All about correspondence courses

Home study

🙂 Hi I'm new to this website and am looking to study some more therapies at home if possible???? Can anyone recommend any good schools etc that offer recognised courses. My previous therapies were all ITEC but I want to expand my therapies and feel home study would really suit me??!!

Thanx

I've done a number of different courses using classroom, workshops & correspondence courses
In a college environment:
VTCT level 3 diploma in Crystal Therapy (20 weeks & it was awful because we had to do it like it was beauty treatment!!)
VTCT level 3 diploma in A & P
Correspondence courses:
Crystal healing with School of Natural Health Sciences - 8 units ( a waste of time & money)
Stonebridge Crystal Practitioner correspondence course (12 units)
BSY - Meditation Teacher (quite good)

Workshops
Introduction to Indian Head Massage
Introduction to aromatherapy
ICGT 2-year Crystal diploma - this was by far the best. It was a total of 12 weekends over the two years and I paid for each weekend as it occurred thus spreading the cost. My teacher was fantastic and the group really worked well.
If you are serious about practising any therapy and charging for it you should do a course with someone who is approved so you can get insurance.
Believe me there is a big difference between what you learn through the correspondence courses and the workshop/classroom courses - I found this out with the Crystal Therapy courses.
Basically you get what you pay for and to be honest I feel that correspondence courses don't give you much more than you can already find in the myriad of books out there -
a hands-on course gives you practical experience of working on and with others with the bonus of sharing the experience with like-minded people.
Meurig

the OU offer EXCELLENT distance learning courses 😀

I would agree with that, I have probably done about a dozen OU courses over the years and they were all superb (and HARD WORK!) - the ones that may be of interest to members of this forum include:

Perspectives on CAM (Complementary & Alternative Medicine)
Mental Health & Distress: Perspectives & Practice

Please note that these are academic courses at degree level, with no practical component, and I personally found them stimulating and challenging. They very much helped me develop my knowledge and understanding of a wide range of issues on the topics (and directly contributed to me getting my dream job a couple of years ago! :))

Masha

School of Natural Health Sciences

I came across a booklet from the School of Natural Health Sciences today, and on closer look, saw that it said it was in association with Trinity College, part of the Educational Division of the UIC, Delaware, USA. It said the Principal was Dr A Peel-Bayley, and Director of Course Studies was Julia Vaughan Griffiths.

I have checked to see what this Trinity College was, and it appears to be a 'degree mill', where you can BUY a degree for £125.00
I googled Dr A Peel-Bayley, and came across some very interesting articles, (i will only post a couple but there are many if you google!)

SNHS are mentioned in this one,

Looking at the SNHS website, they are still operating from the same addresses as in the article, and the address is the very same one that is advertised on the Trinity College website!!!

Now I know many people on here have done SNHS courses, and I am not saying that they are in any way involved in any wrongdoing, however, looking at the standard of their 'course materials', and looking at their origins, I wouldnt waste any of my hard earned money 'training' with them!

Caveat emptor "Let the buyer beware"

HI
All this talk of homestudy courses is confusing to some one who is considering taking one. I did a couple with snhs, i found them to be ok, then read about them on here and felt maybe they werent due to a lot of negative posts. But then i checked other courses in the same subjects and found i had nothing to feel bad about as they are ok, i would say home study is fine as long as you are true to yourself about what your homestudy qualification allows you to do and what you can actually do.

Hi
I agree with stroller. I have taken and am still taking SNHS courses. They are absolutely fine. I had taken other courses with other establishments first and have my nirsing qualification so I had a good grounding to start with but I have had no problems with my SNHS courses. I have spoken on the phone to the staff there on several occasions and they have been extremely helpful. At the end of the day, there are always going to be some negative opinions on any courses, it's all a matter of personal choice.

My point is, some of these companies offer training to 'practitioner' level, when the quality of training is blatantly nowhere near.

Take aromatherapy as an example. If you did this course, with the aim to be a practitioner, you would not be able to join any of the main CAM or aromatherapy professional associations. In my opinion you shouldnt practice if you 'solely' had this qualification.

I am a therapist and an educator, and of course I am fully supportive of anyone who wants to learn new skills or update old ones.

I have come across many many 'therapists' that have done home study courses and then gone out into practice (mainly in 'hands on' or 'talking' therapies, such as massage or counselling), with absolutely no practical, inclass or face to face training, and in my opinion, this shouldnt be allowed to happen.

It is always worth checking if these courses meet the National Occupational Standards of the therapy you are interested in studying.

Having looked at the kinesiology syllabus from SNHS it certainly does not meet the Kinesiology National Occupational Standards.

As more of the National Occupational Standards are completed they will start to form part of the requirements for membership of any regulatory body.

