content.

For your 5 days of classroom attendance, you have two options to choose from:

1. Fast Track: This option allows you to attend 5 consecutive classroom days, granting you the opportunity to start your coursework right after completing your classroom sessions.
2. Saturdays: When selecting a course date option for Saturdays, you will attend 5 Saturday classroom days, usually every other week. You can begin your coursework towards the end of your classroom days.

Explore the 'Assessment Criteria' tab for a detailed breakdown of coursework and examination requirements. At the Cotswold Academy, we empower you to tailor your learning journey according to your needs and preferences.

To become a certified massage therapist in the UK, you typically need to complete a recognised massage therapy course, gain practical experience, and pass relevant examinations. You'll also need to take out therapist insurance. Joining a register with a professional association is optional for recognition. We recommend choosing a government regulated qualification (Ofqual) as this ensures the syllabus covered meets the requirements. Examples of regulated examining bodies include ITEC, VTCT, BTEC or Focus Awards.

Prerequisites can vary depending on the school or program you choose. In many cases, there are no specific educational prerequisites. At the Cotswold Academy, you do not need to hold any previous qualifications to join our ITEC Level 3 Diploma courses as they are designed to train a complete beginner up to a professional qualified therapist.

The duration of a massage therapy course in the UK can vary. Short introductory courses may last a few days however may not qualify you to be a professional therapist, while more comprehensive programs can range from several months to a year. At the Cotswold Academy, the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage takes an average of 3-5 months for students to become qualified.

Yes, there are online massage courses available, however these courses don't usually meet the criteria of a regulated qualification (Ofqual). We strongly recommend that students choose a course with in person training as this is an essential part of delivering the practical elements of the course effectively. We appreciate though that some theory elements can be learnt via online learning which is why we've created a blended learning approach on our ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage. This allows you to learn the theory content at your own pace from the comfort of your home and attend in person training days to apply this theory to the practical application of massage, essential to become a proficient and well trained therapist. The online study includes video lessons, reading materials, and assignments to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Choosing the right massage college or course is crucial for your education and future career as a massage therapist. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Accreditation: Look for courses that are accredited by reputable organisations that are RQF government regulated (Ofqual). RQF Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain quality standards within the UK. Examples include ITEC, VTCT, BTEC.

2. Curriculum: Review the curriculum to ensure it covers essential topics, including anatomy and physiology, reflexology techniques, client assessment, and business ethics. A comprehensive curriculum will provide you with a well-rounded education.

3. Instructors: Research the qualifications and experience of the instructors. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors can significantly impact the quality of your education.

4. Hands-On Training: Practical experience is essential in massage. Ensure that the program includes ample hands-on training, allowing you to practice and refine your skills on real clients.

5. Certification: Determine if the program offers certification upon completion. Certification can enhance your credibility and employability as a massage therapist.

6. Class Size: Smaller class sizes often provide more personalized attention and opportunities for interaction with instructors and peers. Consider the student-to-instructor ratio when evaluating programs.

7. Location: Consider the location of the school or course. Is it conveniently located, or will you need to travel a significant distance? Online courses may offer flexibility, but in-person training may be preferred for hands-on practice.

8. Cost: Compare the tuition fees of different programs. The cheapest quite often means it may be lacking, but the most expensive doesn't necessarily equal quality!

9. Student Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from current and former students. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the program's strengths and weaknesses.

10. Continuing Education Opportunities: Check if the school offers opportunities for continuing education or advanced training. Reflexology is a dynamic field, and ongoing learning is essential to stay updated.

11. Licensing and Regulation: Research the licensing and regulation requirements for massage therapists in your area. Ensure that the program you choose aligns with these requirements.

12. Visit the School: If possible, visit the school or attend an open day to get a feel for the college, facilities, and the overall learning environment.

13. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to contact the college or course provider with any questions or concerns you may have. Their responsiveness and willingness to address your inquiries can be indicative of their commitment to student success.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a massage course that aligns with your educational and career goals.

We pride ourselves at the Academy of offering high quality, RQF regulated qualifications that allow our students to excell in their chosen therapy with small class numbers for maximum support.

In the UK, there is no national licensing system for massage therapists. Instead, the regulation and accreditation of massage therapy practitioners are typically overseen by professional organisations and councils. To practice as a qualified and accredited massage therapist, individuals are encouraged to consider the following steps:

1. Education/Training: To begin a career in massage therapy, individuals would enroll into an accredited massage therapy course. Completing a massage therapy course involves practical training and theoretical learning. The duration and content of the training can vary based on the specific type of massage therapy you choose to practice.

2. Accreditation: After completing your training, you should be issued with a certificate accredited by the examining body. Its important to choose a course that is accredited by a reputable body such as ITEC, VTCT, BTEC or Focus Awards.

3. Insurance: It's a legal requirement to obtain professional liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients during your practice. Many professional associations offer insurance options for their members.

4. Registration/Associations: It is not mandatory to join an association however if you intend to work in the NHS it is encouraged to join the CNHC. CNHC registration is recognized by the UK government, offering an additional layer of credibility and recognition for complementary healthcare practitioners. Other associations you can join include the FHT and CThA. The reason you may wish to join an association is to gain access to discounts on insurance, monthly magazines/publications and discounts on relevant other products.

5. Local Regulations: It's essential to check with your local council or authority as some local authorities may have specific requirements or regulations related to massage therapy practice. Regulations can vary depending on your location within the UK. Head to Gov.uk for information.

6. Continuing Professional Development (CPD): If you do join an association, many professional organisations require their members to engage in ongoing training and CPD to maintain their accreditation and stay current with industry standards.