I am looking for a fast low cost way to get a accredited qualification. Ideally something like ITEC. When I say fast I mean I don't want to attend lots of classes. I don't mind doing maybe 10 classes.
I know how to massage and I am know about A&P and health and safety. So what I am looking for is a basic course with a hard exam(practical and theory) that is well recognised. I also do really care about getting any info on how to run a buisness. I am just looking for a bit of paper that said my massage is safe and good quality.
Thanks for any advice or help you can offer.
I am just looking for a bit of paper that said my massage is safe and good quality.
But a bit of paper doesn't say that your massage is safe and good quality, it just shows that you've passed some tests and a course. Safe and good quality comes from showing that you have experience and have put in many hours of pracrice and case studies etc. and eventually building up a client base who recognise and trust your skills.
Unfortunately, quick and dirty qualifications mean nothing and many therapists will scorn at people who seek to get into the field without showing a willingness to put in the hard work that they have.
All Love and Reiki Hugs
I am looking for a fast low cost way to get a accredited qualification. Ideally something like ITEC. When I say fast I mean I don't want to attend lots of classes. I don't mind doing maybe 10 classes.
I know how to massage and I am know about A&P and health and safety. So what I am looking for is a basic course with a hard exam(practical and theory) that is well recognised. I also do really care about getting any info on how to run a buisness. I am just looking for a bit of paper that said my massage is safe and good quality.
Thanks for any advice or help you can offer.
Stonebridge is your best bet.
A&P qual recognised by FHT,
Level 4 NCFE Qual in massage.
Professional membership to Society for Holistic Therapists and Coaches with insurance to practice.
All for a tidy £710............BARGAIN!
Happy days!!!
I am looking for a fast low cost way to get a accredited qualification. Ideally something like ITEC. When I say fast I mean I don't want to attend lots of classes. I don't mind doing maybe 10 classes.
I know how to massage and I am know about A&P and health and safety. So what I am looking for is a basic course with a hard exam(practical and theory) that is well recognised. I also do really care about getting any info on how to run a buisness. I am just looking for a bit of paper that said my massage is safe and good quality.
Thanks for any advice or help you can offer.
There isnt such thing as a fast track course, well one that is recognised anyway. All courses that meet standard have to include things such as pre-requisites etc, and will require the usual A&P, Health & Safety etc. As an example, if you attend a body massage course you will have to study or have studied Level 3 A&P, Health & Safety, complete theoretical home study, and undertake (I think currently) 36 hours of case studies (legitimate and checkable).
Your practical training may be fast-track, however from start to finish, the course usually isnt.
Unfortunately a piece of paper wont say if your massage is safe and of good quality. You only need to have a look on these forums to see how standards vary.
Best bet is to look at ITEC courses, they have a written and practical exam at the end, and their website will show you your closest course.
I don't mind if it takes a year or even 2, I just don't have time to go to classes. I also don't really need to. Lets just say for the sake of argument that I give great massage and that if I had a week to revise I would get 90% in an ITEC. I have a friend who studied ITEC and the exams did not seem difficult to me because of my background.
For the sake of argument Imagen that I studied years ago and I want a quick refresh and qualification.
I thinks althought a bit of paper does not guarantee good massage it alows membership to assosiations that have standards?
So basically does anyone give course material then when you are ready test you. I also don't mind doing case studies as I give lots of massage so it would be easy to do.
I am looking for a fast low cost way to get a accredited qualification. Ideally something like ITEC. When I say fast I mean I don't want to attend lots of classes. I don't mind doing maybe 10 classes.
I know how to massage and I am know about A&P and health and safety. So what I am looking for is a basic course with a hard exam(practical and theory) that is well recognised. I also do really care about getting any info on how to run a buisness. I am just looking for a bit of paper that said my massage is safe and good quality.
Thanks for any advice or help you can offer.
Where have you studied already? I see you already know about massage, A&P and H&S - does that provider offer advanced massage courses where you could improve your techniques - does this provider also do Business Management courses? Sadly I've seen many many therapists come unstuck having done very rudimentary training and then expected to be able to earn a living as a result.
I don't want buisness management. I just want massage. I don't mind exams or practicals. I just don't have time to sit in class. They can even test my buisness management if they really want. I am not trying to say I am brilliant but if I already know then I don't need to read it again.
Does anyone offer the course info and exams for itec without the teaching? I could read what I need at home and I can practice with lots of therapists.
I don't want buisness management. I just want massage. I don't mind exams or practicals. I just don't have time to sit in class. They can even test my buisness management if they really want. I am not trying to say I am brilliant but if I already know then I don't need to read it again.
