Reflexologist
Reflexologists apply pressure to certain parts of the hands and feet (reflexes) which they believe can help with relaxation and wellbeing.
Salary Range: Variable
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
You could take a foundation degree or degree in complementary therapies or complementary healthcare.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
You could complete a Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More information
Registration
- you could join an accredited register managed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists
Career tips
You may find it useful if you have experience in healthcare, massage, beauty therapy or counselling.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Association of Reflexologists and The British Reflexology Association, for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a reflexologist from the Association of Reflexologists and The British Reflexology Association.
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- active listening skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with your hands
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- have insurance
- pass enhanced background checks
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could be:
- explaining relexology treatments to the client
- taking a medical history, covering health, diet and lifestyle
- examining the client’s feet and hands for problem areas
- applying pressure with the thumb and fingers to the client’s feet and hands
- keeping treatment records
- referring clients to their GP if needed
Working environment
You could work at a hospice, in a therapy clinic, at an adult care home, at a client’s home or in an NHS or private hospital.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could go on to train and qualify in other areas of complementary therapy, like aromatherapy, massage therapy or Reiki healing. This can help you to attract more clients.
With experience and further training, you could become a reflexology teacher. You could also coach or mentor newly qualified reflexologists.