ITEC Vs VCTC

[kellie f]

Hi Folks!!!

I am seeking some of your professional sider advice... Please bear with me!
I live in Glasgow and intend on aquiring a holistic therapy qualification that will be popular in European countries (possibily italy), although i am in great confussion over which qualification is more credible
ITEC OR VCTC?
Many colleges in Glasgow offer various VCTC courses, although to study an ITEC course i will have to travel further afield to Fife (other side of Scotland), which i am prepared to do if the difference in qualification is worthwhile.
I am not concerned with insurance details at present, just credibility of qualification.

Thanx for taking the time for reading my post & any relevent suggestions will be greatly appriciated.

Neptune

 

[tmjeafvk]

hi Neptune,
there really isnt much difference in the organisations. Their qualifications are recognised in the UK, but you should check with the country of your choice as to what they recognise.

 

[WrevelopDep]

Hi ya Neptune

Welcome to HP!

ITEC and VTCT are usually as good as the tutor and students that put the time and effort in.

As for Europe, each European country has their own or no requirements. I have heard you can practice most therapies in Italy, but not prescribe, that even includes even Bach Flower Remedies. Whether this is true or not, I don't know.

Like ST says you have to check out each country. Don't listen to the exam board/s marketing stuff about qualifications "being internationally recognised".

Best Wishes

RP

 

[Auchenreoch]

They are both essentially the same, although some employers favour ITEC.

As has been said, the tutor makes the difference and you can't underestimate the power of research whilst you study.

If you are unsure, it could be worth having a chat with the tutors to see how you feel you would get on with them and perhaps giving a few local therapists a call to ask their opinion.. I've had a few folk call before now and am happy to relay my thoughts / experiences.

 

[Martina Franklyn]

Hi Neptune

I totally agree with Reiki Pixie, check out what Italy will allow you to do. It may even mean asking the local council in the area you want to live in! I the opportunity to live in Spain and decided to set up practice there as a reflexologist. Im IIHHT qualified but it meant nothing in Spain. I could only work on British Expats not the locals, I couldn't get insurance beacuse Spain doesn't recognise any 'International' qualification, only its own!!!
Although we live in Europe and the majority of European qualification would be recognised here it doesn't seem to work the other way round :-(

 

[Giants S.F]

Thanx for your input!!!
Seems im having to go down the road of insurance (yawn) before choosing a course.
Any tips on where to start??
ITEC have recommended contacting the Italia Embassy, seems odd to me (being a previous business student) that there may not be an insurance company thats caught on to a growing market mmm...
Also being using the word "INTERNATIONAL" in their qualification, you would think they were the people in the know.
I've applied to many colleges so it'l be interview mania for a while, although glad i've got the ball rolling as its took a long time for me to persue my interest, mainly because of employment concerns.
In the end i suppose you make your own luck!!!
Thanx again folks

 

[you dig my swag*]

Hi ya Neptune

I think the reality of any qualifications transfer-ability (can't spell!?) across borders is the same in many other jobs. Think of how many people in this country complain about foreign workers and if they are up to the task (which many are of course - especially the Polish).

If you wish to be a massage therapist then just do it, and if you have to retrain in a foreign country, just do it. It's all stepping stones. ITEC & VTCT Holistic/Swedish massage courses are foundation qualifications and you will need to go deeper into more advanced courses afterwards, ie remedial and sports injuries. That is not a criticism but an observation. It is the way it is in the UK for most therapists.

Just as an added note: I know a therapist who wishes to move to New Zealand. She was told that they needed more therapists out there, but she had to do BTEC Level 4 Sports & Remedial Massage to do this. So she has now done this as a bridging course, since she's an experienced bodyworker.

Best Wishes

Reiki Pixie

PS, this international stuff is just marketing! A lot of people fool for it all the time, at least you haven't!!!

As for insurance, some UK companies will extend your policy to Europe for 30 days, but you have to tell them. If my memory serves me right, North America is a problem. Standards and sueing culture is different out there. In many states you have to do up to 600 hours of study and then do an external board examination to have a licence to practice. Otherwise you can even be jailed for practising without a licence. We got it easy in the UK.