ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage: fast-track

What is the course about?

Completing this course will earn you an ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage and the ability to work in the field of complementary therapy as either an employed or self-employed practitioner. The course covers the theory and practical aspects of massage therapy including body systems, massage techniques, and anatomy physiology and pathology.

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 is an integrated course consisting of four units:

• iUCT38 - Knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies
• iUCT24 - Provide Body Massage for Complementary Therapies
• iUCT21- Principles and Practice of Complementary Therapists
• iUCT34 - Business Practice for Complementary Therapies.

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

• Name the structures and functions of the 11 body systems
• Explain the interdependence of the body systems, and how each system responds to massage
• Recognise and name the symptoms and causes of common pathological conditions that can affect each system
• Perform a full body massage in a commercially accepted time.
• Use the practical and theoretical skills required to provide massage treatments for the purposes of relaxation and stress release
• Take a client consultation and gather the necessary information to provide a client-specific treatment and aftercare
• Recognise when not to massage (knowledge of contra indications)
• Understand the concept of contra actions (healing crisis)
• Compare and differentiate between the different complementary therapies
• Have a basic understanding of building and maintaining your own business practice
• Have a good working knowledge of the regulations and legislation to safeguard and implement health and safety within a complementary practice.

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. If you are unsure whether you meet the required standard, please contact the department on Health@citylit.ac.uk.

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

Teaching methods include lectures, discussions, powerpoint presentation, group work, Q&A, role play, demonstrations, practical and pair work.

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.

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

Practical sessions at Collage:
- The collage will provide towles, wipes,sanitiser and massage oils for practice in collage and for exams.
- The collage will provide 1 gender neutral branded Polo Shirt, this is included in the course fees.

You will need to purchase the following items-
You will need to provide your own trousers and shoes for the practical exam. The trousers should be smart black trousers, notracksuits or joggers will be allowed. Shoes need to be Black, closed toes and flat - Sketches shoes or something similar are a good choice, trainers are ok but they need to be fully black and not blazoned with logos or coloured stripes etc.

THE UNIFORM COSTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEES, THERE IS NO REDUCTION IN THE COURSE FEES FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN UNIFORM. If students wish to provide their own uniform, it must meet the standards set by the institute.

Theory sessions:
• Course books (Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology by Louise Tucker)
• Folders for handouts
• Pen and paper

You will also need access to or purchase a massage couch to undertake treatments outside of the classroom time and you will need your own towels, oil, wipes and sanitiser for performing treatments on clients outside of City Lit.

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

Expand your skills with other professional practitioner courses such as: Deep Tissue Massage; Advanced Massage Techniques; On Site Massage; Indian Head Massage; Lymphatic Drainage Massage; or one of our many CPD courses.