Career Suggestion

Reflexologist

Reflexologists apply pressure to areas of the hands and feet (reflexes) to promote relaxation and wellbeing.

Average salary (a year)

£0.0 to £0.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

30.0 to 37.0 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could take a foundation degree or diploma in higher education in complementary healthcare.

A course in complementary healthcare can include a number of different therapies, so you would need to check how much of it covers reflexology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course that will give you some of the skills and knowledge required for this role.

Courses include:

  • reflexology
  • complementary therapies
  • holistic health and complimentary therapies
  • practitioner reflexology

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start in this career by doing a Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 2 years to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Registrations

you could join an accredited register managed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists

Career Tips

You may find it useful to have experience in healthcare, massage, beauty therapy or counselling.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a reflexologist from the Association of Reflexologists and The British Reflexology Association .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • knowledge of biology
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As a reflexologist, you would:

  • talk to your client about their health, diet and lifestyle
  • explain reflexology treatments to the client
  • apply pressure with the thumb and fingers to the client's feet, hands, face or ears
  • update treatment records
  • refer clients to their GP if needed

Working environment

You could work at a health spa, in a therapy clinic, at a client's home or at a hospice.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

You could go on to train in other areas of complementary therapy to expand the services you offer, for example:

  • aromatherapy
  • massage therapy
  • Reiki healing

With experience and further training, you could become a reflexology teacher. You could also coach or mentor newly qualified reflexologists.

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