Becoming a therapist can be a rewarding career. Whether you are interested in becoming a beauty therapist, complementary therapist or work in sports and remedial therapy then getting the right skills and training is important. Colleges across the country provide courses from a range of providers in many disciplines and over different levels. The qualification that you will get at the end of your course will depend on whether it is a qualification issued by a private training school or a course registered on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Please note: If you have an interest in training toward a private training school qualification, we would always advise that you contact us to ensure that the qualification you are thinking of studying is recognised as practitioner level for insurance purposes.The easiest way to tell if a qualification is on the QCF is if the qualification has a skills level and size e.g. Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy.
Below is a summary explanation of the Qualifications and Credit Framework:
Entry level
If you've not got any prior experience then this level could be a good place to start.
Level 1
GCSE D-G grades Ideal if you're just starting out or are new to the subject area. This level covers routine tasks and basic knowledge.
Level 2
GCSE A-C grades* Develops on your basic skillset
Level 3
A-level* Covers more complex work
Level 4
HND/Foundation degree By now you would be a specialist in the area.
Level 5
Undergraduate
Level 6
Honours degree/Graduate
Level 7
Postgraduate level.
Level 8
As high as you can go.
As well as having a level, the units contained within the qualification determine its size. So if you're doing a certificate in sport and leisure, it could include units on how the body works and planning your own fitness programme. Every unit has a credit value that tells you how long the unit takes to complete. A credit is about 10 hours' work, so a unit with a credit value of four, like a unit on how the body works, will take about 40 hours to do. The total credit value of a qualification tells you its size – that's whether it's an Award, a Certificate or a Diploma. Awards are made up of 1 to 12 credits, Certificates 13 to 36 credits and Diplomas 37 credits or more. As well as having a level, courses normally will issue qualifications to Award, Certificate and Diploma level
This system may seem complex, but it is all designed to make sure that when training you can learn toward developing the skills required to reach the National Occupational Standards. If you are looking to perform treatments on clients after your course, it is also important to check the qualification reaches the National Occupational Standards (NOS) as some courses may be stepping stones toward future qualifications. As a professional association we also strongly advise that you check that the qualification is accepted or accredited by the professional association for insurance purposes. See FHT's entry criteria >>>
l Contact your local college for advicel Find a private college qualification that is FHT Accreditedl Visit the websites of the most common awarding organisations, such as VTCT and City & Guildsl Visit the OffQUAL website
For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact Careers Advice on 0800 100 900.
If you are thinking of studying to be a therapist you can always view our student resource which has great articles on career options www.student-therapist.org.uk