Hi
I don't want to start a huge debate about who's qualification is better than the next but I would like some advice about courses please 😮
I am just about to finish an IFA aromatherapy diploma (exams on Saturday) and have already passed the A & P with them. I am hoping to start a reflexology course next year but there seem to be so many different regulating bodies !
I chose to study with the IFA as following some research and on recommendation I was confident that it was a well respected, and very thorough course which was not the case with others that I looked at.
I have tried to do the same for reflexology but am just not sure. I have come up with the IFR and the AoR but would like to know peoples views on the standard of their respective courses, how well recognised the qualification is, and how each are likely to fair when regulation cames in. If anyone has strong views about any other body I would be pleased to hear them.
I appreciate that standards also vary between tutors and colleges but my firstchallenge is to find the right awarding body for me.
All your thoughts would be most welcome
Thanks everso
Louise
PS I am also hoping that my current A & P Diploma will be sufficient 😉
RE: Who to train with ????
Hi Louise
I know superb reflexologists who are both IFR and AoR. I really couldn't say which is 'better'. I trained with AoR, but having taking CPD with an IFR trainer and I believe its founder(the wonderful Renee Tanner)I would happily have trained with her too. I don't think she teaches the full courses any more but I met one of the course tutors and warmed to her at once. Where do you live and what choices do you have? Where would you be prepared to travel to? My CPD courses were at Morley College, which is very near Waterloo, and I was very impressed with them. You clearly did good research with your aromatherapy and hopefully your judgement will serve you well with this decision. Good luck!
RE: Who to train with ????
AOR and ITEC courses are very similar in content, VTCT has a heavy slant on the business side of things and lots of ongoing assessment, whereas the other two focus more on the treatments and a final exam. I've posted some exam papers and assignment topics for the AOR course (and there are some on the ITEC course too) on the past papeor forum, they are stickied to the top. There are also some similar discussions on those forums too about reflexology training.
I have no experience of the IFR so cannot comment on the course content personally.
I took the AOR course and was impressed with the level we were taught at, the number of contraindications we were taught to treat and the general competency and confidence levels which were present in all of us at the end of the course. I now assist on the same course on a voluntary basis and can say the change in the students year on year is astounding, they really get it by the end. Plus they have a really good research section on their website.