VTCT Skills Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Certificate) Fast – Track

What is the course about?

This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to give sports massage, including event treatments.

The qualification consists of four mandatory units:

• Anatomy and physiology for sports massage
• Professional practice in sports massage
• Understand the principles of soft tissue injury and dysfunction
• Sports massage treatments

This course is designed for those with no experience; you will learn how to give a full body treatment along with developing your knowledge in fundamentals relevant to working within the sports and remedial massage sector.

This course is the foundation which the subsequent level 4 and 5 sit on.

It is an intensive course, and you will be guided and supported by your tutor throughout the course. Sessions are interactive and fun, making learning enjoyable.

Please note that your exam dates are set by ITEC, and cannot be changed.

What will we cover?

This level 3 course covers essential anatomy and physiology, professional practice in sports massage, introduction to soft tissue dysfunction and classical sports massage techniques.

Through this qualification the learner will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to competently apply sport massage methods to dysfunctional tissue and in a pre, post, intra/inter and maintenance massage context. This includes professional practice, expected standards and related legislation and legal requirements. The learner will develop knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology related to sports massage. In addition, the learner will develop an understanding of the differences between soft tissue dysfunction and injury and the role of a sports massage therapist in dealing with such conditions.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

The following intended learning outcomes are not exhaustive:

• Review and confidently locate bony structures and skeletal muscles of the body.
• Outline the key principles of exercise and fitness.
• Discuss your role as a sports massage professional.
• Perform assessments to your client to identify an appropriate treatment.
• Perform classical sports massage techniques.
• Perform event massage technique.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a level 3 course. There are no prerequisites required, however, due to the intensity of the course we recommend that you attend one, or both, of the following courses prior to enrolling on this course: 'Massage: Access to level 3' or 'Massage: an introduction' - a six week, or shorter introduction to massage basics 'Anatomy and Physiology; access to level 3' - a six week introduction to the body systems.

You will also need to have sufficient literacy, numeracy and ICT skills to complete assignments to the required standard. There is an expectation that you have at least GCSE/Level 2 English, or working towards. As you progress through the course you will be required to complete assignments which will require personal research. If you are unsure whether you meet the required standard, please contact the department on Health@citylit.ac.uk

You will be expected to engage with the online resources throughout this course on Google Classroom. Please ensure you have access to a computer and familiar with accessing Google.

As a massage student at City Lit you are welcomed to attend our massage club and study skills sessions which run on Thursday. This workshop is designed to support students to develop their confidence with completing coursework and treatment.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This course will use a variety of teaching methods to ensure your learning is interactive and effective. One method used is ‘flipped learning’, you will access the online content in preparation for each session. This approach will enable a deeper level of learning to take place in the classroom though a variety of activities including games, quizzes, small group activities and projects. You will also be required to complete online / blended learning, to be completed outside of collage.  Along with in class materials, you will also keep a personal learning plan which will show your journey through your training.

A minimum of ten hours of home study per week is essential to successfully complete this course.

You will also need access to a massage couch, find clients to undertake case studies outside of the classroom time, and have access to a computer and the internet to research and write up your course projects.

This course is assessment based, although you will sit a theory exam which is set by VTCT, you will also build your portfolio of evidence through completing set assignments, case studies and in class tests.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

For practical sessions City Lit will supply towels, pillows and related laundry which is used in class.

You will be required to bring the following:

• Massage media (oil, wax, lubricant etc)
• Appropriate clothing to give and receive treatment (Plus shorts and vest as we will be performing examinations on each other)
• Pens and note paper for making notes, you are welcomed to bring your smart device if you prefer to make electronic notes.

The tutor has developed a range of resources to support your learning, this will be shared through your training. Additional reading to support your learning is listed below and will be discussed during the first session:

Sports Massage
Sports and Remedial Massage - Mel Cash
Advanced Remedial Massage and Soft tissue Therapy - Mel Cash

Anatomy and Physiology
An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology – Louise Tucker
The Concise Book of Muscles - Chris Jarmey.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage or other professional courses such as ITEC Level 3 Aromatherapy, ITEC Level 3 Reflexology, ITEC Level 3 Massage.