Frequently Asked Questions:
We have created this information page for your convenience, but if you want to talk to a real person, please do not hesitate to call us on 020 8885 6062, we will be more than happy to answer your questions or advice you about what your best options are.
- What is the difference between level 3, 4 or 5?
- Why should I train with you?
- What kind of support do you offer your students during the course?
- Are there opportunities to do work experience?
- Do you have an intense or shorter course?
- Do I have to pay for the full amount before I start?
- Is there parking?
- Will I be able to get a job after I graduate?
- How much does a Sports Massage Therapist make?
- What happens after I graduate, what kind of support can I expect?
1. What is the difference between level 3, 4 or 5?
This can vary from one accrediting body to another, in general the differences are in depth of understanding, assessment and application.
Level 3: lays a foundational understanding and application of sports massage processes that will enable you to give a safe and effective sports massage.
Level 4: develops the understanding further to apply safe and effective remedial and sports massage techniques, taking into account physiological and psychological influences.
Level 5: develops the ability of the therapist to make decisions through analytical processes that can lead to an effective treatment of soft tissue conditions.
2. Why should I train with you?
This is not to say that other sports massage courses do not approach their programs in the same way, but this is what NLSSM have done to ensure our students graduate with the highest level of sports massage skills and abilities.
Sports massage courses run on single days on weekends which helps to prevent students from being overloaded with information. Experience has taught us that students are able to retain more and make the transition from academic understanding to practical application with greater ease when they have the time in which to do it.
Classes are held every two weeks creating a more consistent level of practice and allows an appropriate time for home study and development of sports massage skills.
We maintain smaller class numbers with a high teacher to student ratio, 3 students to each teacher, this ensures students receive the attention and feedback necessary to develop their sports massage skills.
All learning styles are catered for. We use a wide range of teaching skills and methods in order to address each students learning needs and abilities.
Our teachers are passionate about their profession and love to share their knowledge, skills and experience.
It is important to us that you enjoy the experience and feel supported throughout, and leave with skills that will take you where you want to go.
We offer on-going support and development once you graduate. You will receive regular email newsletters which list jobs, events, interesting information and what's going on. We are also only a phone call away should you need advice. We have regular CPD's in which to inspire and develop your practice further, see after your graduate.
3. What kind of extra support do you offer your students during the course?
During a students study time with us, they have the use of the practical rooms on their free weekends or during the week in which to work together to practice and get relevant feedback to develop their sports massage skills.
During and after the course, we have an establish mentoring system where students can call and get advice, or assistance from any of our teachers.
Students and graduates are able to
rent a tutor, individually or as a group. While on the sports massage
course students find this option is not absolutely necessary rather
they tend to use it as an option if they miss a class or feel they
would like to develop their confidence a bit more.
4. Are there opportunities to do work experience?
North London School of Sports Massage has connections with several professional and amateur sports teams. Students have the opportunity to gain work experience with both amateur and professional clubs during the course, as well being able to develop their own connections with local teams and clinics. We also organize a number of event opportunities such as the London Marathon, Great North Run in which students are able to participate as part of a team of therapists delivering pre or post event massage.
5. Do you have an intense or shorter course?
Sports massage skills can be likened to training. It takes time and experience to develop athletic ability, the same goes for developing sports massage skills. Our minds can absorb the concepts sometimes quicker than our bodies and visa versa, either way it takes time and guidance from our tutors to help you develop the highest level of skills that will gain you employment.
6. Do I have to pay for the full amount before I start?
There is the option to pay by standing order, you can contacting the office and request the appropriate standing order form. This needs to be arranged two weeks prior to the start of the course.
There is free parking in front of the college as well as at the office (a couple of buildings away).
8. Will I be able to get a job after I graduate?
There is a great demand for highly qualified sports massage therapists, and with the upcoming opportunities within the Olympics, the demand is increasing. But we believe sport and remedial massage is not just for the athlete but for everyone who has minor soft tissue concerns, hence, the market is broad.
Although NLSSM’s reputation is highly regarded within the industry, opportunities will also be dependent upon your communication skills, how well you have applied yourself during the sports massage course, and your abilities as a sport and remedial massage therapist, but we believe the training you receive at NLSSM does develop the best of your abilities, thus increasing your opportunities. We regularly receive job opportunities, almost weekly, for our graduates and send these within our email newsletters.
9. How much does a Sports Massage Therapist make?
How much a graduate makes as a sports massage therapist will depend on location, experience and skill. London prices vary considerably to other areas, also the clinic you work at might have a higher price structure, so the income you take home will vary, but on average most therapists starting out will be looking at anywhere from £20 to £30 per hour, more experienced therapists will range from £40 to £75 per hour.
10. What happens after I graduate, what kind of support can I expect?
We offer on-going support and development once you graduate. You will receive regular email newsletters which list jobs, events, interesting information as well as tells you what's going on.
Graduates can also meet on the last Friday of every month for further education, mentoring sessions or simply get together to exchange ideas and massages. (These are offered at a nominal cost of £10 for the day). We encourage all of our graduates to stay in touch and we are only a phone call away should you need advice.
We have an extensive and varied choice of CPD's in which to inspire and develop your practice further. We listen to what you have to say and at every opportunity make the effort to put on workshops that suit your needs.
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