VTCT Diploma in Providing Therapies for Clients with Cancer or other Life Limiting Conditions Level 4

In a nutshell

The VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Providing Therapies for Clients with Cancer or other Life Limiting Conditions qualification will prepare you to work within a healthcare setting providing complementary therapies for clients who are suffering life limiting conditions or who are critically frail. Complementary therapies are widely available to people with cancer and increasingly to patients with a range of long term medical and life limiting conditions. These therapies are delivered alongside orthodox treatments, often within the healthcare setting, with the aim of providing psychological and emotional support through the relief of symptoms.

This course is for you if...

...you are a qualified complementary therapist

...you hold a Level 3 qualification in at least one of the three main disciplines of complementary therapy namely, aromatherapy, reflexology and massage including anatomy and physiology.

What will I be doing?

Through this qualification you will develop your interpersonal skills while expanding your understanding of providing therapies to clients with cancer or other life limiting conditions. This qualification is designed to give you the essential knowledge to assist you to provide your therapeutic skills within a clinical setting.

During the course you will cover effective communication skills, client consultations, treatment planning and record keeping, reflective practice, provide complementary therapy treatments, adaptations and modifications to treatments and awareness of stage of illness, the structure and function of healthcare services, consent and confidentiality, professional code of ethics and legislation.

The units covered include:

• Principles of providing complementary therapies in a healthcare setting
• Interpersonal skills for the complementary therapist
• Provide complementary therapies for people with life limiting conditions
• Working with healthcare professionals

Assessment is though the creation of a portfolio of evidence, written tests, observations and case studies to include reflective practice. You will be required to provide your own clients for case studies and carry out and document evidence for a minimum of 8 case studies, with at least 3 of these having a minimum of two follow up treatments.

What is expected of me?

You’ll need to be self-motivated and driven, friendly with good interpersonal skills, demonstrate critical thinking skills, a good time manager and able to demonstrate excellent attendance and punctuality.

What comes next?

This qualification is designed to lead employment in a variety of roles, either self employed, in a complementary therapy clinic, beauty or spa facilities or private practice. This qualification may also lead to employment within a hospital, hospice or other healthcare environments.

Whilst the primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for employment, learners may choose to develop their knowledge and skills further by completing a specialist qualification at Level 4 in one or more of the following areas:

- VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist
- VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Reflexology for the Complementary Therapist
- VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Massage for the Complementary Therapist

This qualification has been developed collaboratively with employers, professional associations and key stakeholders in the massage therapy sector. Because of this, the knowledge, skills and competencies gained will provide the best possible opportunity for progression into employment.

This qualification is formally supported by the following organisations:
- Federation of Holistic Therapists

Additional information

You will be required to wear a clinic uniform and suitable footwear.

The course fees include tuition and registration fees. Tuition fees are due at the time of booking/enrolment. If required, this can be by direct debit, over five instalments.If your employer is funding your course, confirmation of this in writing will be required so that the college can arrange to invoice them.

It is essential that you are able to provide suitable clients as case studies for your assessments.