Does anyone offer the course info and exams for itec without the teaching? I could read what I need at home and I can practice with lots of therapists.
I'm a bit puzzled. Have you already completed training in A&P, or do you have a background as a healthcare professional? You say you want to run a business (post #1) - possibly as a therapist - what are you doing currently?
As for 'I could read what I need at home and I can practice with lots of therapists'..... do you mean you want to do a Distance Learning course and have other therapists spend time showing you what to do?
I don't want buisness management. I just want massage. I don't mind exams or practicals. I just don't have time to sit in class. They can even test my buisness management if they really want. I am not trying to say I am brilliant but if I already know then I don't need to read it again.
Does anyone offer the course info and exams for itec without the teaching? I could read what I need at home and I can practice with lots of therapists.
I'm a bit puzzled. Have you already completed training in A&P, or do you have a background as a healthcare professional? You say you want to run a business (post #1) - possibly as a therapist - what are you doing currently?
As for 'I could read what I need at home and I can practice with lots of therapists'..... do you mean you want to do a Distance Learning theory course and have other therapists spend time showing you what to do?
Sorry I am not explaining this very well. I was not meaning to have a conversation about me. All I was wanting to know was are there courses which assume you all ready know and just spend a couple of days expaining how they test you then actually test you.
Distance learning fine as long as course not mickey mouse. I want same standard as something like ITEC. Ideally international.
Sorry I am not explaining this very well. I was not meaning to have a conversation about me. All I was wanting to know was are there courses which assume you all ready know and just spend a couple of days expaining how they test you then actually test you.
Distance learning fine as long as course not mickey mouse. I want same standard as something like ITEC. Ideally international.
You have answered your own question pretty much, check the ITEC website.
Can you do itec by distance learning?
Hi Purezen,
Why are you asking can you do ITEC by distant learning on this forum when all you need to do is check out their website [url]ITEC ITEC[/url] or just google what you're looking for in your area?
I've just googled and found lots of listings.
Also just for the record - ITEC qualifications are not recognised in the States, Australia or New Zealand as it's no where near comprehensive enough for their governing bodies.
You will get what you pay for and if you want to travel with your qualification or work abroad you need to do your homework. The I in ITEC stands for International but, alas this is not the case. (not that I've found anyway).
Best of luck.
Sorry I was on my phone before so searching not to easy. I think what I need to do is look at all the different awarding bodies and pick a good one that is not too expensive.
Its a shame OU don't do massage:-)
Does anyone know of link to list of all the awarding bodies and maybe how the compare to each other. I am looking just to work in UK and only a couple of treatments a week. I already have clients so stuff about marketing is of no real interest. I also know how to run a business and about things like tax and NI
Hi Purezen,
Why are you asking can you do ITEC by distant learning on this forum when all you need to do is check out their website [url]ITEC ITEC[/url] or just google what you're looking for in your area?
I've just googled and found lots of listings.
Also just for the record - ITEC qualifications are not recognised in the States, Australia or New Zealand as it's no where near comprehensive enough for their governing bodies.
You will get what you pay for and if you want to travel with your qualification or work abroad you need to do your homework. The I in ITEC stands for International but, alas this is not the case. (not that I've found anyway).
Best of luck.
Sorry I was on my phone before so searching not to easy. I think what I need to do is look at all the different awarding bodies and pick a good one that is not too expensive.
Its a shame OU don't do massage:-)
Does anyone know of link to list of all the awarding bodies and maybe how the compare to each other. I am looking just to work in UK and only a couple of treatments a week. I already have clients so stuff about marketing is of no real interest. I also know how to run a business and about things like tax and NI
If you are already seeing clients, who is your insurer? Perhaps they have a list of the bodies that they are affiliated with on their website, so that you could contact a selection of them to see if they offer the kind of course you are looking for.
I don't want buisness management. I just want massage. I don't mind exams or practicals. I just don't have time to sit in class. They can even test my buisness management if they really want. I am not trying to say I am brilliant but if I already know then I don't need to read it again.
Does anyone offer the course info and exams for itec without the teaching? I could read what I need at home and I can practice with lots of therapists.
Im an industry assessor, I will willingly assess your skills and againsts the ITEC assessment criteria, administer an ITEC or BTEC theory exam, I can issue you with a certificate of competence and I can then write to your professional association, telling them you meet the GCMT standard and therefore eligible for registration by the regulator, the CNHC.
I doubt however it would be a successful outcome for you, but I'd be £300 better off.
you'd be better changing your attitude towards those who have offered you advice, work on your buiness skills and your personal skills and seek employment in an unrelated industry
frustrated BGFL:(
purezen is asking a valid question, perhaps less defensiveness on here and guide her in the right place?
purezen is asking a valid question, perhaps less defensiveness on here and guide her in the right place?
