ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage QN 603/4092/7

Course Structure

The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage, Anatomy & Physiology is a fast track, intensive course of study designed for those wishing to build the base from which to develop a career in alternative therapies. The course is run by enthusiastic, dedicated ITEC professionals who teach not because they can do but because they love to. The Diploma is comprised of four independent units or modules including:

Unit iUCT24 – Provide Body Massage for Complementary Therapies
Students will learn how to evaluate contraindications or cautions that may restrict or prevent treatment, deliver an effective massage treatment in a safe, hygienic and professional manner.

Learning outcomes for this unit include:

• How to prepare for a body massage treatment, in a safe, comfortable work area, in line with current legislation & working practice requirements
• Through effective client consultation, learn how to respond to any presenting contra-indications and provide a safe, appropriate and comfortable massage treatment as appropriate for the individual client.
• The identification of important body surface landmarks, such as muscles and bones
• The principles of Holistic/Therapeutic Body Massage and its psychological effects and benefits to the human mind
• Guidance on how to develop a massage routine for each individual client
• Development of a holistic approach – treating the ‘mind, body and spirit’
• The correct application of massage techniques and use of body posture/mechanics by the therapist, in order to prevent mechanical injuries
• The benefits of massage on a physical level
• Identify lifelong learning opportunities to plan for self-development

Students will be expected to undertake case studies as part of the course and provide evidence of these treatments on case study forms – the majority of this work is expected to be completed by the student at home; however, some of this work will be carried out during the class time as well.
This unit is externally examined by a visiting ITEC examiner and will be  45 minutes long. Exam days are confirmed once the course is under way.

Unit iUCT38 – Knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies
(Multiple choice theory test 50 questions on exam day – 55 minute paper, taken alongside the practical exam.
Human Anatomy and Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies, covering all major systems and their functions, incorporating:

• Cell Structure, Tissue and Skin Cellular Composition
• Muscular and Skeletal Systems
• Cardiovascular – Heart and Blood Circulation
• Lymphatic System – Lymph glands and production of Tissue Fluid
• Neurological System – Brain and Nervous System
• Endocrine System – Hormonal producing organs and role of hormones in the human body
• Respiratory System – Lungs and air pathways
• Digestive System
• Genito-Urinary System – Kidneys and water metabolism
• Reproductive System

Unit iUCT21 – Principles and Practice of Complementary Therapies
(Assignment based learning which allows the student to research four other complementary therapies in the form of  four assignments – these will be submitted and marked internally by the school)

Unit iUCT34 – Business Practice for Complementary Therapies
(Assignment based learning – students will write their own business plan in relation to a holistic business – internally marked and assessed by the school)

There is also an optional study unit, which can be taken in addition to the above course and will benefit the student by: –

Unit iUCT29 – Healthy Eating and Well Being for the Complementary Therapy Client – Please note that this course does not form part of the above course, but can be taken if desired as a separate unit during the course. Students may wish to study this unit in order to enhance their Holistic Massage Diploma and earn additional learner credits through Ofqual. Successful candidates my want to offer nutritional advice as part of their new practice and may adopt the status of ‘Nutritional Adviser’.

Those undertaking this additional unit will be able to:

• Evaluate the client’s present eating habits in line with current healthy eating guidelines
• Provide general information and nutritional advice, in order to maintain health and well-being
• Explain the factors that should be considered when planning healthy eating for the Complementary Therapy Client.

Course Fees

ONLY £1497.00

A deposit of £295.00 will secure your place.

Course fees may be paid in full or the balance may be spread over two monthly instalments of £631:00 (this includes a 5% admin fee) + £130 exam fee

These fees include the following:

• Guided learning in class & remotely with tutor support.
• Direction and support for home study.
• Comprehensive SNT level 3 course notes manual.
• ITEC exam fees and final certificate.
• Notepad and pen.
• Advice, guidance and discount with choosing and purchasing a quality massage couch and equipment
• A friendly and relaxed learning environment

Exam Fee

On registration as a student during the course, an exam fee of £135.00 is applicable

FAQs

I have no previous massage experience and I have no previous background in science or anatomy – can I sign up for this course?
Yes, the course assumes no prior knowledge and is open to beginners who are looking for a career change, or those with related experience, who wish to further their knowledge.
We will train and guide you throughout the course on practical massage techniques and all massage related theory, including anatomy and physiology.

