VTCT Level 3 Stone Therapy (Fast Track)

The VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Stone Therapy Massage is a substantial vocational qualification that will prepare you for a career as a stone therapy massage specialist. This qualification is designed for learners aged 16 years or over and will support you to gain employment as a stone therapy massage specialist, as the units contained in this qualification cover all the skills and knowledge required for this role. Entry onto this qualification can be via previous attainment of a Level 2 qualification in beauty or complementary therapy and/or a successful skills test and interview.

This is a vocational qualification and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a stone therapy massage specialist including, three mandatory units covering the following: applying stone massage therapy, health and safety and client care.

Throughout this qualification you will develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology, health and safety, client care and massage products. You will also develop a range of technical skills enabling you to prepare the body, use a stone heater and place stones and provide relaxing massage treatments using basalt stones and a variety of techniques. You will also develop interpersonal skills that will assist you to communicate effectively with clients.

This qualification will prepare you for employment as a stone therapy massage specialist. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a stone therapy massage specialist. Career opportunities as a stone therapy massage specialist a exist in a variety of contexts, including:

- Working in commercial beauty salons
- Working in a destination or day spa
- Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings

Course content

• History and Principles of Stone Therapy:
  • Origins and development of stone therapy.
  • Philosophical principles underlying the practice.
• Selection and Preparation of Stones:
  • Identifying suitable stones for therapy.
  • Cleaning, sanitising and heating stones for use.
• Health, Safety, and Hygiene Practices:
  • Maintaining a clean and safe therapy environment.
  • Adhering to hygiene protocols to prevent infection.
• Client Consultation and Assessment:
  • Establishing rapport and effective communication with clients.
  • Assessing client needs, preferences and medical history.
• Contraindications and Precautions:
  • Identifying conditions that may contraindicate or require adaptation in stone therapy.
  • Implementing safety measures to protect clients during treatment.
• Stone Placement Techniques:
  • Learning how to place stones on the body's energy points (chakras) or specific areas of tension.
• Stone Massage Techniques:
  • Applying massage techniques using heated or chilled stones to manipulate soft tissues.
• Hot Stone Therapy Procedures:
  • Performing full-body or targeted hot stone massage sessions.
• Cold Stone Therapy Procedures:
  • Utilising chilled stones to reduce inflammation and promote circulation.
• Combination Techniques:
  • Integrating hot and cold stone therapy techniques for enhanced therapeutic effects.
• Aftercare Advice and Recommendations:
  • Providing guidance on post treatment care and self-care practices.
  • Recommending stretches, exercises or lifestyle adjustments to support well-being.
• Professionalism and Communication Skills:
  • Developing professionalism, empathy and respect for clients.
  • Communicating effectively to ensure client comfort, satisfaction and understanding.

Additional information

• Class sizes are limited to 4-6 students 
• Price includes VTCT registration fee, assessment exam fee, tunic and learning pack
• Please contact the academy to arrange a course date - click enquire now for more information