ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology

This is an age old therapeutic technique that many clients can benefit from and is one of the few practices that can be offered safely as relief to cancer patients. This course would benefit anyone new to the industry as well as a therapists wanting to expand their skill base, allowing you to operate your own clinic, or gain employment in the leisure or care industries.

Ideal for anyone looking to begin a new career or have a new income stream alongside an existing career.

Strive for excellence learning to truly hold a space for your client, energising all systems to stimulate wellbeing of each individual as a whole and reacting to the unique needs of each client.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be a professional reflexologist and will be able to gain insurance to practice upon the general public. The ITEC Level 3 Reflexology qualification will also allow you to join many associations such as the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists), CThA (Complementary Therapists Association) or AOR (Association of Reflexologists) - please note, only our Saturdays course route is accepted by the AOR due to their requirements of the attendance days being over 4 months.

Additionally, once qualified, you will be able to continue your journey as a therapist adding to your skill base with CPD (Continued Professional Development) short courses. We offer a host of 1 and 2 day courses such as Advanced Hand Reflexology, Luxury Reflexology and Indian Head Massage to enhance your treatments and build a truly unique business that excites you and allows you to explore this incredible industry.

• Online Learning: Study Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology and Reflexology Theory through interactive e-learning with presentations, videos, materials, and quizzes. Classroom options available for A&P learning.
• Classroom Training: Choose between a 6-day Fast Track or 8-day Saturday format for in-person tuition. This reinforces theory knowledge, imparts practical hand skills, and teaches essential consultation processes.
• Starter Bundle: Receive a Tunic and Towel Bundle on your first day of classroom attendance.
• Ongoing Support: Benefit from bi-weekly Zoom catch-up calls with your tutor and peers, allowing for questions, online learning review, and case study discussions.
• Personalised Support: Schedule one-to-one video calls with your tutor when needed.
• Community Access: Join 'Thursday Evenings' for practice, learning from others, and becoming part of a therapist community.
• Small Class Sizes: Experience maximum support in small class groups (8-10 students max).
• All-Inclusive: The course cost covers ITEC Registration and final exam fees.
• Career Resources: Access our private Facebook group with local job opportunities and equipment listings.
• Business Building: Attend free workshops to enhance your entrepreneurial skills.

Check out the "Courses Syllabus" tab for detailed information of the syllabus. 

You can select how you'd like to study the Anatomy & Physiology unit of your course below (this defaults to e-learning) but you can change this to classroom learning and select your preferred dates for attendance.

If you select to study the A&P via e-learning, you will have access immediately to the online home study that you can work through at your own pace. You can study the A&P unit before, alongside and after your classroom contact days. This will be delivered to you via videos, interactive presentations, written materials and quizzes.

Upon booking, you will also have immediate access to the reflexology theory online pre-learning materials. We recommend allowing yourself around 15-25 hours of study to familiarise yourself with the online theory in advance of the classroom dates. This is a guideline of hours for reviewing this learning content and may be more or less depending on your prior knowledge and learning style.

You will then attend the college for 6 days (Fast Track) or 8 days (over Saturdays) to review the theory and learn the practical application of reflexology. Your classroom attendance can be selected from the date options below.

Fast Track: This refers to how the course days are studied rather than fast tracking you through the course. When selecting the "Fast Track" course date options, you will attend for 6 consecutive days (usually Monday-Saturday). This allows you to begin your coursework as soon as you complete your block of classroom days.

Saturdays: When selecting a course date option for Saturdays, you will attend 8 Saturday classroom days; the first 6 days covering the skills to give a full treatment, and the final 2 days being clinical practice with tutor supervision. This route is designed for those looking to join the AOR. You can begin your coursework towards the end of your classroom days.

Take a look at the Assessment Criteria tab for more information on coursework and examination requirements.

Reflexology is a holistic healing practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. It is based on the belief that these reflex points correspond to different organs and systems in the body, and by working on them, one can improve overall well-being.

To become a certified reflexologist, you need to enroll in a reflexology training program offered by an accredited college. These programs provide comprehensive training in reflexology techniques and theory as well as Anatomy and Physiology. After completing the required coursework and practical training, you can take an examination to earn your certification. At the Academy we offer ITEC Accredited reflexology courses, the leading accrediting board in the UK.

