introducing a high standard of quality professional training and development in reflexology

OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine

course overview

Elevate Your Reflexology Practice With Advanced Training

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine is a comprehensive programme designed for reflexologists who are ready to deepen their expertise and take their practice to the next level.  This diploma blends indepth theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, offering students the tools they need to master advanced reflexology techniques.  Whether you're looking to refine your skills or broaden your understanding of holistic health, this course prepares you for professional practice at a more advanced level, equipping you to handle a wide range of client needs with confidence and precision.

course entrance requirements

Entry Requirements And Who Should Apply

There is no 'academic' requirement for entry onto this course nor is it necessary to have completed any other reflexology course. However, the course is quite demanding (it is level 5), so we do ask for hard work and determination. 

• Applicants must be 18 years or over 
• Have an adequate level of written and spoken English
• Have sufficient ability to perform reflexology techniques
• Student Insurance with Balens via CAREA Affinity Scheme  and free student membership pack.
  
• Complete registration with the Awarding Body and Centralia/CAREA at first weekend of course.​
• Eligibility is dependent upon academic ability, life skills, work skills and experiences.
• All applicants are expected to attend an Interview either by Telephone or Zoom meeting following submission of an Expression of Interest Form, to ensure that full information related to course content, course requirements, level and coverage of subject matter and content are provided and understood, before a formal offer of acceptance is given. Decision of acceptance or otherwise by the course Principal will be final. 
• ​​All coursework is submitted by e-mail, so you need to be able to use a word processing program and know how to attach files to an e-mail. If you don't know how to do either of these, attending a basic computer course at your local college prior to starting our course would be highly recommended.

course details

Course Structure & Curriculum

​You will be glad to read that there are no exams!
As you progress through the course you will be continually assessed in the practical and theoretical aspects.
You should however, allow approximately ten to twelve hours per week to work on home assignments which will include detailed case study work.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list at the beginning of the course and you will have exclusive access to the secure student area on this website.
Classes are held one weekend per month over a period of approx 11 months.  Each day runs from 9.30am to 5.30pm approx with a lunch break and a short tea/coffee break morning and afternoon. 

The educational aims are to develop the in-depth knowledge and skill required to provide safe and effective treatments.
​
The following methods are used:

• Lectures and visual aids in the classroom.
• Detailed demonstrations and practice of techniques.
• Detailed handouts and workbooks for each student.
• Supervised practice and individual practical experience.
• Open discussion periods with course tutor.
• Monitored home assignments.
• Continuous assessment by course tutor of the development of personal qualities required of a professional practitioner.

Diploma Units

​Unit 1: Principles and Safe Practice for Clinical Practitioner Reflexology

As the unit title suggests, you will learn all about your legal and professional responsibilities as a qualified Practitioner of Reflexology who can work in any environment, Clinical or otherwise.  You will also understand why choosing the Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine was the best decision as ti is the only qualification that embraces the need to look at, appreciate, and understand all the aspects that are involved in a persons health and wellbeing.  Discussion and seminars will explore why this qualification is "Next Generation" for Reflexologists of the future.

​Unit 2:  Anatomy, physiology and psychology in illness and health

​These subjects can sometimes be thought of as 'dry' or 'difficult to learn', but at CAREA/Centralia Centres our approach is different which means your learning and understanding is different too.   We don't deliver a generic unit, we make the subjects relevant to being a reflexologist.   We have taken many decades of Reflexology Practice and used those real life scenarios to educate so that the Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology also becomes 'real life' too as we make it relevant, we make it interesting, dare we even say it?  Yes!  We make it fun too.   It is fascinating to understand what all aspects of our lives are involved in why we are well or why we are unwell and with lots of discussion and seminars you will learn the multiple causes for Illness and Health.

Unit 3: Clinical Reflexology And Reflected Anatomy

​In this unit we continue your anatomy knowledge and make it really relevant to reflexology.   As your foundation, your base treatment, you will learn Duopody Reflexology which was developed at Inspira Academy many years ago, and is now accepted by the medical profession - Doctors studying for a Masters Degree in Pain Management have Duopody included in a module - not so that they learn to use it, but to learn how and why it is relevant for them to sometimes refer a patient to a Duopodist (Duopody Reflexologist).   Duopody teaches you to understand the relevance of being able to reflect each anatomy system onto the feet and how to use that knowledge to make a clinical assessment of feet.  You will be highly supervised to ensure that you have fully understood as you will be moving on to other treatment protocols in order that you are able to provide bespoke treatments for everyone.

