VTCT Level 3 Certificate Sports Massage Therapy
0800 716 236 Key facts
One year, part time (usually Wednesday 6pm - 9pm), occasional additional sessions held (Tuesday 17.30 - 19:00)Level 3 course
Course overview
This course is ideal for those interested in remedial sports massage. It is highly practical during class time and will enable students to perform a massage to a professional standard of competency. The course also involves considerable theoretical knowledge of how the body works in relation to sports injuries and development.
What could you do after this course
Students can progress on to the Remedial Diploma, Sport and Exercise Therapy, Foundation Degree/HNC and ND/NC pathways are available in the college in this field. Careers in health and leisure, coaching, sports science, personal training and fitness, physiotherapy assistant, working with sports centres and sports clubs or private practice. Students can also progress onto the Level 4 Sports Massage Certificate.
Entry requirements
- Candidates must be 16 years of age or over.
- A level 2 qualification containing taught elements of Anatomy and Physiology (such as GCSE Biology) would be advantageous.
- Previous massage experience would be an asset but not essential. You will also need an up to date First Aid certificate by the end of the course. This can be arranged by the college if you wish.
- Students will need to be physically fit to carry out massages and will be asked to sign a health declaration, for further information please contact admissions.
- Entry will be subject to an interview
- For mature applicants - Direct admissions to programmes for applicants who have been out of full time education for more than two years will be considered based on previous learning or experience. Each application will be considered on individual merit. We recommend an interview with one of our Careers Advisers before submitting your application.
What you will learn
The course is partly based around theory, developing an understanding of how muscles, joints, bones, tendons and ligaments function in health and disease. How the cardiovascular system adapts to the demands of sport and the importance of the lymphatic system in maintaining a healthy internal environment. Nutrition will also be part of the underpinning knowledge.
The practical aspects include a range of massage techniques used for warm up, cool-down rehabilitation, sports event massage and promotion of sporting importance. Industrial stress management, will also be catered for. Different clients will be used to broaden student experience in a functioning clinic run by students.
How you will learn
- Practical sessions
- Theoretical information to provide more detailed knowledge to underpin practical sessions
- Clinical experience in a commercial clinic
Benefits of studying at Pembrokeshire College
- Gain practitioner status
- Completion of emergency first aid
Expect also to
You may be called to be sampled by the VTCT External Verifier on a different day and/or time to that which you would usually attend for your training. If this happens, it is mandatory for you to attend to complete your qualification.
How you will be assessed
- Observed work
- Oral and written questions
- Assignment
- Case studies
- Portfolio building - providing physical evidence and practical performance
- Independant assessment paper
All assessments must be completed satisfactorily to a competent standard
Things you may need for your course
Dark tracksuit bottoms, training shoes and light coloured polo shirt. You will also need some stationery for this course. A therapy couch will be desirable for home practice.
Fees
- £220, valid until July 2010
- There is also an additional £16 lifetime registration fee to pay if you are not already a member of VTCT.
- If you have no previous massage certification then you will need to do an extra unit - VR17 and this will cost you £16.
Updated March 2010
