Complementary therapy and sports massage qualifications and courses can be many and varied. It can feel overwhelming trying to decide which one is best for you to progress into this industry. When choosing to invest your time and capital into training you want to ensure you choose the best option for you. Here we share some red flags to look out for and then our tips and tricks to navigating the different qualifications and options available to you. Hopefully it will make the process a little simpler!
Complementary health and sport are incredibly fascinating subjects that you can truly immerse yourself in. To practice professionally you will want to give yourself a good grounding in the topic and adequate practical experience to feel comfortable providing treatments whilst speaking knowledgably with your clients. There is nothing better than sharing your passion with clients and see it light them up too!
Here’s the snag though, not all courses are created equally. There are unfortunately some courses on the market which do not leave you in a place where you are properly equipped and qualified to practice. As the industry becomes more tightly regulated to ensure quality and safety to clients, we wanted to share a few red flags you can look out for and a few simple ways to choose the right path for you.
Here are a few red flags to look out for and investigate further
- If a course is very inexpensive compared to others then it is most likely lacking. This could indicate it is not accredited with a suitably regulated body, or does not leave you with a recognised qualification. Unfortunately, if the course mentions you can only gain insurance with their “partners”, it often means you won’t be able to get insurance from other more respectable insurers. It is often a case of too good to be true.
- Likewise if you can qualify in next to no time, then this will probably leave you feeling inexperienced and unconfident to treat clients, especially if they present with certain contraindications and conditions.
- If the course has no formal assessments (practical examinations or case study requirements), this is also an indicator that the certificate at the end of the course will not be adequate.
- Another key consideration is if the course is delivered online only. There can be no doubt that some theoretical topics are delivered effectively and to an incredibly high standard virtually. However there are key elements for beginners such as massage techniques that simply won’t be delivered as effectively online vs in the classroom, where you will be guided hands on, working on each other so you also learn how those techniques feel from a clients perspective.
We are increasingly working with therapists who have trained elsewhere, often solely online and the training has left them feeling unequipped and unconfident. The worst part is that it’s through no fault of their own and they have put in an incredible amount of work only to be let down by the course and qualification.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right path to qualification
✅ Compare the course syllabus? Aromatherapy is a great example here; to qualify as an aromatherapist the course should include learning body massage as well as the application of essential oil blends for your clients individual needs.
✅ Check that the course is accredited by a regulated body (you can find a list of regulated qualifications via the government website.
Some examples include ITEC, VTCT, City & Guilds. This will ensure it is a well-recognised and respected qualification that will stand the test of time as regulation becomes stricter. Also check that you can gain insurance to practice with the qualification with mainstream providers such as a popular provider like Balens. Additionally would you be accepted to the notable professional bodies such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) or Association of Reflexologists (AOR).See here for a list of regulated qualifications
✅ See what people say about the course and the college. Social proof in the form of testimonials, reviews, social media and even recommendations from therapists in the industry can reassure you.
✅ Look at the body of work required. Days in the classroom and case studies you are required to complete can give you an indication of how hard you will need to work but more importantly how much experience you will gain. Sure it would be great to qualify overnight but being assessed by your tutor and an external examiner and qualifying with a substantial amount of case studies under your belt will give you the confidence to launch a career and practice safely and effectively.
Think about it this way - would you like to be treated by a therapist that did the course you are considering. Be prepared to work hard and not cut corners and you will reap the rewards.