Soft Tissue Therapy HNC/Year 1 Sports Therapy HND

Course overview

HNC Soft Tissue Therapy is a one-year practical course with a strong theoretical component. Providing you with an industry-recognised qualification, this course develops the knowledge and skills required to work as a Soft Tissue Therapist. 

This course is ideal if you want to work with sports people who have soft tissue concerns.

What you will learn

This course offers the opportunity to be competent in a variety of relevant techniques and the understanding needed for safe practice.

You will learn how to treat soft tissues of clients from a wide range of ages and abilities who might participate in recreational levels of activity through to elite-level performance.

The topics covered include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Clinical Sports Massage
• Prevention and Management of Sports Injuries
• Professional Standards

Placement information

• You will be expected to undertake work placement activities with help and guidance from your lecturers
• You will work with local sports clubs, businesses and the wider college community through our clinics and health and wellbeing initiatives, as well as supporting national and international sporting events. This will assist you in gaining the required number of practice hours to demonstrate your competence in a variety of relevant techniques. 

How the course is assessed

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis in both practical and theoretical settings and you will complete the following types of assessment:

• Class-based assessment
• Practical observations
• Report writing
• Presentations
• Logbooks
• Portfolio work

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week

Entry requirements

• 2 Higher passes at grade C or above (preferably English and one science) and a core skills profile at SCQF level 5 with communication or equivalent at SCQF level 6; or 2 A levels at grade D and relevant GSCE equivalent core skills; A National Qualification at SCQF level 6, S/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in an appropriate subject area such as sports massage, exercise and fitness or sports development may be considered along with the appropriate core skills profile previously stated.
• You may be a candidate who comes from a non-traditional route such as a mature returnee or one who wishes to change careers or perhaps retrain following a career break to raise a family. In these or other cases we would consider work experience life skills and potential ability. You may be expected to submit a brief written assignment or essay before the interview to provide some indication of academic standing and communication skills.
• You should have an interest or involvement in the sport, fitness or physical activity sector  

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• You must attend an information session, dates will be sent to you with your conditional offer. The session will include information on the course and a discussion on your suitability. Please prepare to discuss your career aspirations and experience.  
• Being able to achieve a suitable level of clearance through the PVG scheme will be expected of all applicants. 

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• On completion of HNC Soft Tissue Therapy (15 credits), you may be able to apply to HND Sports Therapy. This year focuses on the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions arising from sporting activity. You'll also get the opportunity to work in our sports injury clinic, developing skills in clinical assessment, devising treatment plans and providing physical therapies for clients. This course prepares you for a career as a sports therapist to be able to work freelance, in sports clubs, or as part of a community-funded health project.
• Following successful completion of Year 1 and Year 2 (with an A pass in Graded Units 1 and 2) you may progress on to the BSc Sports Rehabilitation course that is delivered in partnership with Queen Margaret University. This two-year course will provide the training needed to pursue a career as a Graduate Sports Rehabilitator and is the only accredited Sports Rehabilitation degree in Scotland.

Career options

You may gain direct entry to employment as a Soft Tissue Therapist by setting up your business practice or in a range of health, fitness or sports-based establishments such as:

• Private health and fitness clubs and clinics. 
• Local authority sports centres and health and fitness clubs.
• Hotels and conference centres with health and fitness facilities. 
• Sports clubs that require massage therapy to support the training and recovery of players/athletes. 
• Single and multi-disciplinary clinics providing sports massage treatments