Hi to all, I'm new. I'm also a Spaniard who recently moved to London looking forward to become a massage therapist. A 30 year old IT female (booooring!) who is (slowly) trying to pursue a "career change" in the holistic field. I've done a few short courses -as a hobbie- here and there but now I want to go to school for "THE REAL THING" and get a real certification.
I have NO interest in beauty treatments so my intention is to find a school dedicated to massage and bodywork exclusively. I also don't want to become an osteopath as that requires at least 3 years in college and I'm a working adult who (unfortunately) doesn't have the time. I've been reading the FAQ's in this board but they don't seem to answer my questions and that's the reason I created this thread (moderator feel free to move my post).
So I've been doing a research in London schools and UK certifications and I came up with a er..."beginners 3 different options":
1) The bodyology School of massage" in west hampstead offers a "Professional massage diploma". The course last 9 months, but the class hours are comprised of 11 weekends. Cost of course is: 1,950 pounds. The problem with this school is there's no ITEC,BTEC or similar certification at the end, just a "professional diploma".
2) "Essentials for Health - School of Massage & Sports Massage in Central London". They offer a professional diploma in holistic massage practice (including Anatomy and Physiology) with a BTEC level 4/ITEC level 3 diploma at the end. It's an intensive 15 day course costing 2,300 pounds (very pricy!).
3) "the body basics school of body therapy" in The Broadway, London. Offering an intensive 11 day course in Anatomy, Physiology and massage with an ITEC level 3. Price is 1,300 pounds.
Any professionals in the board could give me some advice or guidance on which is my best option? (I feel somewhat clueless :confused:).
Thanks you very much for your help and cheers to all.
best wishes,
Ana.
im sure you will gets lots of posts from here, one thing though, you dont say what type or path you wish to follow, there are loads of massage schools out there, but you never said which type of massage you are thinking about.
Also look at what jobs you can do once you have qualified, it doesnt matter what level you gain, BTEC/ITEC or pro diploma, if there is not jobs then it is a waste of time and money. All holistic/massage/bodywork is very rewarding but dont expect to earn high wages, its a lifestyle job.
Think what after the course, this should enable you to choose the right course, Also check that you will be able to gain insurance with your new qualification, just because you have a certificate doesn't mean you can practice, always check first.
There are lots of hurdles after the course so keep those eyes open and focused
hi beagle and thanks,
I would like to learn to do proper deep tissue, Swedish, sports, lymphatic drainage and aromatherapy. Once I learn the "basics" I would continue doing small courses here and there (like pregancy and baby massage). I would absolutely need to gain insurance after my certification, this is a must.
I've been told the best start in a career in holistic/complementary therapies is studying Level 3 modules in Anatomy, Physiology & Massage (VTCT/ITEC/BTEC etc), its suposed to be a good foundation which can open other doors to other therapies. would that give me some sort of insurance?
thanks,
Hi Ana,
there are many massage courses on offer, ranging from 2 days practical training at level 3, to a full year of training. My advice would be to do the very best course you can afford, with lots of practical training. Forget about it having to be ITEC/BTEC/VTCT etc, if the course covers 80 hours of practical training, then you will meet national standards, it doesnt matter who issues the certificate. Joe public dont have a clue what certification is what, they just want good treatments.
As The Beagle says, I dont think there is much scope for full time work solely as a (body) massage therapist, however, its a great place to start, and with other skills under your belt, deep tissue, sports, remedial etc, then theres no reason that you cant work full time in therapy. In my clinic the therapists are full time bodyworkers, treating between 30 and 40 clients per week, and it isnt because of a particular qualification (only half true, as my therapists all have to go through my own training), its because they do a good job and get lots of referrals from sport/medical/entertainment and joe public.
Good luck in finding the right course!
(ps, if you are looking at a great course in London, then I can recommend the London School of Sports Massage, I run 'top-up' sports therapy courses for their graduates, and I cant say I have ever come across a poorly trained therapist from there!)
hi sportstherapy,
and thanks for your feedback! The London School of sports massage indeed looks like a great school and i'm also looking into their 9 month program.
Hi Ana,
Check out anything by Jane Johnson she's an amazing teacher and runs brilliant courses. Her background is in physiotherapy, remedial, sports massage and postural work. She's also a lovely lady.
[url]Sports Massage & Advanced Massage Training[/url]
[url]Ultimate Sports Massage[/url]
Cheers, Sue
Thank you very much Sue. I have already been looking into Jane johnson's programs and they seem to be highly reccomended just by everyone in the biz.
There's also the body basics which seems to have a whole lot of courses and workshops but for some strange reason I can't seem to find any reviews of them anywhere on the web.. Is it a reputed school?
[url]Holistic Massage Courses, ITEC Massage Training Course at Body Basics ITEC Massage Courses[/url]
thanks everybody for your feedback!
Hi Ana, I have just completed the combined BTEC Level 5 in Holistic/Sports Massage, with Essentials. I took the weekend option since I work full-time (in IT too). You qualify in Holistic after 5-6 months (if you want to start earning), then the remainder of the course is devoted to Sports Massage, where youi'll learn techniques such as Soft Tissue Release, Post Isometric Release, Reciprocal Inhibition, NeuroMuscular Techniques, Myofascial Release, MLD, and the applications of cryotherapy and strapping to name but a few. It's been a long, intensive yr, but ultimately worth it. Drop me a line if you have any questions.
You want to be a Massage Therapist?
Hi Ana
Have done some training with a company called Body and Soul, can recommend the two tutors,Rober Lewis and Helen Myers who were brilliant. They run ITEC courses week days/weekends and intensive.Take a look.
Regards
Simon:)
Hi Ana
You might also want to consider doing the North London School of Sports Massage, the teachers are excellent, the course is demanding but you leave with excellent skills.
I graduated last year and I am now working with a premiership team as well as having an independent clinic. I love what I do, and have found my work very satisfying, it is a good route in which to go as it will always stay interesting.
They also have a great support team after you graduate, the newsletter in which they send out a couple of times a month is how I got my job.
Hope this helps!
SportsMassage
Hi Ana
You might also want to consider doing the North London School of Sports Massage, the teachers are excellent, the course is demanding but you leave with excellent skills.
I graduated last year and I am now working with a premiership team as well as having an independent clinic. I love what I do, and have found my work very satisfying, it is a good route in which to go as it will always stay interesting.
They also have a great support team after you graduate, the newsletter in which they send out a couple of times a month is how I got my job.
Hope this helps!
SportsMassage
Hi SportsMassage
congrats on getting a premiership job so soon after qualifying. I think in all the years ive been in the industry that is probably the quickest anyone has gained premiership work, that ive heard of, as you usually need years of experience before they let you loose on their elite footy stars, so congratulations indeed.
Hi sportstherapy
It speaks volumes for the quality of training that I received. Originally I volunteered for the first year and from there it grew. They then contracted me for 3 days a week which allows me to do other clients as well. I love my job and am very happy I trained with NLSSM.
Hi Ana,
If you want to start your career in Massage therapist . There are number of companies that provide an online massage therapy courses, you should learn basic courses for massage therapist thereafter you can start your own business also. For online massage therapy courses you should try 1stopce for learning massage therapy courses.