Unit 4: Development Reflexology, Pathology and integrated medicine

​As the unit title suggests, you will build on your knowledge as the depth and complexity as your skills and learning deepen and develop.  You will be learning to integrate practical, theoretical and technological understanding to find ways forward in complex and broadly defined contexts.   It is important to be able to apply critical evaluation to treatment findings, but also to be able to apply the same to yourself so reflective practice also included at this stage.   You will learn and understand the symptoms of pathologies and conditions and how they inform your treatment plan to ensure that you are able to individualise, personalise the treatments you provide for every client.   In discussions and seminars we explore the relevance of Integrated Medicine, how to become part of a team of health professionals, and the importance of looking at all aspects of clients and recognising that integration with other health providers (not just medics) is important.  Integration also means acknowledging every aspect of a persons life and lifestyle and how they will impact on their health and wellbeing.   Reflexologists look holistically at feet and with this unit we extend this to look holistically at their life too.

unit 5: stress management for body and mind

​Stress is recognised as a contributor to many allopathic conditions and so we developed a treatment protocol specific to the known systems that are most affected by stress responses.  Neuro-Endo-Psycho-Immuno-Pody (NEPIP) explores the psychology of stress and the way it often then results in illness because of a compromised immune system, particularly appropriate after the covid-19 pandemic.  NEPIP not only explores and treats the physical, it also addresses the impact of stress on the mind.   The treatment is now exclusive to the Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine and the treatment will include the body systems most relevant to our reactions to stress, and you will also learn how to treat the psychological/emotional/mental outcomes of stress and how they affect our behaviour.

unit 6: life stages of human development

​There are many reasons why studying at CAREA/Centralia Centres is that it is your best choice, and here is another!   Imagine how interesting it becomes ... you already know how to provide a bespoke treatment based on symptoms of pathologies, conditions and lifestyle, but now you can also include being able to create a treatment protocol and plan relevant to the stage of human development.  No other reflexology training in the UK gives you the knowledge and the ability to be confident in treating a baby, an adolescent in the middle of a challenging puberty, a pregnant client, male health, menopause etc.  You will be able to confidently tell a client that you are equipped to provide a treatment, no matter their age or their condition as you will be using diagnostic skills (not to be confused with diagnosing) to clinically assess and evaluate so that they get the best possible treatment specific to them.  There are just a couple of reasons when it would be advisable not to treat, but these will be discussed and explained why not in class. 

untit 7: evidence based practice for reflexology

​The other 7 units are all at level 5 (comparable to year 2 degree, HND), but this unit is elevated to level 6 and is the only Reflexology Diploma in the UK that has this.   As the name suggests, the focus is on evidence.  We will explore and discuss why reflexology works?   How does it work?   What research has been done?   In seminars we will debate theories and explore further, you may even want to bring your own theories to class too!   After training at ALL CAREA/Centralia Centres you will have all the practical and the theoretical knowledge and skills to be a really competent and confident Reflexology Practitioner, skilled in Clinical practice and theory.   You will also recognise that reflexology is still an emerging profession that constantly evolves and develops and your training will encourage you to be a part of this, so that you continue to research and learn from your self, from your peers and most importantly ... from your clients. 

Unit 8: business fundamentals for reflexology practice

​After your financial investment and your time investment and your learning and your studies, you want to translate this into being a Reflexology Practitioner!   You will research what other knowledge, what other skills you will need to have a successful practice.   Many students have never been self-employed before and whilst it is an amazing opportunity and thrilling to be 'in charge' of your self and your working life, it is important to recognise how this is achieved.   Everyone on Team CAREA/Centralia has been through what you have as all your tutors have been students and started their own businesses too, which means we really teach from experience.   You will of course learn the legislative and professional aspects and also know where external help is available, so that when you qualify and graduate you are ready to join the other CAREA/Centralia trained Duopody Reflexology Practitioners who provide awesome and often life changing and life enhancing treatments.   You will be able to practice in any environment you choose from a general practice to a specialist practice and it will be a career that provides satisfaction and pleasure to both you and your clients from day 1 onwards!

