Reflexology courses; if you are looking to study reflexology we help you through the minefield that is training in the UK.

Training as a reflexologist could be one of the most rewarding career moves you will ever make and your decision about how and where to train can make all the difference to your success as a practitioner. But just how do you make the right choice when the variety of options, all appearing to offer the same standard of training and qualification, is so confusing?

The ethos of reflexology is treating each person as an individual and of course we all have different needs, so let us go through the types of option that are available and see if we can help you to find the best route for you.

Reflexology qualifications alone cannot make you a good reflexologist. More important is the high level of practical skills that you will use at every treatment, and you will only get this from your training if your tutor is highly experienced in practice themselves.

Class size is extremely important. It is not uncommon to hear of courses where there are as many as eighteen and even twenty students per tutor which will obviously limit the amount of individual attention you will receive. So when you approach a course provider don't be afraid to ask questions about group size.

Reflexology is the most powerful of complementary therapies when practised correctly and of course very much a 'hands on' therapy, so if you are serious about being a reflexologist the 'three day course' or distance learning options hardly seem a practicable route to take. Taking this option would almost certainly leave you unable to get insurance cover for your new business, and it is important to bear in mind that the profession now has voluntary regulation in place and you would not be accepted by the regulators.

You could learn reflexology as part of another wider qualification and become an holistic therapist, dividing your training time between several different therapies, or even include reflexology as part of a beauty course.

We would repeat that reflexology is the most powerful of complementary therapies, and by following these routes the qualification that you receive would not be specific to reflexology, and could only provide you with a condensed version of the vital practical skills required for successful practice.

If you have started researching training you will already know that there are a number of course providers and awarding bodies who offer different versions of what seems to be the same qualification i.e. Level 3 Reflexology.

What is even more confusing is that when you begin to dig deep there is more than one level within Level 3, the reason for this being that some of these options contain sufficient elements or modules (perhaps four), of the criteria to be designated as Level 3, and others include as many as seven or eight elements, thus providing you with a much greater knowledge and grounding in the subject. Effectively all are using National Occupational Standards as a basis, but some teach in much greater depth than others.

So how do you choose?

Level 3 reflexology courses fall broadly into two categories. The first is a group of qualifications obtained from courses usually offered by Colleges of Further Education. All of these incorporate generic modules or elements used in common with a number of other subjects. The modules concerned with reflexology are then 'bolted on' to these elements. The complete syllabuses for these courses are therefore not written specifically for reflexology. It may mean for example that you could be required to take a separate Anatomy and Physiology course prior your reflexology course, and you may need to upgrade your qualification for membership of some professional bodies. Typically this upgrade has been estimated at around 60 hours extra class work plus further case studies. Again don't be afraid to ask questions.

The second category is the Level 3 option offered by centres using the awarding body ABC Awards. The difference between this qualification and others is that it was developed solely for the training of reflexologists and was designed specifically for that purpose. The syllabus was initially written on behalf and by members of the Association of Reflexologists to best serve the profession of reflexology and those who wanted to train to the highest level. Typically these course providers are private reflexology schools where the tutors are qualified, practising reflexologists, and main course tutors need to have been in practice for a minimum of five years. This ensures that all training is undertaken by experienced professionals.

Reflexology is a diverse therapy not well suited to the 'one size fits all' approach to training. Private providers do have the ability to offer greater flexibility to the individual needs of their students and to add great experience to the training which is to the ultimate benefit of the student.

The route and training centre you choose is, of course, your decision, but if you want to be a professional reflexologist we would suggest that you first approach one of the schools or colleges listed, as these we know will offer you the very highest standard of training.

RxgyNews Ed.