The Two Main Routes
When you first embark on the journey to becoming a holistic therapist, understanding what training you need can feel daunting and confusing. To help, we’ve broken it down into two main routes:
Route One - Level 3 Qualifications
The first option is to undertake a Level 3 qualification, which is available for general massage, sports massage, reflexology, and other disciplines. Only certain organizations, such as ITEC, VTCT, and Active IQ, can accredit these qualifications, as they must be approved by national exam bodies.
What to Expect
Extensive training: Typically takes 6–12 months to complete.
Assessment: Includes written and practical exams.
Cost: Usually upwards of £1,000.
Commitment level: The Level 3 qualification is equivalent to two A-Levels, requiring a solid grasp of anatomy and physiology (A&P), which is often included as a separate qualification.
Advantages
Widely recognized: These qualifications are easily insurable.
Employment prospects: Employers often require Level 3 qualifications for employed roles.
Challenges
Limited accessibility: Courses are often held in central locations like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, requiring multiple classroom days.
Intensive training: Expect to complete at least 150+ hours of practical work.
Limited specializations: Some disciplines, such as lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, breathwork, or sound healing, currently do not have Level 3 qualifications available.
A Level 3 qualification is considered the gold standard when starting a career, but it is a significant commitment in terms of both cost and time. If this route doesn’t suit you, what’s the alternative?
Route Two - Short Courses
An alternative to Level 3 qualifications is short courses, which can be either in-person or online. These courses deliver all the basic skills and knowledge over 1–3 days.
What to Expect
Accredited providers: Look for courses accredited by ABT, FHT, or IPHM, which also provide insurance.
Cost: Typically £90–£400.
Speed: You can often qualify and obtain insurance within a few days.
Advantages
Cost: More affordable than Level 3 courses.
Faster route to working: Allows you to start treating clients immediately.
Practical focus: Short courses prioritize hands-on practice rather than exams.
Flexible: Suitable for self-employed therapists.
Challenges
Content: Less in-depth than Level 3 qualifications.
Limited employment options: Many employers do not accept short courses unless no Level 3 alternative exists (e.g., lymphatic drainage) however they should be fine for those who want to work on a self employed basis.
Not always recognized by governing bodies: This may prevent clients from using health cash plans to cover your treatments.
Despite these limitations, short courses can be the only option for some emerging therapies, such as Japanese Head Spa training.
How To Choose The Right Route
The good news? You don’t have to stick to just one path! Many therapists mix and match qualifications:
You might start with a short course in body massage to test the waters, then later commit to a Level 3 qualification in sports massage.
Or you might complete a Level 3 qualification and add specializations through short courses, such as Indian Head Massage or Reflexology.
To make your initial decision, consider the following questions:
1. Are you certain about your career choice?
Spending £1,000+ on a Level 3 qualification is a big investment. If you’re unsure, a short course might be a better starting point.
2. Do you know exactly what you want to specialize in?
If you're uncertain, testing different therapies through short courses might be wiser than committing to a single discipline.
3. Do you want to work for yourself or be employed?
Short courses are excellent for self-employed therapists but may limit employed opportunities.
4. How quickly do you want to start working?
You cannot begin offering treatments until you are insured, which requires either a short course or a Level 3 qualification. If you want to start immediately, short courses may be the better option.
Your answers to these questions should help you decide how to progress in your holistic therapy career.
What Did Our Team Do
A Word Of Caution
The holistic therapy industry is unregulated—unlike professions such as medicine or teaching. This means there is no one single path to becoming a therapist. However, the key factor in any course choice is insurance.
If a course provider is proud of their accreditation, it should be easy to verify that their courses are insurable.
Beware of Fake Level 3 Courses
Not all courses advertised as Level 3 qualifications are legitimate. If a provider does not clearly state accreditation from recognized bodies like VTCT, ITEC, or Active IQ, they may be misleading you.
If in doubt, check with Ofqual (the UK’s exam regulatory body) before enrolling.
Final Thought
Whichever route you choose, the most important thing is to feel confident in your training and your ability to work with clients. Take your time, research providers carefully, and choose the path that best supports your goals and career aspirations.