Course Entry Requirements for existing practitioners
This course is also open to existing qualified massage practitioners,  or student practitioners of disciplines, such as –

• A genuine desire to learn the art and skill of massage and bodywork and it’s therapeutic values as a complementary treatment
• Education to GCSE standard is desirable
• Good command of English language is desirable
• Time to compile 36 case study’ treatments)
• To be prepared to complete at least 5 hours home study per week

Do I need to do any pre-reading or preparation before the course starts?
Some general reading on the human body in advance of your course may be helpful if you haven’t studied any anatomy or physiology before and we will supply a basic recommended reading list prior to the course, once you have booked and paid your deposit. Don’t forget we also provide our own exclusive and comprehensive course notes as well as a textbook once the course is under way.

Do I have the right background to study massage?
As we have said, the course is open to anyone with a genuine desire to learn the art of massage and is physically fit enough and able to perform what we term ‘bodywork’, so it is important to advise us at the time of booking or enquiring, if you have an illness or condition which may affect your ability to perform massage. Something that may be helpful for potential candidates is a background in some sort of sport, exercise or dance, but it is absolutely not essential.

What will I need to bring to the course?

Comfortable trousers, flat shoes and a plain dark coloured (navy, black, grey) polo shirt for the practical sessions. The dress code will be more finely tuned with tutor guidance once on the course. You will also need to bring 2 matching dark coloured (navy, black, grey) bath sheets for use on yourself.
You will provided with comprehensive course notes throughout the course.
Coloured pencils and general writing materials will be needed for the anatomy class, although we do provide a notebook and school pen.

Will I need to buy my own couch?
You will undoubtedly need your own couch for practise at home and for case study treatments. We will be able to advise you before you purchase one and we have an exclusive deal with a well-respected massage couch supplier, who is able to offer discounts and very good deals for students.  We will provide couches during class time of course.

How much study time at home will be needed?
You will need to allocate time regularly throughout the week for assignment work and some small pieces of written work. You will also need to set time aside for case study work/home treatments as the course progresses. Of course it depends on how quickly you learn as to how long you will need but you will need to make some time available.

Will there be lots of essay writing?
The ITEC Level 3 anatomy exam is multiple choice only. The other units involve some writing but the tutor will guide you as to the style of presentation. Generally, bullet point presentation is passable if the information is thorough, clear and accurate.

What if English is not my first language, or if I haven’t studied for a long time
We would expect anyone applying to possess a reasonable command of English language, both written and oral. However, there are many ways of presenting work and we can advise what is best for the individual in terms of how they present their work, if they find they are struggling with their written skills.

I have dyslexia
We can assist those who struggle with English, don’t have English as their first language, or have dyslexia – see question above.

Is there an age limit?
We prefer students to be at least 18 years of age in order to undertake this course. Younger students may apply by contacting us and acceptance on this programme is subject to telephone interview first.

Do I have to provide my own “clients” to practise on for coursework?
Yes, you will need to find people to do case studies on in your own time – friends, family and work colleagues are usually very willing to receive a free massage session!!

Can I leave my belongings at the venue between sessions?
Students cannot leave belongings at the venue as there is very limited storage available.

Are the massage classes single sex?
The massage classes include both male and female students. You would need to advise us in advance if you have an objection to that and we will advise you if this course is suitable.

Exam Details

• ITEC Practical Examination – 45 minutes
• Multiple choice theory test 50 questions on exam day – 55-minute paper.
• The remaining units, such as business studies are completed throughout the duration of the course and are assessed internally by the tutor – all work is then externally verified by the visiting examiner

Course Tutors

Helen Cameron Lee

Suzannah Agrippa

Photos from the Course