I agree with Kinfed, having worked on some of the new NOS in my industry, it is clear that standards are improving all the time, insurance companies are becoming more wary of insuring some of the courses that dont meet the standards, and membership bodies are not allowing people from these courses to join.

I am not saying that there isnt a place for these type of courses, they allow therapists to learn about new therapies, at a fraction (usually) of the price of a full course, they help to update skills (although having recently looked at one 'course', the information was vastly outdated), and some of them can give good theoretical knowledge, however, most of the main distance learning schools dont give enough training for them to claim it is to 'practitioner level'.

Home study courses

Hi there, I have done a lot of hands on training as a holistic therapist over the last two years, I studied with Stonebridge also as I found they had a more detailed theory course, the practical experience definitely did help, but sometimes I think in some courses like this they tend to concentrate on showing you the practical movements which is important but dont go into enough of the theory, so like you say there are pros and cons for both. I am now looking to expand my knowledge so thougt I would ask if anyone knows of any good places offering home study advanced massages or oriental massages / facial (ps I already have shiatsu so anything else) thanks

home study

Hi Suzanne
I dont want to cause offense to anyone but having worked in the mental health field for a number of years I would like to point out that being diagnosed as having a mental illness / disorder does not necessarily mean that someone could not / should not be able to work as a psychotherapist / clinician of any kind. It really depends on what type of illness the person has been diagnosed with, what kind of treatment they have undergone and how they manage their illness.
There are many people working in the mental health field who came into the field as a result of direct contact with services and their unique experience is welcomed by many organisations.
I agree that background checks should be made on all people working as a clinician to ensure that any illnesses are well managed / in the past and that they are not using their job as therapy for themselves - this might not be the case with correspondance courses. I know that psychotherapists normally have to undergo a great deal of self analysis as part of the course (including group therapy, psychotherapy for their own issues and clinical supervision) - again I dont know if this is the case with a correspondance course.
Obviously I dont know what the guy you met was like but I think it is very brave and honest of him to be open with you - most people arent so open for fear of being judged.
Michelle

Hi, I am new to this forum, I also work in the field of mental health and could not agree with your comments more, I am passionate about the inclusion of our more vulnerable in society, and putting a label on people is simply not acceptable. There are many people working in various professions that have or had previously mental health issues, these could include post natal depression,breakdowns,stress related issues, Bipolar and many more. It is about time the stigma was removed and the ignorance in general removed and society educated. May I also say that life experience of a person dealing with these issues
will have a greater understanding and empathy with clients they may be working with.
Hesky.

I came across a booklet from the School of Natural Health Sciences today, and on closer look, saw that it said it was in association with Trinity College, part of the Educational Division of the UIC, Delaware, USA. It said the Principal was Dr A Peel-Bayley, and Director of Course Studies was Julia Vaughan Griffiths.

I have checked to see what this Trinity College was, and it appears to be a 'degree mill', where you can BUY a degree for £125.00
I googled Dr A Peel-Bayley, and came across some very interesting articles, (i will only post a couple but there are many if you google!)

SNHS are mentioned in this one, [url]A university of lies | This is Money[/url]

[url]Get a doctorate in 28 days | Money | The Observer[/url]

Looking at the SNHS website, they are still operating from the same addresses as in the article, and the address is the very same one that is advertised on the Trinity College website!!!

Now I know many people on here have done SNHS courses, and I am not saying that they are in any way involved in any wrongdoing, however, looking at the standard of their 'course materials', and looking at their origins, I wouldnt waste any of my hard earned money 'training' with them!

Caveat emptor "Let the buyer beware"

Before i read this thread today, i emailed the SNHS with some questions about their aromatherapy course. Below is their email reply:

Hello Jill,

Many thanks for your email, and interest in our Professional Training Courses.

On successful completion of any of our courses, students will receive a 'Practitioner/Therapist level Qualification'.

We train our students from beginner to practitioner level, this has been our main stream business for the past 15 years!
You may begin your work as a therapist, on successful completion of any of our courses.

In response to your questions: Our training is not related to the general education assessment procedures adopted by some colleges in the UK, as there is no legislation to necessitate this. We have, however noted that some schools who do, are unable to provide insurable qualifications for their graduates!

All course providers who operate 'professionally', will have achieved accreditation by an independent 'professional body' in our case this is The International College of Holistic Medicine, ICHM. This accreditation appears on all our 'diplomas'.

Once you begin receiving your diplomas, there will be an accompanying letter, recommending membership of the above body. Part of their membership package, includes referral to leading insurance companies to cover for your work as a therapist.

This is their website: [url]The International College of Holistic Medicine[/url] (copy this into your browser)

The annual membership fee payable to the ICHM, is £50 per annum. There is a link on their website, headed 'Practitioner Insurance'.

