Step into your future

With over 20 years working in Education, I am the first one to admit it is packed full of acronyms & numbers with little or no explanation about what it all means; & yes, it's very confusing! So, if you are looking at stepping back into education for the first time in a while then don't worry, my aim is that within the next 5 minutes we will beat the jargon with this blog post.

Follow me as we step along a journey into your future…

I'm guessing you've wondered what levels & numbers mean? Well, the sole purpose of a qualification level is to demonstrate to those around you, to future employers, to clients, to insurance providers and most importantly to yourself what you've learnt, what you can do & are capable of achieving as a result of your learning. There is no greater feeling than the joy we get from our own accomplishments – remember the satisfaction of passing your driving test or the pride of serving up a dish from your new recipe book. Our own success brings excitement & fulfilment & it's that sense of achievement that focusses us to continue our drive with passion and enthusiasm. Isn't it just wonderful!

So, what happens?… I bet you get a nice cup of tea, kick back & start the process of delving into websites & college prospectuses; making an array of scribbly notes in a new jotter as you go…you'll find an extensive suite of qualifications available within the Reflexology field, but they're all very different. At this point you may have found some numbers creeping in! These help to make it easier to unpick - they can be grouped together into levels - this helps us to understand how they compare against each other & what other qualifications they can lead onto, this is known as progression & in other words where & how far on your map they can take you.

Within the UK, all recognised qualifications fit into one of nine levels (there are 12 in Scotland but are of the same equivalent). It's quite straightforward in that the higher the level (number): the more comprehensive the qualification, the greater the depth of acquired knowledge, & the stronger the level of competence. All this generally in addition to the required completion of more Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

In summary, as the levels increase, so too does the breadth of expertise, the quantity of practical skills and the solidity of the fundamental education framework.

Given this process…how do we choose?

Now we know about levels, let's think about our life choices. We are back at the crossroads considering which way to turn within our own education & lifelong learning, sometimes we just don't know which path to take. Sometimes a hand to hold is all we need & in this blog I'm going to hold your hand & walk alongside you through your choices.

If you're currently a Reflexologist, I'm sure you will have researched different courses before embarking in your Reflexology journey & if you're new to Reflexology, then great; let's talk you through which pathway to take... it's not just a choice, it's all about making the right choice. The right choice for your future, whatever your ambition will be. If you want to learn a little bit about reflexology to simply support your own wellbeing or to see if it's a career for you as you've heard of the wonderful benefits or you've got a book & simply fancy finding out a little bit more, there are lots of training providers out there that offer taster courses. This type of course may be a day in a class or even online / remote learning, usually with no level attached. At this stage it's so important you understand that these courses won't give you a professional licence to practice, & it's a good job they don't! – would you trust a GP who had only completed a few day's training? Or visit a nurse to tend to a wound who had only completed an on-line training programme on how to suture?... I can just imagine the expression on your face right now & I didn't think so!! EEK...

It's imperative you understand this type of training won't allow you to be referred to as a reflexologist, but you will obtain enough knowledge to head back to the crossroads & again take the turning you choose to in a more informed manner.

By now you'll have filtered down to some level 3 reflexology training courses, these are offered by some reflexology schools or colleges of further education (FE). So here we begin to see the use of levels as these courses are nationally recognised & will lead you along the path into a career in reflexology, these are accepted by professional reflexology organisations & insurance companies that don't accept lower-level qualifications. Level 3 will be a basic reflexology course, generally there is no inclusion of specialist units & this can often force you back to the crossroads at a later date where you will then need to navigate side roads to obtain additional specialisms such as fertility, maternity, palliative, hand reflexology - the addition of each of these specialist CPD (Continual Professional Development) units will lead to more time and additional costs. Remember the level indicated reflects the level of knowledge required and the number of hours of learning to gain competence. Ask yourself... do you want to be the best? Do you want greater breadth & depth of knowledge? If the answer is yes, let us keep going along the road; but instead of turning left or right – we are heading straight ahead.

So, we have established the use of levels when choosing qualifications & we know it's sometimes tempting to become complacent leading to taking the seemingly easier, more affordable or achievable pathway. My advice is to spend some time considering your future... it is so easy to take little side roads that don't lead very far in the long run. It's these little roads that can lead to wasting precious fuel, time & adding mileage that wouldn't count in your goal of reaching your final destination.

If your ultimate goal is to be a 'Clinical Reflexologist', with a successful practice, recognised by other healthcare practitioners, then you require a high level course; which will facilitate a total career change, capture your imagination for the future of reflexology, build a successful business & set you apart from other reflexologists by tailoring individualised treatment plans by utilising the toolbox of techniques you've gained within palliative, fertility, maternity, hand reflexology & NEPIP then you need take a look at the Level 5 Clinical reflexology course.

The Centralia 'Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology' is the highest level reflexology qualification available in the UK, this can only be taught by expert reflexology centres, it is recognised by all professional bodies & specialist insurance companies & indeed will ensure you are on the true road to success. And the great part is, you don't need to have completed any other levels before undertaking Level 5 Reflexology!

So, there we go: we've demystified the jargon & established what levels genuinely mean. The main question to ask yourself is: 'Do you want to be the best in the field of Reflexology?' If the answer is yes... step into Jubilee College & meet the tutors & venues.

We look forward to teaching you soon…