OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine

Overview

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine qualification is to give learners the opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of reflexology and to then expand upon this by advancing their conceptual and their practical knowledge. 

Learners will study eight units, worth a total of 120 credits over one academic year (equivalent depth of study to the second year of an honours degree).

Entry requirements

These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

• Relevant Level 3 or 4 Diploma
• GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.

Centres should review the prior qualifications and experience of each learner and consider whether they provide the necessary foundations to undertake the programme of study at level 5.

Equivalences

OTHM qualifications at Level 4 and 5 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Qualification structure

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine qualification consists of eight mandatory units, 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 480 hours.

To achieve the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine qualification, learners must achieve the full 120 credits of which one unit is level 6 (10 credits) and seven units are at level 5 (110 credits).

Mandatory units

• Principles and Safe Practice for Clinical Practitioner Reflexology (10 credits)
• Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology in Illness and Health (20 credits)
• Clinical Reflexology and Reflected Anatomy (20 credits)
• Developmental Reflexology, Pathology, and Integrated Medicine (20 credits)
• Stress Management for Body and Mind (20 credits)
• Life stages of Human Development (10 credits)
• Evidence Based Practice for Reflexology (10 credits)
• Business Fundamentals for Reflexology Practice (10 credits)

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

Assessment and verification

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine qualification consists of observed assessments as well as case studies. Learners are a required to do a minimum of 140 hours of case study treatments and a minimum of 24 hours observed practice assessment.

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the assessor.

The assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document.

Progression

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine provides learners the opportunity to enhance and deepen their knowledge of reflexology within a clinical context. It adds to existing professional knowledge and depth for those currently in any form of clinical practice and could lead to opportunities to progress to bachelor’s degrees in Complementary Therapies and related subject.

This course attracts medical and other health professionals to assist in integrating reflexology and other complementary medicines with conventional medicine. The diploma provides greater scope for a career as it secures greater opportunity in a multitude of environments, including corporate businesses, GP surgeries, hospices, hospitals privately and within the NHS as well as a huge range for new business development in private practice.