The London School of Traditional Massage, frequently asked questions...
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn't answered please ask it here and we'll get back to you asap.
I want to learn a complementary therapy and work professionally, where should I begin?
Things to consider:
Which complementary therapy should I learn?
There are many different styles of complementary therapies, the most recognised being massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy. Massage is probably the best first qualification to get as it is often a pre-requisite to further qualifications and courses. It is also possible to study all 3 of these therapies within the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies.
Is the course awarded by a nationally recognised awarding body?
It is very important to choose a course that leads to a nationally recognised qualification, awarded by an accredited awarding body. We offer nationally recognised qualifications from the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) as they are a specialist awarding body in Beauty, Complementary Therapies, and Active Leisure.
Does the course involve enough training
and practice time
Massage is a very practical skill which requires training with an experienced specialist, and also time for you to digest what you have learnt and practice in your own time. We pride ourselves on keeping course length, and hence prices, down without lowering the quality of our teaching or course content.
Will I be able to work professionally after the course?
As long as you choose a course that is awarded by a recognised awarding body and successfully complete the course you will be able to join the UK's voluntary regulatory body amd/or professional association and obtain their insurance in order to practice professionally
I want to work overseas, will the qualification be recognised in other countries?
There is no such thing as an International qualification. Each country, and sometimes States within countrie, set their own levels for vocational competence. Even an awarding body which has International in their name can still only award qualifications that are recognised within the UK.
Any qualification awarded by a recognised awarding body will, however be recognised by another country to some degree. In order to have a qualification recognised in another country
you will usually be required to approach a school or professional association in the country that you are looking to work in and go through a process known as Accredited Prior Learning (APL). This process requires that you show details of the course that you studied as well as further courses you have studied as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) since qualifying. The school/association will then decide what you need to do to meet their national requirements.
What does VTCT mean?
The Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) is a recognised awarding organisation and is listed as such here on the Ofqual register of regulated qualifications
Ofqual regulate qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. It is their responsibility to ensure all learners get the results they deserve and that their qualifications are correctly valued and understood, now and in the future.
What is a Regulatory Body or Professional Association?
The UK has one regulatory body, known as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Membership is voluntary, and the main function is public protection by setting standards for safe practice.
There are numerous professional associations within the UK for complementary therapists. Some represent individaul disciplines, such as the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) for Reflexology, whilst others represent many disciplines, such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). The role of a professional association is to support its members.
This CNHC provides this leaflet with further information regarding the differences between the Regulatory Body and Professional Associations here.
LSTM recommends joining the FHT and taking out their insurance as they are the largest professional association for complementary therapists and will cover you for multi disciplines.
I am an International Student do I need a visa?
Citizens outside of the European Economic Area and Switzerland will require a visa to study within the UK
The London School of Traditional Massage (LSTM) is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC) and has been approved by the UK Borders Agency as a Highly Trusted Sponsor for Tier 4 (Students)
We presently offer two full time courses for Adult International Students. Both are at Level 3, and are 12 months in duration.
Please visit the UK Borders Agency website for further inforamtion regarding studying in the UK and applying for a Visa.
I just want to learn to massage and don't want to work professionally
Qualifications inevitably include subject areas that are vocationally related such as Anatomy & Physiology, and Health & Safety. These are essential units for professional practice, but can put off potential students who would just like to learn how to perform a therapy for friends or family.
Even in this scenario there are obvious benefits to completing the entire qualification including all of the units. however it is possible to join a nationally recognised course, and just complete the practical unit. You can still gain the award for the unit achieved, however without the other units you will not gain the full Certificate or Diploma, and you will not be able to work professionally.
