Introduction

The term Spa is an acronym for the Latin Salude Per Aqua (health thru' water). The spa business has been growing rapidly in recent years and has become one of the world's biggest growth industries.

Career Opportunities

There is a variety of career opportunities from SCD's courses, with qualifications recognised by the industry's professional bodies. There is a huge demand for qualified therapists with the additional option of self-employment. Opportunities exist in the following areas:

• Day Spas
• Residential Spas
• Destination Spas
• Laser Hair Removal Clinics
• Skin Rejuvenation Clinics
• Cruise Liners
• Leisure Centres
• Healing Centres
• Graduates may also commence professional practice in Hot Stone Therapy, Lomi-Lomi Massage, Thai Yoga Massage and Laser Therapy.  

Course Structure

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of Spa Therapies which will ensure that the graduate is confident and competent to work in the Spa industry in Ireland and overseas.

Students can obtain the following Diplomas:

• ITEC Spa Therapy
• ITEC Stone Therapy
• ITEC IPL and Laser
• ITEC Thai Yoga Massage
• ITEC Microdermabrasion
• CIBTAC Nutrition 

Core Elements
 

• Stone Therapy
• Spa Water Treatments/Hydrotherapy
• Body Exfoliation/Wraps/Slimming Treatments
• Tanning/Lightening Treatments
• Physics of Water
• History/Maintenance and Hygiene of Spas
• Nutrition
• Product Knowledge/Client Care
• Lomi Lomi Massage
• Thai Yoga Massage
• IPL and Laser  
• Work Experience  

Support Elements

• Industry Training Courses  (Lomi Lomi Massage, Spray Tanning, Thermal Auricular Therapy)
• Study Skills
• Career Advice and CV Preparation

Assessment and Certification

• Certification is awarded by the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). 

  CITBAC and ITEC apply a rigid set of standards governing attendance, learning and examinations.

• Examinations take place in April and May.

• Case studies are required for CIBTAC/ITEC modules.

   

Progression
 

Graduates may practice as qualified Hot Stone, Thermal Auricular, Thai Yoga and Laser therapists.

CIBTAC/ITEC Diplomas enable recipients to become specialist members of BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology). 

Entry Requirements

• Prior Qualifications

Applicants taking Body and Spa Treatments must have a CIBTAC or ITEC Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Massage or equivalent.

Applicants taking the IPL/Laser Diploma must have a CIBTAC or ITEC Diploma in Skin Treatments or equivalent.

• Other Requirements

There is a high demand for places and early application is advised. Applications will be processed strictly in order of receipt.

Applicants will have an 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, €200 PLC Government Levy (unless exempt), a Student Services fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.
• Students will be required to purchase certain items including a uniform and product kits.