Qualification Information
| VTCT Product Code: AB30033 | GLH: 502 | Age Restriction: 16 |
| Qualification Number: 500/8881/6 | Units: 8 - 12 | |
| Level: 3 | Minimum Credits: 63 |
Additional Information
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
The minimum guided learning hours (GLH) to achieve this qualification is 502 GLH.
Primary Outcome
The primary outcome of the VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Spa Therapy is to confirm your competence in the job role of spa therapist. All the units in this qualification relate directly to the specific job role of a spa therapist.
Overview
The VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Spa Therapy is a substantial vocational qualification that will confirm your competence as a spa therapist, as the units contained in this qualification cover all the skills and knowledge required for this role.
This qualification forms part of an apprenticeship framework, however some of the spa treatments covered within this qualification are subject to age restrictions in certain regions, where local authority special treatment licensing applies. Employers are also mindful of the sensitive nature of spa treatments and due to this, the availability of spa therapy apprenticeships may be limited in some cases. For this reason, the VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Spa Therapy is also offered outside apprenticeships by education and training providers who can offer this course in a real spa environment, and provide you with the opportunity to learn spa therapy skills, whilst working on real clients. It is important for you to have the opportunity to learn in a real working environment, particularly because this qualification leads to employment in such a client-centred and service orientated sector.
This is a vocational qualification and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a spa therapist including, mandatory units covering the following: body massage, stone therapy, body wrapping, monitoring and operating sauna, steam and hydrotherapy treatments, monitoring procedures in the salon and contributing to the planning of a promotional event.
You will also have the opportunity to further develop your understanding and skills by selecting a number of optional specialist units which include: Indian head massage, and massage with pre-blended oils, face and body electrical treatments. The structure of this qualification provides you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required for the job role of spa therapist.
Throughout this qualification you will develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology, health and safety, and client care. You will also develop a range of technical skills in applying body wraps, massage using different techniques and the operation and testing of spa equipment. You will also develop interpersonal skills that will assist you to communicate effectively with clients.
What could this qualification lead to?
This qualification will prepare you for employment as a spa therapist. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a spa therapist. Career opportunities as a spa therapist exist in a variety of contexts, including:
- Working in commercial destination spas and day spas
- Working in a commercial beauty salon or complementary therapy clinic
- Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings
This is one of two VTCT qualifications in spa therapy at Level 3. Whilst both qualifications qualify you to become a spa therapist, this qualification requires you to work in a commercial spa whereby assessments must be carried out on real paying clients in line with commercial service times.
In contrast, the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Spa and Body Treatments has a purpose of preparing you to enter the spa therapy sector rather than confirming competence in a specific job role. The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Spa and Body Treatments allows you to gather evidence in a realistic working environment or real working environment without the need for fee paying clients.
Who supports this qualification?
This qualification is based on the beauty therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's leading professional association, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) as being fit for purpose to confirm your competence as a spa therapist. Holders of this qualification are eligible to become a professional member of BABTAC. Further information on BABTAC membership can be found here.
Qualification Structure
Mandatory - from this group you'll need to cover a minimum of 6 components and earn a minimum of 44 credits.
| Unit Code | Unit Ref | Unit Title | Level | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UB300S2 | H/600/9089 | Monitor clients and the operation of sauna, steam and hydrotherapy treatments | 3 | 7 | 59 |
| UB300S3 | D/600/9091 | Provide body wrapping and flotation treatments | 3 | 7 | 59 |
| UB30B20 | A/600/7462 | Provide body massage treatments | 3 | 10 | 79 |
| UB30B28 | J/600/7545 | Provide stone therapy treatments | 3 | 10 | 88 |
| UG21G18 | D/601/0936 | Promote additional services or products to customers | 2 | 6 | 40 |
| UG31G22 | Y/601/5875 | Monitor procedures to safely control work operations | 3 | 4 | 30 |
Optional - from this group you'll need to cover a minimum of 2 components and earn a minimum of 19 credits.
| Unit Code | Unit Ref | Unit Title | Level | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UB30B13 | Y/600/9090 | Provide body electrical treatments | 3 | 12 | 106 |
| UB30B14 | J/600/7562 | Provide facial electrical treatments | 3 | 12 | 106 |
| UB30B23 | D/600/7504 | Provide Indian head massage | 3 | 7 | 54 |
| UB30B24 | K/600/7523 | Carry out massage using pre-blended aromatherapy oils | 3 | 8 | 67 |
| UG31G11 | T/600/1272 | Contribute to the financial effectiveness of the business | 3 | 4 | 26 |
| UG31H32 | R/600/1277 | Contribute to the planning and implementation of promotional activities | 3 | 5 | 32 |
*For full details of the Rules of Combination for this qualification please see the Qualification Specification/Record of Assessment book.
Documents
*To find specifications for individual units, click on the "Structure" tab of your chosen qualification, select the unit code in the left hand column and on the new page click on the "Download unit book" tab under the unit title.
Centres approved to run this qualification
VTCT accredits centres to offer our qualifications, but cannot advise which centres are running particular courses at any time. Please contact the centre directly to find out if they currently offering your chosen qualification.
NB: The location displayed for each centre is based upon the centre's main address. The location displayed is not necessarily the only location that the centre can deliver VTCT qualifications from. For further information on a centre's delivery capabilities please select the centre's website address.