Diploma in Somatic Therapy

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to promote the physical and emotional balance and wellbeing through various holistic and preventative health systems in order to activate innate, natural healing mechanisms. The qualified somatic therapist will be able to apply and provide non-therapeutic and therapeutic skills, applied competencies and technology performing skilled holistic techniques, principles and therapies within their scope of practice and that adhere to the relevant occupational health and safety regulations and professional ethics. The learners from diverse backgrounds are equipped with the necessary competencies regarding management and entrepreneurial skills to function as independent, multi-skilled, socially and environmentally responsible therapists within their scope of practice. A lifelong learning and research culture will be promoted in an innovative Somatic therapy environment through reflective engagement ensuring best practice. Learners will further be trained to render somatic services under supervision of qualified health care professionals. Management practice and entrepreneurial skills provides graduates with opportunities to be employed in small, micro or medium business enterprises or to start their own clinical practice providing employment opportunities.

Rationale

In recent years a major shift has taken place within the health sector where the emphasis has moved from a curative approach to a more preventative approach. Linked to this, a need for different forms of therapies to complement and supplement one another in pursuit of optimum health for clients. This has narrowed the gap between that which has traditionally been seen as allopathic and alternative medicine and therapies. Today, the traditional Western medical field acknowledges the value and positive medical research supporting various complementary, alternative and adjunct therapies and methodologies (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Due to the availability of and access to information the general public is also more educated in terms of the health and well-being of the human body, as well as new therapies, techniques and technologies within the allopathic field, and are therefore demanding a more holistic approach from health practitioners. Therefore, the focus within the field of Somatic therapies has shifted from a more aesthetic focus to a multi-skilled health and wellness related focus. This field has seen major developments in terms of new technologies, techniques and products which place the practicing Somatologist in a position to receive referrals from health care professionals, and vice versa. It is also envisaged that even health care centres will employ qualified Somatologist to help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with recuperation and to provide relief and improved health and well-being. It is therefore vital to train Somatologists that are able to adapt to an ever changing world by identifying best-practices complying to professional standards and ethics as well as to provide to the needs of clients and the industry within clinics, wellness centres, health care settings and spas, both nationally and internationally.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): As per institutional policy, Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, L5, 120 Credits

• Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
• Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
• Nutrition, 12 Credits.
• Science for Occupational Purpose, 12 Credits.
• Skilled Touch Principles and Techniques I, 24 Credits.
• Life Skills, Credit 2.
• Holistic and Complementary Therapy, 24 Credits.
• Somatic Exercise Therapy, 12 Credits.
• Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology, I 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits

• Socio-Psychology I, 12 Credits.
• Skilled Touch Principles and Techniques II, 24 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Somatic Therapy, 12 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology, II 12 Credits.
• Holistic and Complementary Therapy II, 24 Credits.
• Somatic Exercise Therapy II, 12 Credits.
• Business Practice I, 12 Credits.
• Nutrition II, 12 Credits.
• Skilled Touch Principles and Techniques III, 15 Credits.
• Holistic and Complementary Therapy III, 15 Credits.
• WIL in Somatic Therapy, 30 Credits.
• Nutrition III, 12 Credits.
• Socio-Psychology II, 12 Credits.
• General Pharmacology, 12 Credits.
• General Microbiology I, 12 Credits.
• Business Practice II, 12 Credits.

1.Understanding of and an ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the related fields. Learners should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of different forms of knowledge, schools of thought and forms of explanation within all areas named above and an awareness of knowledge production processes is demonstrated.

2.Demonstrate an ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques in processes of investigation or application within a defined context in Somatic therapy. Learners should also be able to demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and solve problems in unfamiliar contexts within Somatic therapy, gathering evidence and applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to the field.

3.Evaluate different sources of information, to select information appropriate to the task, and to apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation to that information.

4.Demonstrate ethical and professional practice in Somatic therapy based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.

5.Communicate comprehensively using appropriate technologies.

6.Demonstrate their ability to make decisions and act appropriately in familiar and new contexts in Somatic therapy, working effectively in a team and taking responsibility for their decisions and actions as well as decisions and actions of others in well-defined Somatic therapy contexts as well as the use of resources where appropriate.

7.Demonstrate promotion of lifelong learning in identifying learning needs in the Somatic Therapy context and providing support to the learning needs of others.

• Utilise and apply a range of assessment techniques to identify potential pathologies, range of remedial therapies and techniques to the condition or context and the approach takes into account the total condition and lifestyle of client and treatment is selected and performed accordingly.
• Evaluate and obtain information to forecast business trends.
• Develop and maintain operational assistance and methodologies.
• Establish resource control systems and procedures.
• Review the effectiveness of the control systems, negotiate and agree upon budget proposals for expenditure.

Integrated Assessment

Theoretical approach to assessment: Class tests as well as semester tests. Assignments (self -study). Presentations. Examinations. Practical approach to assessment: Practical reports. Written practical tests

(continuous and summative). Practical skills tests (continuous and summative). Portfolio of evidence and case studies. Peer review. Year Level 3 Both theoretical and practical approaches to assessment: Inform students of their progress in relation to the outcome. Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) is approached as continuous assessment to inform students of their progress and is used to direct the students for the summative assessment in the form of the final report covering all work covered throughout the year at the end of ELII. This assessment determines whether the student has met all outcomes for the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component of the programme. Theoretical approach to assessment: Class tests as well as semester tests. Assignments (self - study). Presentations. Examinations. Practical approach to assessment: Practical reports. Written practical tests (continuous and summative). Practical skills tests (continuous and summative). Portfolio of evidence and case studies. Peer review. Continuous assessment (Complete/Incomplete). Power Point presentation. Written report.