Internationally Accredited Holistic Massage

Not at all!

The National Qualification in Holistic Massage is designed to be open and inclusive – no prior qualifications are required. Whether you’re brand new to massage or returning to education after a break, this course provides everything you need to learn, grow, and succeed.

Absolutely. Students of all ages and life stages take part in this course – from recent school-leavers ( he minority) to those making a meaningful mid-life career change. The only requirement is that you’re 18 or older by the time the course begins.

Whether you’re starting fresh or adding to your existing skills, you’ll find a welcoming, supportive learning environment at NTC. Age is never a barrier to becoming a confident, successful massage therapist.

Yes- absolutely. In fact, between 80% and 90% of students pass all final assessments on their first attempt.

If you attend tutorials regularly and stay engaged with your studies, you’ll be in a very strong position to succeed. And if you ever need a second go at an exam, that’s okay too- most students who need to resit only need to repeat one assessment, and full support is available throughout.

Our tutors are here to help you every step of the way, and the course is designed to be both achievable and empowering for learners from all backgrounds.

You’ll be fully qualified to offer professional holistic massage treatments to the public.

Upon successful completion, you’ll have the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to begin working as a holistic massage therapist – whether that’s in a wellness centre, spa, clinical setting, or in your own private practice. You’ll be helping people feel better in body and mind – and building a rewarding career while you do it.

Massage therapy can be a flexible and rewarding career – both personally and financially.

A one-hour relaxation massage typically costs around €60, and your earning potential will depend on how many sessions you offer each week. Whether you’re looking to work part-time or build a thriving full-time practice, you’re in control of your schedule and income.

One of the best parts? You can shape your career around your lifestyle – offering evening appointments, weekend sessions, or daytime availability that suits your routine. With dedication and care, many therapists build long-term client relationships and a steady income doing something truly meaningful.

Yes – there are plenty of opportunities for qualified holistic massage therapists!

Many graduates go on to offer treatments directly to the public with their own private practice, while others work in spas, wellness centres, fitness facilities, or beauty clinics. With wellness and self-care becoming more of a priority in people’s lives, demand for skilled, caring therapists is growing steadily.

At the National Training Centre, we’ve seen many of our graduates begin their journey on a part-time basis, only to find their practice flourishing into a full-time career. Your success will naturally reflect your commitment and the quality of care you bring to your clients – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Yes – your qualification opens doors beyond Ireland.

Graduates of the National Qualification in Holistic Massage are recognised in many countries and are free to offer their services internationally. This global recognition is backed by the course’s SMA and CNHC accreditation, which align with respected professional standards in the UK and beyond.

If you have a specific country in mind, it’s always a good idea to check with the relevant local authority – but in most cases, this qualification is a strong foundation for an international massage therapy career.

Yes – and it’s one of the most respected massage qualifications available in Ireland.

The National Qualification in Holistic Massage is fully accredited by the SMA (The Association for Soft Tissue Therapists). It has also been verified by the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) as meeting the rigorous requirements of the Core Curriculum for Massage Therapy.

This means your qualification is held to the highest professional standards in both Ireland and the UK – and you’ll be eligible for inclusion on the Massage Therapy Register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.

You will also receive the ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage

In short: you’re not just gaining a certificate – you’re joining a professionally recognised standard of excellence that opens doors and builds trust with clients.

Complementary therapies, including massage and neuromuscular therapy, are not currently statutorily regulated in Ireland. This means there is no government-issued licence or protected professional title for practitioners in these fields.

However, the Irish Government supports voluntary self-regulation through recognised professional associations that set standards for training, ethics, and professional practice.

Graduates of the National Training Centre’s (NTC) Neuromuscular Therapy and Holistic Massage programmes are eligible to join the Association of Neuromuscular and Massage Therapists (ANMT), which is a voluntary register of qualified manual therapists who have demonstrated that they meet a high level of training and competence.

NTC has been a leader in complementary therapy education for over 30 years and works closely with professional bodies such as the ANMT to ensure our qualifications meet the highest national and international standards. This means NTC graduates can obtain professional insurance, join recognised registers, and practice safely, ethically, and confidently within the complementary health sector.

The National Qualification in Holistic Massage is delivered over approximately six months, making it ideal for those looking to retrain or upskill on a part-time basis. You’ll attend weekend sessions, allowing you to balance your studies with work, family, and other commitments.

The National Qualification in Holistic Massage is delivered in-person at the National Training Centre in Dublin. Our central location is easily accessible by public transport, making it convenient for students travelling from across the city and beyond.

You’ll learn in a welcoming, well-equipped environment with expert tutors who are passionate about supporting your journey into massage therapy.

Assessment is designed to support your learning and ensure you’re fully prepared to practise with confidence.

You’ll be assessed in a number of manageable ways throughout the course, including:

• 3 Multiple-choice theory exams
• A practical assessment, where you demonstrate your massage skills
• Submission of your Learner Workbook, completed over the duration of the course
• 50 logged practice hours, to build your experience and confidence

Our supportive team will guide you every step of the way, so you’ll feel ready and capable when it’s time to be assessed.

To get the most from your training and develop real confidence as a therapist, you’ll be expected to take part in some self-directed learning.

This includes:

• Reviewing course material and practising massage techniques
• Completing quizzes and activities via the online Learning Portal
• Logging 50 hours of hands-on massage practice with friends, family, or clients
• Recording your sessions in your log book and submitting them as part of your Learner Workbook

We recommend setting aside around 6 hours per week for this outside study. It’s a manageable commitment – and one that ensures you graduate feeling fully prepared and capable in your new role.

Course fees are generally due in full before the start date, but we understand that life doesn’t always follow a perfect schedule. If you’re in need of a more flexible payment approach, we’re always happy to see how we can help.

Just give our friendly team a call on 01 882 7777 – we’ll do our best to work something out with you.

Yes. Students of the National Training Centre often receive partial funding through the Department of Social Protection’s Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG).

To explore this option, you will need to contact your Intreo office or Local Employment Services (LES) facilitator to confirm your eligibility.

If you already hold a recognised fitness instructor qualification accepted by REPs Ireland you may be eligible for up to 25% funding through the Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet. For more information contact Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet.

If you need assistance, feel free to contact the NTC office at 01 882 7777.

Yes. If you plan to work with clients after qualifying, NTC requires that you hold professional indemnity insurance. This protects you if a client takes legal action due to an injury they believe was caused by your professional service. If you’re working from a private premises, you may also need public liability insurance unless it’s already covered by the venue.

To make this easy, NTC has arranged a discounted insurance scheme with Balens Ltd. It’s available exclusively to our graduates and includes broad cover such as:

• Professional indemnity and public liability
• Legal expenses
• Loss of reputation or documents
• Intellectual property breaches
• First aid and Good Samaritan Acts

The policy covers up to €4 million per claim in Ireland, with unlimited claims and legal defence costs. It also includes retroactive cover and run-off cover (if you stop practicing) at no extra charge.

You’re also covered for working abroad (excluding the USA/Canada unless requested) with no time limit, as long as you’re based in the UK or Ireland.

For more details or to apply, contact Balens at 00441684 580771 or e-mail: info@balens.co.uk.