Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology

The new revised Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology offers a modern comprehensive Level 5 training in Reflexology combined with a detailed Level 4 in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Business Planning.

Course Introduction:

This course is designed for anyone wishing to study reflexology to an unparalleled level of professional clinical excellence. The depth and breadth of this course ensures varied, interesting, challenging and fun learning that is totally relevant to today's Professional Reflexologist.

According to Agored Cymru (the Awarding body) 'the level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology offers a pathway to a career as a Professional Reflexologist. It extends the requirements of practitioner status currently at level 3 and develops the learning into an evaluative, justified and applied client treatment specific practice.

The level 5 course is also designed to attract medical and health professionals, helping integrate complementary therapies with conventional medicine / allopathic practices.

Currently centres throughout England that offer the L5 route have learners who either enter other complementary therapy studies offered within the higher education system or secure new business development (including corporate opportunities), either as self employed reflexologists or employed within organisations such as the NHS, private hospitals, GP surgeries, hospices and more.'

Contemporary Reflexology College (CRC) is dedicated to raising the standards of Reflexology training for both new and existing reflexologists. CRC is unique in its approach to Level 5 practitioner training by incorporating Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology and Ear Reflexology into the syllabus, as well as specialisms and training in a variety of related topics.

• Meridian Reflexology

• Adapting Reflexology for the chronically sick, those needing palliative care and those requiring support in living with Cancer

• Understanding the needs of couples with sub-fertility issues and how to support the client throughout pregnancy, labour and post-partum

• The importance and relevance of research in working towards an integrated healthcare system

• Understanding the role of nutrition in health and well-being

• Self-care and emotional well-being

• Inner Intent Reflexology - the mind body connection with intent created by Allison Walker

• A journey through the life cycle of a client from baby reflexology to supporting clients through their golden years. Key phases of life such as puberty and menopause are covered with specific techniques and protocols to enhance wellbeing

Suitable for men and women looking to change career or to work as part-time professionals there is a structured programme of home assignments and case study work in addition to the 24 course days that are spread over approximately one year.

Although this is an academic course, plain English is used alongside the medical terminology to aid learning and at least 50 per cent of the contact teaching time is devoted to the cutting edge practical reflexology techniques. There is also a holistic element to the course through exploration of other complementary therapies and the pathology of disease.

Support throughout the course is through an interactive Student Area called The Hub on the web site, tutorials (in class, telephone or Zoom) with your tutor, continuous feedback in class, through your marked work and from your colleagues (as most groups form a deep and lasting friendship throughout the year). Videos of the techniques are provided as well as charts and maps of the feet, hands and ears and body systems.

Insurance and Membership Association

The college and tutor's teaching insurance covers you for all eventualities but you are also required to join The Association of Reflexologists, the largest UK reflexology membership body, who will support you throughout your training with quarterly magazines, monthly newletters, student meetings and many other benefits including personal student insurance through Alan Boswell that also covers your equipment.

Assessment Criteria

Assessment is on-going as your assignments and case studies build into detailed Portfolios of Evidence. There are in-class practical assessments but no theory exam to stress over!

Because this is a Level 5 course, the work that you produce will need to be presented in an academic format complete with Harvard Referencing, critical analysis and evaluation and reflection. If you have had any further or higher education this will really help, however there are full instructions, explanations and examples to help those less experienced in higher education and the writing of reports and essays.

There is a comprehensive home study programme and ideally you need to be able to dedicate a minimum of 12 hours per week to your case study work and home assignments. You can still work alongside training if you are organised and motivated.

Entry requirements

Learners must be at least 18 years of age to undertake this qualification.
There are no formal academic qualifications required for learners to embark on this qualification, but prospective learners must be aware of the level of learning and assessment expectations before commencing the course.

Consideration for suitability is dependent upon academic ability, life skills, work skills and experiences. All applicants are expected to attend a Zoom or in person interview following an on-line application to ensure that full information related to course content, course requirements and level and coverage of subject matter content are provided and understood before a formal offer of admission is given.

Essential attributes include a caring nature, a love for helping people with a hands-on approach and a desire to learn, plus the motivation you need to progress and develop. However as there is a lot of writing/typing, good spelling and grammar is needed and human biology or prior anatomy and physiology knowledge is very helpful.

You will also need good basic computer skills because work is normally typed and submitted by email. We do recognise that everyone learns in a different way at a different pace so there is provision if you fall behind when life "takes over" as it can do from time to time.

When you sign up for the course we expect full commitment for the whole course, in both attendance and achievement, so think carefully and research your options.

If you have any doubts about your capability or suitability for this course or are not sure if the course is right for you, then please telephone for a chat before you apply. We encourage a thorough investigation of this course and our Tutors before you make your decision.

In turn we need to be sure that you have the determination to complete the course. Following a successful meeting you will formally be offered a place, in writing, on the next available course. You will then be asked to complete a registration form and asked to pay your booking fee. A college Welcome Pack is then emailed to you and your journey begins!

Opportunities when qualified

To help you to feel fully confident in setting yourself up in practice, towards the end of the course we cover marketing and help you to prepare your business plan. The Business Planning for Reflexologists unit is to Level 4.

When you have successfully completed the course and received your certificates there is further support from the college through post-graduate Continuing Professional Development Courses (CPD) and you can join the Government approved regulatory body called the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) that promotes reflexology to the public.

You can also choose your Association that supports you throughout your career and provides you with a professional code of ethics and conduct. The Association of Reflexologists (AoR) is the largest UK Reflexology membership body for reflexologists trained to all levels. The AoR has an unparalleled level of support and resources to tap into and favourable insurance rates through Alan Boswell.

Most graduates start by incorporating Reflexology into their existing working lives and gradually build up a workable practice before going fully self-employed. Employment opportunities are becoming more prevalent and this can be within the NHS, especially in the Oncology and Fertility units.

Companies looking to reduce absenteeism and improve employee wellbeing are finding Reflexology to be highly effective in preventing workers from becoming ill, and in helping those off sick to return to work quicker. Increased productivity and profits are the result as companies see real value in investing in the care of their workforce.

Level 5 graduates when they present their Certificates and comprehensive Portfolios of evidence shine way above the Level 3 less academic and often shorter courses.

Nursing homes and care homes are also looking to offer Reflexology to their residents and CRC graduates are also working in Hospices and in Fertility Clinics. Midwives can use their reflexology skills on labour wards with great success.

What is included:

• 24 Days of in-class contact teaching and interim support (please note some courses are shorter for the same or more cost)

• Practical Hand, Foot and Ear Reflexology

• Anatomy and Physiology (Structure and Function of each of the body systems)

• Business planning and Marketing

• Pathophysiology of disease covering the reasons why people become ill, how the body heals itself, medical and holistic care

• 5 Element Meridian Reflexology

• Supporting fertility and pregnancy through reflexology

• Reflexology and the menopause

• Reflexology to support clients with serious illness or in need of palliative care

• Research and Reflexology

• Comprehensive and detailed course hand-outs

• Charts of the Feet, Hands, Ears, Meridians and body systems on the feet

• Auricular Reflexology - amazing for pain, mobility and allergies

• Body biomechanics and exercises to ensure safe practise

• Chakra Balancing through the feet and ears

• Understanding energy, the power of intention and intuition

• Videos demonstrating the techniques

• Slideshows of each system of the body

• Treatment Planning Protocols

• An interactive Learning Area on the web site called The HUB

• College Polo Shirt with logo

• Interim Zoom group meetings

• AIR - Adaptive Integrated Reflexology - a unique sequence that can be adapted to suit any client