Yes, there are online reflexology 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 Reflexology. 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 reflexology. The online study includes video lessons, reading materials, and assignments to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

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 reflexology training programs can vary. A typical program may range from 200 to 300 hours of instruction, which can be completed over several months. The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology offered at the Cotswold Academy recommends a total of 296 Guided Learning Hours; this includes classroom attendance, online theory learning, treatment logs/case studies and assignment writing. On average, it takes students around 6-8 months to complete the required 100 treatment logs and written coursework after their classroom days.

Choosing the right reflexology school or course is crucial for your education and future career as a reflexologist. 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 reflexology. 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 reflexologist.

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.

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 reflexologists 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 reflexology 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.

Certified reflexologists have a range of career opportunities available to them. These opportunities can vary depending on factors such as location, specialisation, and personal preferences. Here are some career paths and opportunities for certified reflexologists:

1. Private Practice: Many certified reflexologists choose to start their own private practices. They offer reflexology sessions to clients seeking relaxation, stress relief, pain management, and overall well-being. Building a client base and a reputation in the community is essential for success in private practice.

2. Spas and Wellness Centers: Reflexologists are often employed by spas, wellness centers, and holistic health clinics. They provide reflexology sessions as part of the spa's services, catering to clients seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

3. Chiropractic / Osteopathic Clinics: Some chiropractic and osteopathic clinics and alternative healthcare centers employ reflexologists to complement their services. Reflexology can be used in conjunction with chiropractic / osteopathic adjustments to enhance overall wellness.

4. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: In certain healthcare settings, reflexologists may work as part of a holistic care team. They can provide reflexology sessions to patients as a complementary therapy for pain management and stress reduction.

5. Corporate Wellness Programs: Companies may hire reflexologists to offer wellness programs to their employees. On-site reflexology sessions can help reduce workplace stress and improve employee well-being.

6. Teaching and Education: Experienced reflexologists can pursue a career in education by becoming instructors at reflexology schools or training programs. Teaching allows them to share their knowledge and passion for the field with aspiring reflexologists.

7. Research and Writing: Some reflexologists engage in research related to reflexology or write books, articles, or blog posts on the topic. This can contribute to the body of knowledge in the field and offer opportunities for publication.

8. Traveling Reflexologist: A unique career option is to work as a traveling reflexologist, offering sessions to clients in different locations, such as resorts, hotels, or clients' homes. This can be a flexible and adventurous way to practice reflexology.

9. Specialisations: Reflexologists can specialise in specific areas, such as prenatal reflexology, pediatric reflexology, sports reflexology, or oncology reflexology. Specialisations can open up niche markets and unique career opportunities.

10. Community and Outreach: Reflexologists can also engage in community outreach and volunteer work, offering reflexology sessions to underserved populations or participating in health fairs and wellness events.

11. Product Development: Some reflexologists develop their own line of reflexology-related products, such as specialised tools or wellness products, to sell to clients and practitioners.

Certified reflexologists can choose to work full-time or part-time, and they often have the flexibility to create a career path that aligns with their interests and goals. Building a strong client base and continuously improving their skills through continuing education can lead to a successful and fulfilling career in reflexology.

Yes! There are a number of associations you are able to join as a reflexologist in the UK. We've included a list of recommended associations below.

1. The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT): FHT is one of the leading professional associations for complementary therapists in the UK. They offer support, training, and insurance for practitioners in various disciplines. You can find more information on their website at www.fht.org.uk.
2. The CThA, or the Complementary Therapists' Association, is a professional association for complementary and holistic therapists in the UK and Ireland. It was established to provide support, guidance, and resources for individuals working in the field of complementary and alternative therapies. You can find out more information at their website www.ctha.com 
3. Association of Reflexologists (AoR): The Association of Reflexologists is one of the largest and most well-known reflexology associations in the UK. They provide support and resources for reflexologists, including training and continuing professional development opportunities. Students can only join the AOR when studying the Saturdays course due to their joining requirements. Their website is www.aor.org.uk.
4. Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC): The CNHC is the regulatory body for complementary healthcare practitioners in the UK, including reflexologists. Being registered with CNHC demonstrates a high level of professionalism and adherence to established standards and gives you access to work in the NHS. Their website is www.cnhc.org.uk.