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Spa Practitioner
Therapeutic spa practices date back over thousands of years, many cultures around the world believed in the healing powers of particular springs, wells and rivers that could beneficial to the mind, body and soul. Since ancient times, spa therapy has been used to treat physical conditions, soothe nerves and promote general wellness and well-being. The stresses of the modern world have led to an increased interest in spa treatments as the general public seeks to complement their existing therapies with other forms of relaxation and rejuvenation; therefore, causing a high demand for spa practitioners.
The Spa Practitioner Program at PCU College has been designed to train practitioners to meet the needs of the public, as well as, the constantly evolving standards of education for spa practitioners in North America. Drawing from eastern philosophy and traditional Western spa techniques, the program delivers a well-rounded education as it prepares students to step into the spa practitioner role. Students study structural anatomy and movement of bones and muscles, human physiology with special focus on the various systems of the body and the relationships between them.
Spa Practitioner students will also learn essential therapies such as Deep Tissue treatments, Hot Stone therapies and Hydrotherapy. Other therapeutic spa techniques such as thermal wraps, body scrubs, facial masks and cranial massage will also be covered. In addition, students will also learn to operate spa-related equipment and prepare materials used in treatments.
Because the art of massage is a large component of spa therapy, students learn a broad range of massage techniques that they can apply to specific need or integrate into a course of treatment. The theory of reflexology and its uses for treatment of various conditions will be explored. Students also study the ancient Chinese art of Acupressure/Tuina which introduces them to some aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine and emphasizes looking at the body as a whole, rather than a series of systems. Students develop a foundation in sports massage, therapeutic stretching and Swedish massage.
Prior to completion of this program, students have an opportunity to apply their training and gain hands on experience in a spa setting during a four-week practicum period.
Job Opportunities
- Club Spas
- Cruise Ships
- Destination Spas
- Resorts
- Medical Spas
- Hotels
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia .
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- This is the introductory module for the Spa Therapy program. All students must take core essentials before starting another module. This course offers students a history of massage, introduction to basic skeletal anatomy and introduction to major muscles. Students will also be given basic information on hygiene, draping and general massage technique. Contraindications and basic pathology will also be addressed. Students will be introduced to basic movement terminology and basic medical terminology.
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- This course introduces the structure and arrangement of gross surface features with special attention to musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous and genitourinary systems. Building on the anatomical knowledge acquired in W110, students will study functions and regulation of organ systems in this course. Specific attention will be placed on respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
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- In this module, students will learn planes of movement and movement terminology. The skeletal system will be covered in depth with emphasis on bony landmarks and types of joints. The muscular system will be taught including origin, insertion, and action of all major muscles and their nerve innervation. The entire muscular system will be broken down by segment (axial and appendicular skeleton). Types of muscles, muscle fibre, and direction will also be addressed.
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- Focus in this module will be directed towards indications and contraindications pertaining to specific disease and dysfunction. Students will be able to identify conditions that would cause them to alter their massage treatment. Pathology of the skeletal system, nervous system, endocrine system, muscular system, immune system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system will be taught. Special attention will be paid to common pathologies, identifying potentially dangerous conditions and precautions for avoiding communicable conditions.
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- Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oil to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual well being. In this course, you will learn what is aromatherapy and essential oils. Be introduced to various essential oils. Explain what constituents and properties are. Explain how essential oils can be used and the different methods of application. Explain the sources of essential oils and what a note is. Know about safety, the uses, and contraindications in order to be able to use it in a spa setting.
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- This module will introduce students to the art of assessment and treatment. Soft tissue dysfunction and holding patterns will be discussed. Specific deep tissue treatments and manual techniques, with emphasis on common musculoskeletal disorders, will give students a better understanding of the human body. The students will be taught more advanced massage techniques where primary focus is given to release holding from repetitive tension, and focus massage to specific areas causing client discomfort.
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- In this module, students will learn the effects of hot stone therapy. Stone placement and the use of stones during massage will be covered. Students will learn the principles, precautions, indications, and contraindications of hot stone treatment. The heating and cooling properties of stones and their therapeutic effect will be covered in this module. The use of stone treatments (either hot or cold) on acupoints will be taught as well. Students will gain an in depth understanding of this treatment, which is gaining popularity in spa environments.
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- This module will teach students about the stages of pregnancy and the physiological changes the body undergoes. Students will learn appropriate draping for pregnancy as well as bolstering for different stages. Students will also be given the knowledge of infant massage, a technique they can pass on to their pregnant clientele, or continue working post partum. Common body tenderness associated with pregnancy will be discussed, as well as home care for the pregnant client. Risk factors in pregnancy will be taught, as well as pathologies associated with pregnancy.
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- This module will cover the essentials of spa therapy and hydrotherapy. Students will be taught the physiological effects of thermal therapy, the contraindications, and the appropriate uses for hot and cold for therapeutic and relaxation purposes. Students will also be introduced to standard spa therapy and practice, the use of thermal wraps, body scrubs, masks, sugar, and salt glows as well as facial and cranial massage. This module will teach the use of hydroculator equipment, paraffin wax baths, and the appropriate use of ice. Students will also learn about aromatherapy, essential oils and how to incorporate them into their spa treatment.
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- In this module, students will learn the theory of reflexology. Students will explore the reflex points of the hands and feet that directly correlate with the body systems. Treatment and assessment of body dysfunction will be taught as well as focus on foot care and maintenance. The body reflected in the extremities as mirrors will provide students with another alternative approach to Western medicine.
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- This is a study of the Chinese method of therapeutic massage, which deals with Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood, and the internal organs. This course covers Tuina basic principles, manipulation techniques, functions, indications, and contraindications. The five elements and meridian theories of Eastern philosophy are discussed. Students will learn acupressure points as well as a full body Chinese massage. This course takes the approach of healing the body as a whole, not in segments.
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- This module introduces pre and post event sports massage along with therapeutic stretching. Students will gain an in depth understanding of tissue injury and repair, as well as what an athlete must endure for their training. Muscle movement is explored in depth, types of contraction, aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, strength training, endurance, and cardiovascular training. Students will learn to focus massage based on individual athletic needs. Therapeutic stretching will be addressed and students will learn the elastic and contractile component of muscle tissue, as well as the most effective ways to stretch and gain range of motion.
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- This module teaches the students basic Swedish massage strokes and sequence and postural mechanics for the massage practitioner. Draping clients, bolstering clients, and adapting for pathological conditions that may be present will also be addressed. Students will learn a full body sequence and be able to allot time for thirty-minute treatments, hour long sessions, and hour and a half long sessions. Chair massage sequence will also be introduced along with chair massage marketing and promotion.
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- In this module, students will learn how to gather information pertinent to the spa session. Effective listening skills will be taught, as well as body language and postural cues. Students will learn how to document their findings appropriately and how to utilize common medical abbreviations. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and maintain accurate patient histories and files.
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- This module is for course credits but has no grade. Students will be placed at the on-site clinic at PCU College or affiliated spa institutes to gain practice and experience related to their field of study.
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- Students will have the use of our Job Search lab which has unlimited. Internet access, a job search resource library, and a fax machine and phone for contacting prospective employers with your resume. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills, and techniques and to carry out mock interviews. In addition, students will learn and explore the requirements for running their own business as well as managing spa and esthetics salons.