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Holistic Therapies

PLC Post Leaving Cert
HOL1 HOL2

Is this course for you?
Do you see alternative holistic therapies as a way to enhance general health and wellbeing?
Are you interested in the human body? Do you have a desire to connect with and help others?
Want to get away from a routine desk job?
Would you enjoy flexible working hours in a calm environment, either as part of a team or working alone?
This course offers you the opportunity to get internationally recognised ITEC qualifications in a range of therapies to engage in professional practice.

Award Name Diploma - UK
NFQ Classification
Awarding Body International Therapy Examination Council
NFQ Level
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Diploma - UK International Therapy Examination Council
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Morning, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 or 2 years full-time. 5 Days. Morning Option Available (HOL1 Only).

Entry Requirements

What are the entry requirements?
Year 1
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.

• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.

For entry to Year 2, you must have successfully completed Year 1 or hold an Anatomy, Physiology and Body Massage qualification from CIBTAC, ITEC or equivalent. You may be eligible for exemptions from some subjects if you already have recognised qualifications.

Careers / Further progression

Progression To Further Studies
As an alternative to entering the world of work when you finish the course, you could consider taking further courses at BFEI to enhance your chances of advancement in the industry such as: Sports Massage Therapies, Beauty & Body Therapy or Salon Management.

Job Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue careers in a range of areas including:
• Healing Centres
• Health & Wellbeing Centres
• Care Homes
• Spa Salons/Destination Spas
• Hotels/On-demand Massage
• Beauty Salons
• Cruise Ships
• Leisure Centres

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Classes will commence in mid-September 2024.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.

Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.

Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement

At BFEI, we make every effort to keep charges to a minimum. Information on financial support and eligibility for funding is available from www.studentfinance.ie.

Funding
PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a means-tested maintenance grant scheme for those attending full-time further education courses. Applications are made on-line to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) at www.susi.ie.

BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
If you are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, ten under the BTEA you may be able to keep your payments while doing a full-time course at BFEI.

See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office.

VTOS (Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme)
If you are unemployed and over 21, then under VTOS, you will be able to do a full-time course at BFEI and retain your social welfare entitlements. VTOS applies to all courses on offer in the Institute, however, early application is advisable as there are a limited number of places which are allocated on a first-come basis. See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details on eligibility or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office. VTOS Application Forms are available from the Institute - see www.bfei.ie

Other Funding Sources
Local Partnerships including Southside, Bray, Northside, and Wicklow Working Together may be able to help you out with some funding if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Ask at your Local Partnership Office.

For September 2024 Intake BFEI is open for applications from Wednesday January 10th 2024. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.

Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. (non-refundable)

As a Holistic/Complementary Therapist you will use therapies to enhance the mind, body and soul of your clients to maximise vitality.

What will I study and what qualifications will I get when I finish the course?
Year 1: ITEC Qualifications in:
• Holistic Massage
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Indian Head Massage
• Reflexology
• Nutrition

Year 2: ITEC Qualifications in:
• Aromatherapy
• Facial Skincare
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• Stone Massage

Graduates may join many professional associations and obtain the requisite insurance cover for professional practice.

Will I do anything additional on the course?
• You will get the opportunity to work with clients in an Open Clinic in BFEI.
• You will engage in workshops in additional therapies to enhance your employability such as Pregnancy Massage, Aromatherapy Blending, Ear Candling and On Site Massage.
• Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.

• Assessment is based on a combination of Evidence of Treatments (Case Studies) and exams which mainly take place in April and May.

• Please be advised that students doing ITEC certified courses are required to maintain a satisfactory level of attendance and complete Consultation, Disclaimer forms and other documentation as necessary - please see www.itecworld.co.uk for further information on requirements.

Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Morning, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider