Holistic Therapies Year 1

Introduction

Do you see alternative holistic therapies as a way to enhance general health and wellbeing? Are you interested in the human body? Do you have a desire to connect with and help others? Want to get away from a routine desk job? Would you enjoy flexible working hours in a calm environment, either as part of a team or working alone?

This course offers you the opportunity to get internationally recognised ITEC qualifications in a range of therapies to engage in professional practice. As a Holistic/Complimentary Therapist you will use therapies to enhance the mind, body and soul of your clients to maximise vitality.

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 practice as qualified ITEC therapists in aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, stress management and sports massage therapy.

Companies who have hired BFEI graduates include:

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 1: ITEC Diplomas in:
Holistic Body Massage
Anatomy and Physiology
Indian Head Massage
Stone Massage
Nutrition

Course Code
Year 1 HOL1
Duration
1 year – full time September to May
Number of places
20 in each year
Number of contact hours per week
22 approx
Timetable contact
5 Day mornings Option

Support Elements

Workshops in additional therapies to enhance your employability such as Pregnancy Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Aromatherapy Blending, Ear Candling and Facial Skincare
Work with clients in an Open Clinic within the Institute.
Study Skills
Career Advice and CV Preparation

Assessment and certification

This course is certified by the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC).
ITEC apply a rigid set of standards governing attendance, learning and examinations. Evidence of Treatments (case studies) is required for ITEC qualifications.
Examinations take place in April and May.

Graduates may join many professional associations and obtain the requisite insurance cover for professional practice.

Progression

Education/ Training

Graduates who complete this course may apply to the following course in BFEI:

On successful completion of the first year course, students are encouraged to progress further by studying for additional qualifications in year two:

Holistic Therapies Year 2

Entry Requirements

Year 1

Leaving Certificate/LCA

Applicants should have achieved five passes OR five O6/H7s OR a combination of five O6/H7s OR have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile.

Others including Mature Students

If you are a mature student (aged 21 or over) and do not hold the Leaving Certificate, then you are welcome to apply. Each application will be assessed individually.

Qualified Therapists are granted exemptions from subjects already certified.

Advisory Meeting

Applicants will be invited to attend an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Information on course costs and the registration/induction process will also be provided at this meeting.

Places will be offered, on a first come basis, subject to the applicant meeting the entry requirements and subject to a place being available.

Fees

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. There are no tuition fees for EU students.

Students will be required to purchase certain items including a uniform and product kits.

Introduction

Career Opportunities

Course Structure

Core Elements

Course Code

Duration

Number of places

Number of contact hours per week

Timetable contact

Support Elements

Assessment and certification

Progression

Education/ Training