Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology

Purpose

The Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to enable a successful learner to follow a career path as a Therapeutic Aromatherapist. Qualified learners can register with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) which enables them to work within the Act and regulations within their particular scope of practice.

A qualifying learner will be able to

• Have an in depth knowledge and informed understanding of terminology, anatomical positions, structural organisation and function of anatomy and physiology relevant to the field of Therapeutic Reflexology.
• They will also be able to select, plan, implement and manage standard reflexology concepts within the field of therapeutic reflexology, in order to perform a practical reflexology treatment.
• Be able to apply fundamental entrepreneurship concepts and legal skills to establish.
• Operate a successful business in accordance with acceptable ethical and professional behaviour.
• Relevant to the practice of Therapeutic Reflexology.
• Have an understanding to guide the client/patient to a healthier lifestyle utilising nutritional knowledge and recommendations. As well as have an understanding of the nature and scope of the legal responsibilities for a Therapeutic Reflexologist, Therapeutic Aromatherapist, and Therapeutic Massage Therapist.

Rationale

The Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology provides a formal qualification to learners who want to obtain training in order to follow a career in the field of Therapeutic Reflexology in Health Care settings. The qualification has been developed according to the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPCSA) Act specifications and allows qualified learners to register with the AHPCSA on completion of the qualification.

Learners will be trained for viable careers, leading to economic independence, responsible lifestyle, sustainable development and service to the community by improving health status of society. Thus these learners will be able to find employment in massage therapy franchise companies, private therapy consultants, yoga studios and health spas.

Furthermore it will lead to personal development whereby learners will benefit from the stimulating, nurturing and formative learning environment created for the realisation, fulfilment and continuous growth of the learners' potential, into persons with integrity, ethical responsibility, social, religious and cultural sensitivity with an economic independence.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Potchefstroom Academy strives to comply with the National Policy for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning as gazetted on 15 March 2013. As stated, RPL may be carried out at any level of learning in order to provide an alternative access route into a qualification of learning for those who do not meet the formal entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment will constitute two parts, namely the Cognitive Assessment and Supporting Documentation which will provide an insight into determining whether the required competencies have been met.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement for the Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology can either be the National Senior Certificate (NSC) obtained by learners after 2008 or the National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) or the Senior Certificate obtained by learners prior to 2008.

The Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology consists of 17 compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6 adding up to 263 Credits.

NQF Level 5 (8 modules, 105 Credits)

• Anatomy and Physiology I, 25 Credits.
• Therapeutic Reflexology I, 54 Credits.
• Communication and Listening Skills, 2 Credits.
• Business Practice, 6 Credits.
• Nutrition I, 8 Credits.
• First Aid, 2 Credits.
• Computer Practice, 2 Credits.
• Exercise Science I, 6 Credits.

NQF Level 6 (9 modules, 158 Credits)

• Anatomy and Physiology II, 25 Credits.
• Dietary Supplements, 8 Credits.
• Practice Management, 4 Credits.
• Therapeutic Reflexology II, 54 Credits.
• Research, 5 Credits.
• Pathology and Patho-physiology, 30 Credits.
• Patient Care, 4 Credits.
• Exercise Science II, 8 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning/Experiential Learning, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in depth knowledge and informed understanding of terminology, anatomical positions, structural organisation and function of anatomy and physiology relevant to the field of Therapeutic Reflexology, to aid in the development of underpinning knowledge for practical application.
2. Select, plan, implement and manage standard reflexology concepts within the field of therapeutic reflexology, in order to perform a practical reflexology treatment.
3. Demonstrate and apply fundamental entrepreneurship concepts and legal skills to establish and operate a successful business in accordance with acceptable ethical and professional behaviour relevant to the practice of Therapeutic Reflexology.
4. Understanding to guide the client/patient to a healthier lifestyle utilising nutritional knowledge and recommendations.
5. Understanding of the nature and scope of the legal responsibilities for a Therapeutic Reflexologist, Therapeutic Aromatherapist, and Therapeutic Massage Therapist as per the profession specific modality studied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Cellular function and tissue organisation of the human body is described and explained.
• The structure, formation and maintenance of skeleton are described and explained with references to movement and protection of the human body.
• Dermatology and skin disorders as a point of reference to diagnose and provide advice for safe effective treatments are understood.
• The organs and their functions that are involved in the digestive system and the body metabolism are described.
• The different transport systems of the body necessary to support life are investigated and explained.
• The organs of the male and female reproductive system are identified and the function of each is discussed, as well as the endocrine and exocrine products of the testis and ovaria and how the continuity of the species offspring is ensured.
• The different excretory systems of the body to sustain life are investigated and explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The theory and historical development pertaining to reflexology 2 is discussed and elaborated.
• The differences between the anatomical relations, structures and reflexology maps of the feet are distinguished.
• The pressure, massage techniques and general reactions to a reflexology treatment to the patient is incorporated.
• The concepts, principles and theory of the meridians in the feet are understood and explained.
• Reflection of all values, ethical conduct and justifiable decision making regarding client's rights, confidentiality and code of ethics appropriate to the practice of reflexology are understood.
• Relaxation treatment and reflexology treatment together with assessment procedures and completion of the consultation card is prepared and performed.
• Relaxation as a coping skill to calm the mind and allow thinking to become more clear and effective is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Entrepreneurship concepts and characteristics are outlined and described.
• Small Medium and Micro Enterprise opportunities and possibilities can be recognised and selected.
• Small Medium and Micro Enterprise problems and pitfalls are outlined and identified.
• Effective business plans are be outlined and built.
• Small Medium and Micro Enterprise management styles and elements are identified and discussed.
• Good Small Medium and Micro Enterprise administrative practice is outlined and applied.
• Introductory financial concepts are outlined and applied.
• Retail/Production/Service pricing models are outlined and calculated to identify cash flow, costing and profits.
• Enterprise financial viability is estimated and calculated.
• Entrepreneurial legal aspects are identified and explained.
• Fundamental marketing concepts are identified and explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Basic nutrition, anti-nutrients, macro and micronutrients and how they enter the bloodstream, and how micronutrients protect you from free radicals is explained.
• Nutrition as part of sensible advice to correct nutritional imbalances is investigated and explained.
• A posture analysis is performed and exercise recommendations for remediation are made.
• The body composition using anatomical landmarks is calculated.
• Knowledge is acquired and integrated to advice clients on dietary influences affecting the transportation system of the body.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The different regulations and requirements as required by the Allied Health Professions Council are outlined.
• Legal responsibilities for a therapist are identified.

Integrated Assessment

According the assessment policy of Potchefstroom Academy an integrated assessment approach is incorporated through formative and summative assessment processes.

Theory Assessment

A variety of assessment strategies and/or approaches will be used such as, but not limited to

• Tests.
• Assignments.
• Workbooks.
• Projects.
• Demonstrations.

Practical assessment

May take the form of

• Written.
• Practical.

Or

• Oral assessment.
• Case studies and experiential training.