Essentials for Health - school of Massage, Aromatherapy and Sports Massage

Essentials For Health School of Massage and Sports Massage in London UK, offers part-time and intensive courses and training in Holistic Massage Course (ITEC BTEC) and Sports Massage Course (BTEC), Anatomy and Physiology (ITEC) as well as the IAIM baby massage course. Beginners Massage Courses and CPD are also offered. Franchise Opportunities are available.

Freqently Asked Questions
ITEC/BTEC Holistic Massage Diploma (also includes Fastrack course)

How much time do I need to set aside for practical and theory homework?

On the ITEC/BTEC Holistic Massage, Anatomy and Physiology & Pathology Diploma Course, you are required to perform a minimum of 100 hours massage practise outside of classroom hours and also study further for your anatomy and physiology and theory exams. Everyone has different learning styles and ways of working, however, on weekend courses we recommend approx 4-5 hours a week be set aside to massage & additional time for theory (A&P and Homeworks) For weekday courses we recommend 6-7 hours a week be set aside to massage & additional time for theory (A&P and Homeworks)

On the BTEC Professional Diploma in Sport Massage course, for the first part of the course the home study requirements are the same as above, however, you will be required to study some of the anatomy and physiology online at home, via our Virtual Classroom, for which you will require a broadband internet connection.

What can you tell me about the exams?

To be registered to take the exams, students do need to fulfil the course criteria - this includes full attendance, completion of all coursework, homeworks, assessments and case studies as well as the required 100 hours of massage practice. Diplomas will not be issued until all these course requirments both practical and theory work have been met.

Exams are generally held over weekends at our weekend venue.

You will be advised about exam dress code during the course, however, please note the following guidelines: White or black polo shirt, black trousers, black enclosed shoes and black socks (no logos or stripes on trousers).

On the Professional Diploma in Holistic Massage Practice (incl. Anatomy & Physiology & Pathology) you are given the option to qualify with two different exam boards, ITEC and BTEC.

The ITEC Exam: Practical: 1 hour - supervised by external examiner - you will be required to bring a friend (not associated with the course) to act as your client. Theory: 1 x 1 hour Multiple Choice Exam Paper

The BTEC Exam: Practical: 1 hour assessment (assessed internally and students can be bodies for each other)Theory exam: 2.5 hours to complete detailed Anatomy & Physiology Exam Paper

BTEC assessments throughout the course contribute towards your final qualification. Through this method of continual assessment we are able to evaluate competance rather than exam technique (which benefits those good a last minute cramming).

Exam results can take up to 7 weeks to come back to us and we endeavour to get in touch with students with their results as soon as we are in a position to do so.

In the event that you need to re-take any of the exam papers, you will need to complete the resit within 3-months of your original course exam date. The resit fee is approxiamately £31.00 per paper.

All exams must be passed within 12 months of the first exam date. After this date the student will not be able to resit so will not achieve their qualification.

What happens if I miss classes due to illness or unforeseen circumstance?

Due to the high standard expected of Essentials for Health students, full attendance is expected. However, we do understand that sometimes unavoidable situations do arise eg bereavement or illness. In the unfortunate event that you do miss class-time, you will need to take a private lesson to cover any practical sessions missed with one of our tutors - the fee will be from £40 per hour payable directly to the tutor. If you have missed an A&P day you can purchase the relevant module from our Anatomy and Physiology on line program the cost of which is £13.80 - £41.15 depending on the body system.

Alternatively, if availability and scheduling allow, for a fee of £35, you may have an option to join the next course for the day that you missed, ie., £70 if you miss a whole weekend; please note that this may delay you taking your exams.

What is the difference between ITEC and BTEC on the Holistic Massage Course?

ITEC (The International Therapy Examination Council) is an independent professional examinations board whose examinations are recognised both nationaly and internationally. Successful completion of this Diploma course will provide you with the qualification of Holistic Massage Therapist, (equivalent to NVQ level 3).

BTEC (The Business and Technical Education Council) has been for over 25-years and is the largest provider of qualifications in the UK in over 200 occupational areas, including beauty, sports sciences and massage. Our BTEC diplomas are taught and assessed at NVQ level 4 (equivalent to the first year of a degree). BTEC have an innovative approach to education which enables us to write our own syllabus that is up to date with modern practices within our industry, whilst following the GCMT (General Council for Massage Therapy) copre curriculum and National Occupational Standards.

What other costs do I need to consider?

What text books are recommend and how much do they cost?

Details of the recommended reading list per course and the cost of the books from Amazon can be found on the 'Our Shop' section of our site.

Do I need a Massage Uniform?

On massage practice,assessment and exam days your will be required to wear a white or black polo shirt, black trousers (no logos or stripes), black (enclosed) shoes and black socks. In addition you will need 2 x large matching plain coloured towels.

How much should I budget to purchase a massage table?

For a professional quality massage therapy table, please allow between £200-£400. We do invite a represenative of a massage table retailer 'Supreme Healing' to visit at the beginning of the Holistic Massage course to demonstrate a range of tables and offer advice. You would be under no obligation to purchase your table from 'Supreme Healing' and we do advise you to carry out your own research as there are a wide range of tables available.

Is the cost of the exam included in the course fees?

Our Holistic Massage, Anatomy and Physiology courses give you an option to take two exams, ONE of which is included in the course fee. For an additional £200 you can take both the ITEC and BTEC exams (subject to change should exam fees increase). On other courses, the initial exam fee is included in the course cost. For reference, should you not pass an exam there will be a resit fee charged of Approx £31 per paper.

Insurance

You will be required to take out a 'Student' insurance policy to cover you while you practise and complete your case studies. This can range from £20-£60 depending on the company you choose. Details of companies will be given with course joining instructions when you book onto a course.