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Guide to Awarding Bodies in UK Complementary Health
Francess Fewell November 2003

Introduction

At present there are many different awarding bodies within Complementary Medicine/Therapies. There are also awarding bodies within the area of Beauty Therapy and many of these offer courses in Aromatherapy, Massage and Reflexology. This is totally confusing to those wishing to embark upon a training course, as it may be unclear as to which is the most appropriate route to follow.

Perhaps the most logical step is to identify the purpose of training. For example does the person wish to become a Clinical Practitioner or are they simply interested in working with their own family. Do they wish to develop these skills as an additional skill within the field of Beauty Therapy or do they wish to work alongside Health Care Professionals? Once these questions have been answered then perhaps the most logical step forward is to contact the awarding bodies for a list of their approved courses.

1. Family and friends interest only or Adult Education (Open College)

If interested in helping their family, then a good starting point is via the Adult Education Sector. There are many courses available and many now attract credit recognition from the Open College Sector. This means that there is a standard of achievement required by the student that is not dependent upon where the student lives. The College and an external moderator both moderate these programmes. Upon successful completion a certificate of credit is awarded. However, it should be remembered that this is not a Professional Qualification, although in some instances, this could be a starting point for a Professional Course.

2. Beauty Therapy (City & Guilds level 3), (IIHHT - Vocational Awards International), (BTEC), (ITEC), (CIBTAC)

Many therapists wish to use Massage and Aromatherapy within their treatments. With Body Massage, most beauty therapist achieve this through their training, but, in most instances, if they have achieved an NVQ award, this will only be awarded at the Level 3 stage and this is often after two years at College. Therapists who trained many years ago, or who are currently training via the Private Schools, do often question the level of knowledge and practice that underpins NVQ work.

Certainly, in many cases the level of Anatomy and Physiology is lacking in both depth and breadth in comparison with the knowledge that was expected many years ago, but their practical skills are sufficient. An NVQ is about training for work and this implies that the emphasis is on practice. However, in all instances a consultation form should be completed prior to a treatment and this is sadly lacking in most clinics. This safeguards the Public and the Therapist and should be done before each and every treatment.

With regard to Aromatherapy training, each therapist needs to have his or her Anatomy and Physiology with body Massage prior to taking the Aromatherapy training. This should ensure sufficient underpinning knowledge prior to embarking upon a new subject. The depth and breadth of Essential Oil knowledge will depend upon the awarding body and possibly the knowledge of the tutor. In many aromatherapy texts, the information given is not research based, and is inaccurate. Therefore, it could be considered that students are not trained to question and debate issues, but are merely asked to learn inaccurate information to reproduce in their assignments. This is a huge problem.

In addition the types of assessments are indicative of the quality of the Practitioner. For example with many Further Education Courses (IIHHT OR VAI) only a limited knowledge of essential oils are studied. These are not studied in depth and much of the information taught is at best superficial and often inaccurate. The student puts a portfolio of evidence together, which is assessed by the tutor. A small sample of the groupÕs work is then both internally and externally moderated. Most observations or practical work and only viewed by the tutor. It should also be remembered that to become a tutor on this programme, there is no requirement for appropriate clinical experience. I am aware of instances where the tutor for the course, only completed the course the previous year, and, therefore could be considered not suitably experienced to deliver such a programme.

Many practitioners are of the opinion, that perhaps it is somewhat misleading to award a Diploma in Aromatherapy to these students. Perhaps, if the terms Aromatherapy Massage was given, there would be less confusion about the nature of the course and the level of knowledge of the therapist. This is not suitable for someone wishing to have any evidence-based practice or research underpinning their work. For those wishing to work with Health Care Professionals - or in their own clinical situation, please see the section for Complementary Medicine.

With Reflexology training, we face another huge problem. The different charts locate organs in different places. How can we ever begin to gain acceptance via the medical profession if we cannot agree the location of the various parts of the body via Reflexology charts. This is a huge concern as if we are ever able to state that we can use Reflexology as a diagnostic tool, or to treat specific conditions, we need agreement on location. Perhaps this started as artistic licence, or copyright issues, but now the same has come to reduce ego and pull together for the benefit of the profession. If this does not happen, then all we can ever say is that in some individuals, Reflexology can be a useful tool for relaxation. Whilst that is significant in itself, the Relexlologists who produce excellent work, and have many clinical case studies to support their efforts cannot claim more than relaxation. Perhaps we can encourage the various organisations to at least form a level of agreement on Charts to the benefit of all.

3. Complementary Medicine (Institute of Complementary Medicine affiliated courses)

There is only one national register for all disciplines: The British Register of Complementary Practitioners. This was established as a contact point for the General Public to enable them to access qualified practitioners who possess a good level of clinical competence. The BRCP is the membership organisation of the Institute of Complementary Medicine.

The ICM has many different courses/Schools/Colleges that affiliate to it. It is currently considering National Standards for various disciplines in Complementary Medicine. A few Further and High Education Institutions deliver courses that meet the required standard of the ICM to ensure appropriate academic standards whilst providing a suitable learning environment for a Practitioner. This is an exciting new area and does have the advantage of safeguarding the student's needs.

The ICM works closely with many of its affiliated organisations to ensure parity and equity of provision. Therefore, if a potential student wishes to train in Aromatherapy, they can contact the ICM and receive a listing of all the affiliated courses. This also ensures a quality assurance process has been adhered to. The course must, therefore, cover the required depth and breadth to enable the Practitioner to work within the arena of Complementary Medicine. It is important to note that the course content needs to be relevant and this is not necessarily indicated with in the course syllabus. The ICM view all course information before the affiliation process is confirmed and an independent specialist advisor will consider whether the content is appropriate and relevant. Again, this safeguards standards.

The ICM also has a few accredited courses. This requires an in-depth investigation into the quality of provision. The curriculum, teaching facilities, student supporting facilities and the experience and expertise of the tutors are reviewed. This is a lengthy process, but in my view it is worthwhile. External examiners are appointed to view the practice, theoretical and clinical case studies produced by the students. Oral questions are used to check underpinning knowledge and the assessment process is both holistic and thorough. At the end of the assessment, the students feel that the external has a real grasp of their work as practitioners.

The ICM is also considering levels of competence. These have yet to be determined but will vary from Therapists to Teacher and it is assumed that there may be different recognition by the BRCP for these awards. The view of continuing Professional Development is also seen as important as a therapist may enter the register at one level and take additional programmes of study to ensure that they are developing their knowledge. Having successfully completed this training, they may then be eligible to be listed at a different level.

Complementary Medicine is a growing profession that can really maximise the health of individuals. It is complex due to the number of awarding bodies but we need to keep sight of our goal to help society to keep well. There is no room for complacency that our knowledge is ever enough. The more we learn about our health, the complexities of the link between our body, mind and energy levels, the closer we get to realise our goals. That is why as health care professionals, we should be engaging in debate, in research and continuing our own journey of developing self. I believe that the day we feel we know it all, is the day we should give up treatments.


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Guide to Awarding Bodies in UK Complementary Health