You may get a quote for your insurance on the following page of Towergate Professional Risks website, they are 'one of the insurance companies', which the ICHM recommend: [url]Professional Bodies - Preferential Insurance Rates For Members | Towergate Professional Risks | Towergate Professional Risks[/url] It does state on the page, that School of Natural Health graduates receive 'preferential rates'. Just click on the 'get a quote button'.

Your other question regarding 'practical work', you will find covered below! and also on Our Frequently Asked Questions page, the link for this is also incorporated in this email

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Please find attached 'sample pages' from our foundation and advanced courses in Aromatherapy, as requested. I have sent details of both because they work in tandem, students complete the first course, prior to moving to the advanced one. Also attached are sample pages from our Anatomy & Physiology course.

#### This is PDF format, the method we use to send out all our coursework. You save the material to the hard-drive on your PC, then print out your lessons to study away from your computer, if you wish.

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Pre Enrolment Questions

You may find our ' Frequently Asked Questions page' helpful: [url]Holistic Therapy FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions[/url] (copy this into your browser) This explains the different methods of distance learning and how your answers are assessed or marked, after each lesson. Plus many other helpful sections of information

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Time Frames

We set no time limits for the completion of any of our courses. Students study at their own pace, fitting their studies around a busy lifestyle, and work commitments.

In real terms, around 200 hours study for a foundation course. Plus time for 'practical work' with your volunteers for any hands-on therapy. This is simply a guide, everyone studies at their own pace, this is adult learning, we allow our students to feel comfortable with their own time frames, which are not imposed by us.

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Choose your 'Distance Learning' Method of Study- Tutored, or Self Study!

Our course material is the same for Tutored, and Self Study. If you require Tutored assistance, your Tutor will mark your answers, and return them to you, with any helpful comments, at the end of each lesson (by email). If you do not require this additional support, you may opt for Self Study. The Self Study Team assess your answers, if work is not reaching our threshold of acceptance, students will be asked to repeat. Self Study work is submitted and assessed every third lesson. Both methods are conducted through 'distance learning'.

Study & Examining Procedures

There is a question paper at the end of each lesson. Answers to the questions will be found in the lesson or lessons which you have just read. There are usually 10 questions, we require brief and concise answers, many answers have a word limit. We are simply checking that the coursework has been understood. (Answers are typed in to an ordinary email.)

There is a final paper at the end of each course, which comprises questions from the entire course. Students are given a period for revision, and request this paper when they are ready. We ask for this to be returned to us within a 7 day period, so only request this when you are able to set aside the time to complete. These are open book exams, we are not expecting our students to memorise their coursework, we are simply checking that everything has been understood.

Assessment, or Marking Procedures

Tutored, whereby you are assigned a Personal Tutor, to whom you submit your work after each lesson, (You simply submit your answers by email) and these will be marked and returned to you by Email with a percentage mark, along with any helpful comments that are relevant. Your personal Tutor is there to assist you should you run into difficulties, and will answer any questions that you may need assistance with during your studies.

Or you may choose the Self Study method whereby you submit your work to The Self Study Team, by Email, who will assess your work and inform you if/when you are making serious errors. Work is not returned, or marked with this method. The Self Study Team may ask you to repeat an answer paper, which does not reach our threshold of acceptance. The coursework and qualification is the same whichever method you choose.

The main difference is that you will receive continual feedback from your Tutor who will also assist you if you run into difficulties at any time. Whilst we find that Self Study students are able to work comfortably, with the minimum amount of assistance. Self Study students will usually have a background knowledge to the subjects they study with us.

Practical Work - Case Study submissions are required with all hands-on therapies

We require all students studying 'hands-on therapy subjects' (i.e. Aromatherapy/Indian Head Massage/Kinesiology/Reflexology etc) to conduct a 'case-study programme', once all the foundation coursework assignments, have been completed.

You will need to gather a team of volunteers. We recommend that these are people known to you, who will give you accurate, and clear feedback. Please select individuals who do not have any serious health problems, whilst you are learning.

We require the case studies, (a detailed report of your treatment sessions, reasons for taking certain courses of action, and feedback from yourself, and your volunteer after each treatment session, and again several days later) Your work will then be assessed, and if you have not achieved the results that we are looking for, you may be asked to repeat these..

This practical work is conducted/submitted, before, you request your final exam, which is a question paper on the entire course.

Full details about how to approach your case-studies, will be given to you at the appropriate time. This will be the most enjoyable part of your course.
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I hope that this is helpful, should you need any additional advice or clarification on any points, please let me know I am always here to help.
Looking forward to hearing from you again very soon.

