No. The National Qualification in Holistic Massage course is open to all individuals.

On successful completion you will be able to offer Holistic massage sessions to the general public.

This course is unique in Ireland as it has full accreditation from the SMA, The Association for Soft Tissue Therapists.

The SMA have verified the NTC National Qualification in Holistic Massage, developed and delivered by the National Training Centre (NTC) in order for this course to be recognised by CNHC as meeting the requirements of the Core Curriculum for Massage Therapy.

The verification process involved cross-refencing the learning outcomes of the NTC Holistic course, (both Knowledge & Understanding and Performance Criteria) to the National Occupation Standards CNH27 developed by Skills for Health. Quality assurance analysis was carried out to ensure the assessment process was fair and standardised and that teaching staff are appropriately qualified.

NTC meet all the requirements of the verification process and graduates of this course will be accepted onto the Massage Therapy Register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.

As such, students can be assured that they are receiving a top-quality education that meets industry standards and will equip them with the skills they need to succeed in the field.

Yes. Holistic massage therapists are free to offer their services worldwide. If you have a specific country in mind you should ensure that you check with the relevant authority in that country before embarking on any programme of education.

The average cost of a one hour relaxation massage session is approximately €60.

The number of sessions you decide to offer each week will be determined by your own commitment.

One of the best things about qualifying as a massage therapist is that you can decide how many hours a day you want to work and therefore regulate your own earning potential.

Holistic massage therapists generally offer treatment directly to the public or within fitness centres, spas or beauty centres.

It should be noted that as with all professional qualifications at all levels, individual success will be result driven and will be in proportion to the time, effort and dedication you are prepared to offer the profession. Many National Training Centre graduates have started their careers on a part-time basis and have seen this aspect of their professional life overtake their full time career to become their primary or only occupation and source of income.

The National Qualification in Holistic Massage lasts approximately six months.

The course is available in Dublin, at the National Training Centre.

Learners are assessed formatively throughout the course and are summatively assessed at the end of term. Summative assessments includes:

• Theory multiple choice Examination (Anatomy, Physiology and Massage) 60 Minutes
• Observed summative practical assessment
• Submission of Learner Workbook
• Submission of 50 logged practice hours.

Students will have to participate in self directed learning outside of class.

This will involve study and practice. NTC recommend that students allocate approximately 6 hours per week for this. The course requires commitment, time and effort in order to be a successful, knowledgeable and competent Holistic Massage Therapist.

Students must also complete 50 logged hours of massage treatments, record and file documentation and submit evidence as part of the learner workbook on completion of the course.

80% – to 90% of students participating on the course will successfully complete all of their final examinations on the first attempt. Of the remainder most will need to repeat one exam with a small number having to repeat more than one exam.

Every individual’s ability to succeed will be in direct proportion to the number of tutorials attended and the commitment and time and effort they are prepared to commit to their studies.

Students of all ages participate on the course. The minimum age for registration is 18 years old.

No – there is no installment payment option for the National Qualification in Holistic Massage. Course fees must be fully paid by the course start date.

It may be possible to make individual arrangements for those who request this. Call us on 01 882 7777 with enquiries.

Students of the National Training Centre regularly receive part funding through the Department of Social Protection’s Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG) scheme.

Individual students will need to contact their Local Employment Services (LES) facilitator to establish their eligibility.

For those who hold a recognised fitness instructor qualification which is recognised by REPs Ireland are eligible for up to 25% funding through the Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet. For more information contact Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet.

For assistance please contact the NTC office of administration on 01 882 7777.

The National Training Centre’s code of ethics requires that all NTC graduates who are actively working with the public, hold a professional indemnity insurance policy which covers them against legal action taken by a client as a result of an injury which was received by following the graduate’s professional advice. Graduates who are working on private premises may also need to hold public liability insurance if such cover is not held by the owners of the premises.

The National Training Centre have a customised insurance scheme with discounted rates available exclusively to those who have qualified with NTC. The policy is one of the broadest available including many important features that other policies may not offer.

The policy has been arranged through Balens Ltd and the insurer for the scheme is the Zurich and DAS Legal Expenses.

Balens are a very well established, fourth generation family-run business dedicated to looking after health professionals. They are built on solid roots going back to 1950 and are pioneers in the development of top quality cover for all types of health professionals with special rates and industry leading cover that has been developing and improving over 22 years in this speciality.

The scheme will cover thousands of other therapies/activities you may require cover for and many at no extra premium subject to suitable qualification held.

Some of the features covered in the policy consist of Medical Malpractice, Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Product Liability, Loss of Reputation, Breach of Intellectual Property, Client Confidentiality Protection, Loss of Documents cover, First Aid cover as well as Good Samaritan Acts.

The indemnity limit is €4,000,000 per claim for the Republic of Ireland.

Unlike some other policies on the market, an unlimited number of claims may be made for any year and unlimited legal defence costs are also included.

Also included, at no extra charge, is retroactive cover to pick up any previous insured work.

Temporary cover abroad (excluding USA/Canada which is available on request) is available with no time restrictions and at no additional premium as long as you are a UK/Ireland resident.

If you cease to practice Balens include unlimited run off cover which means the policy will always be in place if a claim was made after you stop the policy running and this is also free of charge.

For further information or proposal form, please contact Balens directly on 00441684 580771 or e-mail- [email protected]