Holistic Health Studies

Course details

This course is designed to give students a broad knowledge of a range of complementary therapies and to qualify students to practise in five of the most popular therapies – Holistic Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Hopi Ear Candling, Hot Stone Massage and Indian Head Massage.

Work Experience:

In year one, students will take part in a two week work placement. In year two there will be a work simulation programme which will involve a students practicing a range of therapies on clients. This will be organised as a fundraiser with proceeds being raised for local charity.

Entry Requirements:

This course is aimed at students who have completed the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational and mature students with an interest in holistic health. These suitable candidates will be selected by interview.

Certification:

This course is certified by FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council), ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council) and Green Tara College. There are continuous assessments throughout the two year course. Examinations in the main subjects are taken in May of each year.

The certificate awarded to successful students is the FETAC Certificate in Community and Health Services (Level 5). Over the two years successful students will also receive ITEC Diplomas in Holistic Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Nutrition and Dietetics (ITEC Optional). Students will also gain Diplomas from the Green Tara School in Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear candling and Hot Stone Massage. In addition all students are given the opportunity to obtain a Certificate and Sign Language.

Career Progression:

Successful students will be fully qualified practitioners in; Holistic Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki and Hopi Ear Candling. This will allow them to seek employment in locations such as hotels, leisure centres, sports and fitness centres, spa’s, beauty salons, cruise ships, healing centres and health farms. Alternatively students may set up a private practice in holistic therapies.

The FETAC certificate in Community and Health Services also allows students to be employed in some day care centres, community services etc. Students can also proceed to the Level 6 Award in Early Childhood Care and Education at O’Fiaich Institute or to a range of third level education options at IT or University level.

Modules

Year 1

• Holistic Care and Approach
• Nutrition And Dietetics (ITEC award optional, FETAC award mandatory)
• Holistic/Swedish Massage
• Reiki – Level 1
• Hopi Ear Candling (Optional & subject to demand)
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Psychology
• Human Growth and Development
• Word Processing
• Communications
• Work Experience

Year 2

• Aromatherapy
• Reflexology
• Indian Head Massage (Optional & subject to demand)
• Hot Stone Massage (Optional & subject to demand)
• Sign Language
• Reiki – Level 2 and Masters
• Safety and Health at work
• Work Simulation/Charity Fundraiser