Kind regards,

Pat

Now i don't know what to think!!

Simple fact of the matter is none of these courses meet the national minimum standard that have been set by genuine bodies.

The 'course materials' are appalling, and I can state that first hand because I have seen them, lots of them.

I would not trust any person that has completed this type of course, and I will continue to speak out against them because I believe they are damaging to complementary therapy and it's users.

If a person wants to learn a therapy but has limited funds, try your local college, they usually offer funded or part funded training, and at least you will be undertaking a genuine course.

thanks for your reply. TBH, it isn't funds that are the problem, it is childcare. i cannot do a course where i have to leave my children, and i cannot find a course nearby. The best alternative i can find are these courses. I like all of them, has anyone any opinions?!

[url]C&G Level 3 Diploma in Professional Aromatherapy[/url] still need to A+P

or

[url]Massage, Detox, Reflexology, Hopi, Beauty Therapy Training - Aromatherapy Home Study[/url]

or

[url]Holistic Massage Courses, ITEC Massage Training Course at Body Basics ITEC Massage Courses[/url]
plus
[url]Aromatherapy courses & Training Courses in London, UK. Intensive ITEC Aromatherapy Course[/url]

They all seem so different but are meant to be the same level 3 diploma?

You might get away with A&P as a home study course, but when it comes to practical stuff (hands on) this really does have to be done in a class setting.

I was once treated by a woman who had done a distance learning course. She had set up a nice little clinic room in her home, which I couldn't fault - spotlessly clean - and she had all her 'diplomas' displayed in frames on her wall. She had done about 8 different therapies. I wanted a back massage. It was dreadful. I had to be honest and tell her. She took it very well and admitted that she didn't feel very confident, and even some of her case study people didn't come back to finish their free treatments......... she went back to work in a bank after a couple of months.

I strongly believe that any hands-on therapy must be taught in a class-room. Of the choices you have, ITEC would be a good start.

Thank you jabba. It makes perfect sense. You cant teach massage to yourself. It is just the amount of practical massage that I am confused about. because there is no industry standard everyone says different things are needed!

There is a recognised industry standard, there is a nationally accepted core curriculum and there are National Occupational Standards.

The standard is held by the General Council for Massage Therapies, this is the only standard accepted by the massage regulator; CNHC. The National Occupational Standards are held by the sector skills agency Skills for Health.

This subject has been widely discussed on here and other forums so there is a wealth of information available which is very easy to find, the problem is lots of people want things quick, easy and cheap, so ignore the fact that standards are in place.

Due to time and money I was thinking about doing a distance learning A&P course, do you think this will be OK to do as a homestudy? Also is ITEC level 3 the best option? Any recommendations would be great!

Due to time and money I was thinking about doing a distance learning A&P course, do you think this will be OK to do as a homestudy? Also is ITEC level 3 the best option? Any recommendations would be great!

I think A&P home study is great. I used to teach anatomy in class, and IMO students learn this subject better at their own pace. That said, make sure you have plenty of resources, such as some of the online sites, as learning it on paper can be very boring.

I think A&P home study is great. I used to teach anatomy in class, and IMO students learn this subject better at their own pace. That said, make sure you have plenty of resources, such as some of the online sites, as learning it on paper can be very boring.

OK great! Do you have any course recommendations or sites/cd's etc to aid learning? Thanks!

I am studying with SNHS school of natural health sciences you can contact other members and ask them how they got on with on the course

Hi.
I am studying with them too but haven't found that feature - how can I contact other members?

Thanks,
Jennifer

I'm did all my massage and reflex training the classroom as they are hands on, however, for A&p and my nutrition diploma, I did these via correspondence and found this a good way to study. I think any training for something practical must be hands on as I have been tortured by a few "self taught" masseurs who obviously read up on the technique but misunderstood it. One even showed me the textbook he had used.

good info 🙂

It seems that there's a relatively new kid on the block for distance learning now offering very cheap courses through Wowcher, Groupon etc and they even advertise their own offers by issuing a discount code.

Some of their courses may be great for home study & personal interest, but it greatly concerns me when they are offering Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Pregnancy Massage 'Diplomas' etc. with no practical experience and telling people they can be qualified as a practitioner on course completion. And of course they can recommend an insurer.

They state their courses are CMA Registered on their website but also say CMA accredited. I enquired of the CMA if a course is registered with them does this mean it is accredited? It seems there is a difference and CMA are quite adamant that they call it registration not accreditation.

I have seen the material of a number of these courses and it's a bit hit & miss - some are well written with good info whilst others are complete tosh yet people are signing up in their droves because they are cheap - you get what you pay for people and it won't be an industry recognised qualification!!!

Care to share? Name and shame?