Thanks MayChang. I was not asking to be judged, simply to get information. I did not think I was being unreasonable.
It was really a yes or no question. Perhaps I am phrasing it wrong?
So: Do courses exist for people with existing skill and knowledge to allow them to join a profesional body?
Thanks MayChang. I was not asking to be judged, simply to get information. I did not think I was being unreasonable.
It was really a yes or no question. Perhaps I am phrasing it wrong?
So: Do courses exist for people with existing skill and knowledge to allow them to join a profesional body?
You might find a course that gives you credit or exemption from certain parts due to your previous experience and training. My reiki master didn't bother trying to teach me any anatomy and physiology becasue as a pharmacist I knew more than she did! Why not find a course you like the look of and then ask if they recognise the qualification you currently have?
Whats the worst that can happen?
I do think you have to remember 'you get what you pay for' tho. Good training does cost. But it is investing in yourself
purezen is asking a valid question, perhaps less defensiveness on here and guide her in the right place?
have you read both threads on the subject, she is not asking for accreditation for prior learning, she wants a peice of paper that says she is safe to massage, she currently works uninsured and says she has time ofr a shiatsu course but not for massage, she has had answrs from experienced training providers, and those in the industry who are keen to maintain standards, she wants external assessments and policing in the industry for everyone but herself:mad:
Thanks Tashine,
This is a very sensible solution and the most likely route, if I take a route.
I don't 100% agree with the you get what you pay for bit. Some stuff I have seen is well overpriced for what it is. I have also heard a few people pay for course that were very badly taught. So you can pay a lot and get rubbish.
Also massage is never going to over anyone huge returns so investing lots of money makes no financial sense.
have you read both threads on the subject, she is not asking for accreditation for prior learning, she wants a peice of paper that says she is safe to massage, she currently works uninsured and says she has time ofr a shiatsu course but not for massage, she has had answrs from experienced training providers, and those in the industry who are keen to maintain standards, she wants external assessments and policing in the industry for everyone but herself:mad:
I can speak for myself thanks very much. You are so defensive.
Who I am is fairly irrelevant? I just asked a question that should have had a yes or no answer? Yes you can have your current skills and knowledge assessed or no you have to complete a new course. I was not trying to open a debate
Just a simple yes here is a well recognised/respected route or no I don’t think it exists. No need to be defensive or offensive. Even if you said some course exist but not very well regarded.
I don’t work as a therapist and have no plans too. It would not make any financial sense for me. I do treatments and swaps with friends and friends of friends. I was asked to help a friend do work for a charity. As I would work on people I don’t know I would want liability insurance 1st. I don’t benefit financially and the charity is not going to be hiring therapists.
What I am asking has no negative impact on any therapist all it does is let me provide treatment to people who want but otherwise would never be able to access.
Shiatsu? Yes I might study in the future as it seems very interesting. I don’t have time now though. The only reason I mentioned this in another thread is they have one award body. It was very clear what courses were offered and what was expected. It does have fast track options for people with prior knowledge and they would actually test the skills.
Also massage is never going to over anyone huge returns so investing lots of money makes no financial sense.
I would disagree. There are plenty of masseurs out there who make a good living out of it, because they've put in plenty of training and have gone about their business in a professional manner, which means that clients respect them and recommend them and are more than happy with the treatements they get (and that applies to other areas of therapies as well).
The reason you perhaps feel like you're being attacked here by some, is because you haven't really explained where you have obtained your background of skills, and why your existing training hasn't offered all the things you need to be qualified and registered with the appropriate certifications and regulatory bodies. It's difficult to convey on a forum your exact sentiments because it's only the written word, but the way in which you are writing does, unfortunately, come across as though you are saying you already know it all (yet have provided no evidence of such) and you just want some pieces of paper to get yourself 'qualified' so that you can bypass all the hard work that others in the industry have put in to get where they are. I did say in my first reply...
Unfortunately, quick and dirty qualifications mean nothing and many therapists will scorn at people who seek to get into the field without showing a willingness to put in the hard work that they have.
... and clearly that is evident by the responses you've received from the people who are here who have worked hard to get into the industry.
Perhaps explain your background more clearly and why you think you don't need to do the courses in depth, and people may be able to offer suitable advice... but I suspect if you continue down the route of "I don't want to put time into attending lots of classes" you won't get much sympathy.
