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Magdalena Vonk discovered a passion for teaching others about massage. Here, she shares what to consider if you want to become a tutor or set up your own training school…
L
IKE most of us when we’re embarking in a new business project, I turned to the internet for guidance. I wanted a down to earth article which would help me understand how to set up a massage training school. I didn’t find what I was looking for, so I thought I would use this column to help those of you considering a move into teaching holistic therapies or running your own school.
Becoming a tutor When I was ready to explore opportunity of running my own massage training centre, I already had some experience of running CPD massage courses. I was
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hired by a local holistic college to write and then run courses for the public. Initially, I taught people how to provide basic massage therapy treatment for their family members. I loved it. I became passionate about educating people on the beauty of massage. I wanted to spread the word about the benefits of the treatments, and I wanted to teach people how to do it. This was a great start to teaching because there was very little cost. Most of my expenses and accreditation cost was covered by the college. To teach adults you will require a teaching qualification. The level of the teaching qualification depends on the accrediting body and the minimum is Level
3 Certificate in Education and Training (AET). Previously this qualification was known as PTLLS. Level 3 courses can be completed online at your own pace or during a few days’ classroom-based training. ABT or The Guild of Holistic Therapists will accredit your courses if you have level 3. However, if you are looking at becoming a tutor recognised by the Massage Training Institute, their requirements are higher and you will have to hold the minimum a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, or a Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS): City & Guilds 7304 or equivalent.
Requirements to become a tutor If you want to become a tutor, you’ll need to hold a massage qualification – or one for your own modality - preferably recognised by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Most of the organisations require of you
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