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

• equivalent entry requirements
• search for courses
• funding advice

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.