Looking for some advice :)

[Johnny Rocket]

Hello all

I'm new here and was hoping for some advice about training as a therapist.

I have worked as a nurse for seven years although have really not enjoyed it for the last two. I have always had an interest in massage and aromatherapy in particular and I had been considering a career change for some time but have not taken any steps in that direction until now, my problem is that I am unsure what sort of qualification I should be looking for! Sorry if that seems like a stupid thing to say - I've looked at a few courses, some offering NVQ/SVQ, ITEC, BTEC, and I'm uncertain what is the best route to go down as a beginner.

I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions on getting started.

Thank you!

Tweet

 

[inlet]

Hi Tweet

Welcome to Hp!

There are mant threads on the Student/Training forum you may wish to read.

But here's some basic advice:

# The industry standard for massage is level 3

# All the exam boards you have mentioned are of this level

# Courses are generally as good as the tutor who puts the effort in, not so much to do with the exam board. Ask around and see what the reputation of the college is.

# Most Swedish/Holistic/Body massage courses are really foundation courses. This is a good way of learning massage, but I would recommend studying more advanced techniques afterwards. A body massage qualification is a prerequisite for other courses i.e. aromatherapy or sports/remedial or lymphatic drainage etc.

Best Wishes

Massage Pixie

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi, I went onto a remedial massage course with no previous massage experience. I would recommend remedial massage, then you can deal with specific problems and do the relaxation stuff. There aren't that many remedial people about, whereas there are quite a number of swedish/holistic therapists.

Good luck!

 

[barry g.]

Hi Tweet,
I agree with the previous posters. Level 3 is your starting point, however, there are lots of swedish and holistic massage therapists, and it can be very competitive, so if you are looking at a full time career change, you may want to look at specialising.

With your nursing background you shouldnt have a problem with pre-requisites for some training providers.

Best wishes

Richard

 

[WWE Bragging Rights]

Hello again

Thank you for all the responses - I appreciate the encouragement and advice that everyone has offered and found all of it helpful. I had a look at the student/training forum and found it useful so I'm sure I'll be posting there shortly too, thanks for the pointer

I did have one other question that I meant to post originally but forgot (d'oh!). When I've been searching for courses I've found a variety of course lengths - I've seen 'intensive' courses done over 5-10 days or others that take 9-10 months where you attend only at the weekend. In short, I'm a bit suspicious that an intensive course would not give me a solid grounding but I would also like to learn a little faster than every weekend over 9 or 10 months but these seem to be the only options I can find in my local area (Glasgow). Is this the norm and am I right to steer away from intensive style courses?

Thanks again,

Tweet

 

[ello!]

Hi

Yes I have a personal bias towards remedial massage so agree with the others. But Tweet did say that she was interested in aromatherapy as well.

If Tweet you wish to make a career of it and make a reasonable income, do both. One of the failings of some therapists is that they can do a reflexology or holistic massage course and go out there and make a living. But it's not as easy as that. It does take years to establish a business, and the more well developed your skills are, the more likely you will succeed and provide a quality service.

Best Wishes

RP

 

[Horse Therapist]

Hi Tweet,
check that your training provider belongs to one of the Professional Associations that are members of the governing body, GCMT www.gcmt.org.uk

If they are then you can guarantee that irrespective of if they are intensive or longer courses, they will be teaching to both National Occupational Standards and recognised Core Curricula.

Aromatherapy is a great one to learn with remedial massage.

 

[filmizle]

Hi Tweetie

That's a hard one to ask as we are all different and learn at different rates. Since you are a nurse and if you enjoy hands-on work you may benefit from a more intensive course. On the other hand, if you are a slower learner (I say that with great respect) and not so hands-on, then may be a longer course is more suitable.

My main oil massage qualification is Indonesian not Swedish, and I did it in 6 days. But every one on the course (including me) was qualified in either Thai or Tui-Na (Chinese) massage and manipulation. I banged out 20 case studies in 6 weeks as I had the hands-on experience already. Some one else may needed 6 months. It doesn't really matter how long, as long as you are enjoying the learning process and clients are benefiting from the treatment.

Whatever you choose you will have to do case studies and this makes you work at it and gives an opportunately for reflective practice. Personally I consider the science/theory is there to underpin massage practice, but practice is all important.

As well as choosing a course on its accreditation, you need to meet the tutors or visit the college in question to have a feel of it. If the vibe is bad and students are unhappy, prehaps it's not a place to study.

Best Wishes

RP

 

[FUHummer]

In massage it is always best to get the underlying qual first like with remedial its best to do body, because you learn all the problems asociated with the massage, and also it is a lot easier. With all massage i think its better to do Level 3 diploma as is very beneficial.

 

[xiqclsoxs]

I wouldn't touch the intensive courses in Glasgow with a bargepole and don't bother with Glasgow College of Commerce either, or Motherwell college. Coatbridge college is ok, as is the Nautical college.

Depends what you want to spend (whether you go with college or private), but I do know that the Scottish School of Medical Herbalism (SSMH) also offer massage and aromatherapy courses and I can tell you that the tutors are the best. Also try Western School of Massage who have excellent reputation.

Links:

http://www.herbalmedicine.org.uk/ (link to SSHM also has massage/aromatherapy)

http://www.westernschool.co.uk/


I have been doing massage in Scotland for over 10 years and rent rooms to practitioners so I do know who are better than some. There is one outfit in Glasgow I would not touch with a bargepole and would never have anyone who did their course in my place. I so hope you do not go with them. Their courses are all "intensive" and are a pile of cack.

Choose wisely, also contact me personally if you want more advice.

Patchouli

 

[Dapper Dan]

Hi Tweet,

I had some similar questions in my mind when I first considered training as a massage therapist. I discussed training with a friend of my partner who was a practising therapist - she suggested an ITEC course. A local private college was offering an ITEC course run as either a two week intensive course or one run on Saturday's. I work full-time so thought the 'Saturdays' course would fit in better. But I was also concerned the two week intensive wouldn't offer the same chances to do regular practise with other students and access to the tutor. Also, I figured the 'Saturdays' option would be better when considering the amount of anatomy and physiology study that would be required and the twenty case studies that would need to be completed as well.

I started my training course in October this year. It runs through until April 2010 with my exams in June (by which time the case studies will need to have been completed). BTW - bearing in mind the previous responses I checked and was relieved to see my course is a level 3 qualification Early next year I shall consider what follow-on training I will do ..

 

[aq n]

Hi Tweet
I'm doing the City and Guilds level 3 diploma in aromatherapy this year. I didn't have a body massage qualification before i started but they teach the massage on this course. I much prefer this and it seems to work, obviously there is alot of home study involved but if you know you want to do aromatherapy it might be worth looking to see if any colleges near you offer this course.
Good luck