According to the South African Qualifications Authority Act (SAQA), which was promulgated on the 4th of October 1995, all training should be developed according to outcomes-based education. In future only this form of training will be recognised by the education system in South Africa.

IARAMT is one of the few Reflexology institutions that has met these standards, and can offer a 2-year Diploma course (240 credits) in Therapeutic Reflexology, recognised by the Department of Education (DoE) on Tertiary Diploma Level (level 5). IARAMT offers both Classroom Learning and Distance learning, of which both learning programmes cover the subjects as stipulated by the Allied Health Professions Act.

Outcomes Based Education (OBE) is learning based on intended end-results, as apposed to traditional input-based learning. It is based on what learners intend to achieve and then worked backwards in order to determine what is needed to achieve it. The focus of OBE lies in acquiring the capability to know what to learn and which skills to master in managing one’s own learning. The focus is on the learner, and the aim is to achieve the outcome of the learning programme as well as to develop the capacity to think, reason, criticise, and to apply knowledge and skills within a specific context.

The benefits of this type of education lies in the ability of the learner to become decision makers, interact confidently, and adapt to change easily, rather than be able to recite knowledge parrot-fashion.

Entry Requirements for South Africa

In order to enroll for the course, learners must be in the possession of at least a senior high school certificate, i.e. Grade 12 (Matric). There are no stipulations as to which subjects the learner should have studied in order to qualify for enrolment, though prior knowledge in health related subjects such as Biology, Anatomy and/or Physiology, Science, etc. will be helpful.

Alternatively, where such a qualification has not been obtained, learners may be allowed to enroll on condition that they are at least 23 years of age.

Course Structure for South Africa - ONLY

The Allied Health Professions Act (Act no 63 of 1982, as amended) states the following in the regulations (regulation 45.10) with regards to minimum requirements for curricula, which will allow for application to register with the Allied Health Professions Council of SA on successful completion of the course:

A person who wishes to register as a therapeutic Reflexologist in terms of the Act shall pass at an educational institution a Therapeutic Reflexology Diploma which shall consist of at least:

(a) The major subjects of:
Anatomy & Physiology; Pathology & Pathophysiology; Practical Therapeutic Reflexology; Theoretical Therapeutic Reflexology

(b) The ancillary subjects of:
Business and Practice Management; Ethics and Jurisprudence; First Aid; Nutrition; Patient Care

All of the above subjects will be covered, however many buzz words are used in the industry such as “biomechanics”, “meridians”, “applied anatomy & physiology”, etc. These buzzwords are topics covered in some of the major or ancillary subjects, e.g. biomechanics and meridians will be covered under theoretical therapeutic reflexology, whereas acid-alkaline diet will be covered under nutrition. Applied sections of the anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology will be covered in both theoretical reflexology, as well as in the subjects of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology.

Classroom Learning – South African - ONLY

Our classroom learning programme is presented over 2 years, and is structured in such a way so that lectures take place on a regular scheduled basis (morning, evening and/or weekend sessions). The interaction of lecturer and learner along with a structured programme is ideal for those learners who enjoy a face-to-face approach to learning.

Small classes and personalised attention from the lecturer ensure that the practical aspect of the course is quickly adapted to, and that mistakes are corrected before they become a learnt habit.

For those that are more socially inclined, this is the perfect way to learn and meet new people with similar interests.

Distance Learning – South Africa - ONLY

Distance Learning has become a popular way of gaining knowledge and education. IARAMT is catering for these needs by offering the course via electronic mode with the use of an interactive multimedia CD ROM, as well as ample ‘Learning Guide Books’ as the support materials. However - workshops, which are strategically placed throughout the 2- year course, as well as interactive web-board communication, are compulsory. A large portion of the workshops concentrate on the competency of the practical skills, as well as summarizing many of the assignments and activities that are compulsory. Learners will be given the same support material as our ‘face-to-face’ learners – still, many class interactions will be conducted through the web-board.

NOTE: Due to the different standards required locally in South Africa and abroad, please see relevant sections for Distance Learning Worldwide.

Certification – South Africa - ONLY

A Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology will be awarded on successful completion of the course in South Africa. Additional certificates are awarded for some of the subjects and topics covered and completed successfully – these include First Aid, Meridian Therapy, Biomechanics, Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology, and the like.

The following are samples of the Diplomas / Certificates issued in Therapeutic Reflexology you can expect to receive on completion of your course: