Therapies Diplomas - Year 1
Introduction
In recent years there has been great emphasis on the use of 'natural' or complementary treatments. In modern life there are many pressures leading to undue stress, which result in illness. The Holistic Therapist treats the person as a whole and takes the person's thinking, lifestyle, and physical and social environment into consideration while guiding the client towards better health.
The emphasis is on health in the widest sense and the aim is to maximise vitality and life potential including personal and social success and fulfilment. Holistic Therapy seeks to integrate the person, instead of dividing them into mind and body as separate entities for treatment. There is evidence to link a person's immune system to their state of mind. Negative emotions have a bad effect while a positive attitude leads to enhanced health and well being.
Training in constructive thinking is part of the goal of holistic health remedies. A central course objective is to harness the power of the mind to tackle problems and to improve aspects of one's life. The client is trained to move away from negative destructive thoughts and to embrace thoughts of a good and healthy life of well-being and happiness. The various therapies address the needs in a singular or combined way as appropriate to the individual.
The therapist is a holistic person who recognises their abilities and creative energy as the catalyst for healing. The therapist demonstrates qualities of genuineness, empathy and unconditional regard for the client at all times.
Career Opportunities
This is a rapidly expanding career area offering various opportunities for professional practice. Graduates find employment in:
- Hotels, Guest Houses and Leisure Centres
- Beauty Salons/Health Centres
- Healing Centres
- Cruise Ships
- Sports Injuries Clinics
- Health Spas
- Gymnasiums
- Graduates may also commence professional practice in aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, stress management and sports massage therapy.
Course Structure
Students take the first year full time course with an option of taking the second year to broaden their expertise. This course is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of a number of popular therapies and achieving recognised qualifications to engage in professional practice.
Learners explore the diversity of complementary systems and underlying principles. They receive a firm grounding in Complementary Therapy theory and practice together with an understanding of how they fit into the wider context of health sciences. Thus, graduates will be able to approach Complementary Therapies and mainstream medicine in an open minded, informed and constructively critical manner.
Core Elements
Year One
Students are prepared for the following Diplomas:
- ITEC Anatomy and Physiology
- ITEC Body Massage
- ITEC Reflexology
- CIBTAC Indian Head Massage
- CIBTAC Nutrition
Students are also prepared for certification in:
- Reiki 1
** Case studies are required for all CIBTAC and ITEC practical modules.
| Course Code | HOL1 (first year) |
| Duration | 1 year – full time September to May |
| Number of places | 48 |
| Number of contact hours per week | 22 approx |
| Timetable contact | 5 days, between 9:00am-6:00pm |
Support Elements
- Industry Training Courses
- Business Studies
- Applied Information Technology (Salon Management Software)
- Study Skills
- Career Advice and CV Preparation
Assessment and Certification
- Exams take place in April and May.
- Case studies are required for CIBTAC/ITEC modules.
- This course is certified by the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) and the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). CIBTAC and ITEC apply a rigid set of standards governing attendance, learning and examinations.
- Reiki is independently certified.
- Information Technology is certified by Phorest.
Progression
Education/Training
- On successful completion of the first year course, students are encouraged to progress further by studying additional qualifications in year two.
- Alternatively, students can progress to the Spa Therapies Diplomas course.
Career
- Students who are successful may practice as qualified CIBTAC, ITEC and Reiki Holistic Therapists.
- CIBTAC Diplomas enable recipients to become specialist members of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and obtain the requisite insurance cover for professional practice.
- ITEC Diplomas enable recipients to become international members of ITEC.
Entry Requirements
Year 1
Five passes on ordinary level papers (grade D or higher).
Alternative equivalent qualifications may be accepted.
Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
Applicants should submit details of achievements.
Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)
Applicants who can demonstrate their general ability to complete this course may apply.
There is high demand for places and early application is advised. Applications will be processed strictly in order of receipt. Applicants will have a personal advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will be advised on course costs, uniform, product kits and registration details.
Fees
- There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a College registration fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.
- Students will be required to purchase certain items including a uniform and product kits.