hi all, i would really like some help as am extremely confused!
i have just finished ITEC L2 complementary therapies and VTCT L3 swedish massage as a foundation course to come back into studying after some years.
the next course offered by my college is a choice between :
ITEC Level 3 Complementary Therapies which includes body massage, a and p, aromatherapy and reflexology over 30 weeks, and
VTCT advanced body massage with anatomy and physiology and aromatherapy. this course is 20 weeks and as far as the tutor was saying, is of the same standard but not as much work. the college seem to be pushing the VTCT. (it is also £100 more expensive)
i am very torn between the two things. i didn't really want to do reflexology which is a big part of the ITEC. however the ITEC seems to be more in depth.
there is also a chance that i will work abroad and i have been told that ITEC Is more recignized internationally than others... some people i have spoken to say ITEC Is much better or have never heard of VTCT, others say VTCT is the best and they have never heard of ITEC. others have said there is no difference.
i am completely confused, and have to make a decision by next week. i did speak to someone today who recommended i take ITEC body massage and anatomy/physiology, and then take an IFA accredited aromatherapy course later on (which i like the idea of but these aroma courses all seem to be very very expensive!).
please can someone help before i spontaneously combust?!! i just want to get the best qualification i can.
thank you in advance. xx
VTCT are the largest awarding body for beauty and holistics, all the courses I have done are with these, but my tutor was excellent beyond excellent actually and this makes a helluva difference, in my eyes !
Hi WD
You are putting a lot of pressure on yourself! Relax 🙂
If you don't like reflexology then don't do it. Whatever you do, it has to be in your heart! Courses are only as good as the tutor who is teaching it and the student who studies hard.
Don't be fooled by the term "international". It is often chosen because it sounds impressive. Generally speaking UK qualifications in many fields are often recognised abroad. But and there is a big BUT, many countries including EU ones has different rules and regulations.
So you may be able to practice in one country with no problems, and be arrested in another for practising medicine or therapy without a license. In some EU countries like France some massage therapists practice "underground". In Sweden (according to a half Swedish friend) they like you to have a degree. I know someone who wants to move to New Zealand, and had to do a bridging course to convert her level 3 sports massage to level 4. So where ever you wish to move to, you should check out the local regulations first.
If you are really into massage and aromatherapy and money is an issue, the VTCT Adv. Massage & Aromatherapy sounds the best option. As for VTCT vs ITEC, it is the same standard ie level 3, but ITEC may a cover bit more ie essential oils and ask for more case studies. Having said that things are changing in education and the syllabuses will be tighter through out the CAM industry.
Best Wishes
RP
hello
thank you both very much for your replies. i have decided to go with the VTCT as i dont think reflexology is for me and you two seem to have backed up the research i have done over the weekend.
both of the courses are the QCF 3 standard so i'm happy with that, it's just the VTCT one seems to be tailored for my requirements!! 🙂
thank you again for your help:FIFangel:
xx