HND Complementary Healthcare (with Practitioner status)

In a nutshell

This course provides an excellent opportunity to extend your learning and experience within the field of healthcare, enabling you to achieve Complementary Healthcare with Practitioner status.

There is a combination of theory and practical work on this course, with a strong emphasis on clinical work-based learning opportunities underpinning the programme.

On completion of the course, your HND is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree, so you should be eligible for direct entry to the final year of a three-year undergraduate degree in a related field.

This course is available as part of a Personal Learning Account (PLA). PLA is an initiative from the Welsh Government which offers people the chance to access free, part-time courses with flexible and convenient learning that fits around their existing lifestyle (subject to eligibility).

This course is for...

... anyone over 19, living in Wales, in employment and earning less than £30,596 a year

... those who have a keen interest in complementary and holistic therapies and want to take their knowledge to the next level

... anyone who aspires to work in a variety of sectors including private practice and the health industry

... all who want a mix of practical and theory-based/academic learning

Course content

This programme is designed to enable you to graduate as a highly skilled, professionally accredited therapist and apply your skills to the development of complementary healthcare provision and research. A strong emphasis on clinical work based learning opportunities underpins this programme.

The units that you will study include:

Year 1 Level 4 units

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Introducing Research
• Holistic Massage 1
• Holistic Massage 2
• Introductory Human Nutrition
• Clinical Reflexology 1
• Communication and Listening
• Contemporary Collaborative Practice 3

Year 2 Level 5 units

• Pathophysiology of Disease
• Clinical Reflexology 2
• Research Methods
• Clinical Aromatherapy 1
• Clinical Aromatherapy 2
• Professional and Clinical Practice

Final Award - HND in Complementary Healthcare with Practitioner Status

The course will be delivered through a balanced programme of lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals and field visits. Guest lectures and external experts will also be involved in the delivery of the programme.

By joining the course, we expect you to fully commit to your programme of study and enjoy the opportunities that are ahead of you. The course will require you to read around the subject and be aware of current research in the field as you progress through your programme.

Following completion of your HND course, you can further progress and complete an undergraduate degree in the field of complementary therapies.

Your HND is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree so you should be eligible for direct entry to the final year of a three-year undergraduate degree in a related field. Different universities will have different entry requirements in terms of the grade they require in your HND, so please check anticipated University entry requirements.

Alternatively, if you wish to go straight into work with your HND, you’ll find that you can apply for more senior or more specialist roles within the sector.

Entry Requirements

To enter the course, you’ll need a Level 3 in Holistic or Complementary Therapies or relevant experience in the industry plus GCSE English at Grade C or above.

Coleg Gwent welcomes applications from mature learners who are looking for that next step or change of career and have an interest in the industry.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.

Additional information

This programme is awarded by Cardiff Metropolitan University.

You'll be required to wear a clinical uniform and appropriate footwear that can be purchased through the college. The cost of this will be a maximum of £100.

You'll also be required to apply and pay for a DBS check and this can also be arranged through the college.