All Love and Reiki Hugs
The reason I don't go into my background is this is a question many people might ask, all with diffrent but relevant backgrounds.I don't mean to come accross as arrogant. I don't want this thread to be about me at all. I just wanted to know if this kind of thing existed.
I don't mind being attacked or not I just wanted an answer to one question.
In terms of financial aspects, I would never acheive the income I have now by doing massage. Most of the therapist I know who were doing well 3 years ago are now stuggling. For most clients its a luxury and now a luxury they can not afford. When you have a large number of therapists and a shrinking client base it starts to get tough. I am not saying nobody makes money but I do think the majority are having a hard time at the moment. This is my experience of the environment around me.
Hi purezen and welcome to hp!
Don't worry I'm not going to attack you... There are some VERY 'passionate' people. o n here! 😉 if you don't mind me asking, how did you learn to massage?
I would have really rather have avoided a conversation about me as I don’t think its that relevant. There is so many routes that someone might have took. However since you did ask politely I will explain a little, as long as this does not distract from the original question. Thanks also for trying to help and actually giving an answer to the question I asked.
I started doing massage while studying at Uni. My flatmate had worked as a masseuse before going to uni and showed me some routines and techniques we then used to swap massages about twice a week. I then did a couple of night school courses, you know designed to do on friends. I then went spent a year in Asia, about 6 months of this was fixed in one place. I learned massage from some locals and then practiced at a local salon. I say salon but it was really a shed. I was busy as most of the locals had never seen a European before. When I came back I started doing a VTCT course which is really not good. I It was cheap though. I could not finish as I had to look after someone who became ill. Later on one of the people who I had studied with asked me if I could give her a hand at a charity. Because of this I met a few other therapists and began to swap treatment and learn more. I then started giving again( about 6 years ago) to friends and friends of friends including other therapists, phyisios, and personal trainers. I pick up new ideas from them all the time. As I swap with so many therapists I don’t think I would gain a lot from a taught course. I also have read alot of books on massage and related subjects.
As far as A&P is concerned I have studied this as part of a university courses in far more detail than a massage course would cover.
I am self employed so know about the business aspects, not that I ever plan to use in terms of massage.
So feel free to waste time discussing how I can't possible know anything, Also feel free to talk about what the post is intended for.
You might find a course that gives you credit or exemption from certain parts due to your previous experience and training. My reiki master didn't bother trying to teach me any anatomy and physiology becasue as a pharmacist I knew more than she did! Why not find a course you like the look of and then ask if they recognise the qualification you currently have?
Whats the worst that can happen?
I do think you have to remember 'you get what you pay for' tho. Good training does cost. But it is investing in yourself
I believe she doesnt have a qualification, hence cant join a PA, and needs a quick fix certificate to remedy that, also to gain insurance which presently she doesnt have.
BGFL
Hi Pruezen
As you already have your A+P sorted and will have learnt a completely different way of massaging on your travels than what is practised in this country, then you should be able to find a fast track course which will give you the piece of paper that you desire, as you say, it probably will not improve much upon your intuitive way of working, but you will receive instructions on how to perform a full body massage routine, together with sensible contra indications etc.
It is only if you desire to go into the more specialised fields of remedial and sports injury type massage that you will require something more substantial to back up your existing skill set.
I am sure that someone could put something together for you, like a short refresher course with an exam at the end of it, it will not qualify you to treat muscular/skeletal dysfunctions, but it will qualify you to work in a spar type environment and give a competent full body massage. 🙂
You have certainly gained experience from far and wide and from a number of different sources. You were absolutley right when you said that it is possible to do a so called accreditted course and pay a lot of money to gain the qual but for the tutors and content to be crap.....to be blunt!
I must admit that my example earlier was a bit tongue in cheek. Having said that there is nothing to stop you doing those courses and gaining insurance to practice. You would get a certificate from a recognised awarding body, membership to 'A' professional body with insurance. With your experience and with your future plans then why not this route? I will be condemned for this post by some but ho hum.:rolleyes:
I think the point is, you mentioned ITEC, you were given advice to look on their website to see where your local massage school is, but obviously either can't or don't want to check. It seems to me that without even saying where you are from, you want to be told where to train. :confused:
Dan, you can advise people to train anywhere, whether they do or not after researching is up to them.
There are literally hundreds of massage schools in the UK which tells me there are lots of people wanting to make a quick buck, whereas how many sports therapy courses are there? Not many, because it takes hard work to both deliver and learn it, so lots of people can't be bothered.
My point here is, 80% of the massage schools in the UK are pants, so does it really matter if someone does the stone bridge route, or the one day QCF? Not really no, the massage profession is chock full of naff therapists who don't last long, so a couple more aren't going to harm us!