You will receive a detailed manual for each unit and you will learn the latest and most innovative techniques in the UK and beyond. Our students learn Duopody, a highly effective system-by-system approach to reflexology, working on both feet simultaneously, but we will also cover the Original Ingham method, which most reflexologists in the UK have traditionally been trained to use.

There will be lots of ‘hands on’ practical teaching, with a minimum of 163 hours of face to face training.  As Reflexology is a practical therapy, there is no substitute for lots of face to face training. As you progress through the Level 5 Reflexology Diploma, your practical skills will be assessed by your tutors at every stage, so that you can build confidence in your treatments throughout your training.
There is no final exam as the course is portfolio based and you will be assessed on both your practical and theoretical work throughout the course. Assignments will include  essays (stress, homeostasis and research proposal), case studies, pathology research and critiquing reflexology research and a business plan.
All are specifically relevant to your growth as a reflexologist, with no generic modules. You will complete over 100 evidenced treatments during the course, including several assessed practical treatments in class.
​As part of this course you will learn NEPIP (NeuroEndoPsychoImmunoPody), an amazingly effective treatment protocol when working with clients who are experiencing stress, PTSD, low mood and anxiety.
Many reflexologists choose to specialise in certain areas after their initial training, and undertake further training to do so. By choosing the level 5 diploma, you will learn how to adapt your treatment for Fertility, Maternity, Menopause,  Palliative care, Men's Health/Fertility, and Babies/toddlers during your training, therefore preparing to treat a wide range of clients from the start of your career – and having a clear idea of those areas you wish to pursue further following graduation.
​
Also included in your training…
Feet Speak
Chinese Meridians in reflexology
The Organ Clock
Applying energy theories in reflexology
Chameleon approach to pressure management
Linking techniques
Hand reflexology

Download Course Information

Apply Now Online

Download Application Form

COURSE DATES

fees

Course Fees And Payment Options

Understanding the financial investment in your education is important.  Below you will find a breakdown of the course fees for the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine, along with available payment plans to make your enrolment as convenient as possible.  We're committed to offering flexible options that work for you.

Course Fee:
£3250.00 (€3920.00) may fluctuate with exchange rate. 
Your investment of £3250.00 covers everything you need for a comprehensive learning experience.  This fee includes all teaching materials, assessment fees, and training handouts, ensuring you're fully supported throughout the course.  You'll also receive access to our exclusive Student Den, a valuable online resource hub with all course information, videos and more besides to enhance your learning journey. 

Flexible Payment Options:
We offer a range of payment options to make it easier for you to invest in your education.  

Option 1:
You can choose to pay the full course feel of £3,250 upfront, 
£400.00, booking fee (non-refundable), then full payment of £2850.00 at first weekend = £3250.00 
 Ꞓ467.00, booking fee (non-refundable), then full payment of  Ꞓ3328.00 at first weekend = Ꞓ3795.00 

Option 2:
Our flexible payment plans allow you to spread the cost over several instalments.
£400.00, booking fee (non-refundable), then 12 monthly payments while the course is running (ie, September to September) of £237.50 (12 months)  -  by direct debit payments/BACS = £3250.00.
Ꞓ467.00, booking fee (non-refundable), then 12 monthly payments whilst course is running (September to September for example, of  Ꞓ277.34 (12 months). Please note currency rate may vary when starting course.

Please note that booking fee is refundable if The Academy has to cancel the course. 
​If you decide not to attend, the booking fee is NOT refundable or if you decide to withdraw from the course the booking fee plus any fees for classes attended are payable by you.

additional costs

Additional Costs To Consider

While the course fee covers most of your learning essentials, there are a few additional costs to keep in mind.  These include:

• ​All students  can obtain insurance with Balens via CAREA Affinity Scheme and free Student Membership Pack 
• CAREA approved centres fee £250.00 €301.00 (payable at first lesson)
• Awarding Body OTHM registration fee £250.00 €301.00 (payable at first lesson)
• Uniform (not needed until the sixth lesson) - tunic/t-shirt and black trousers
• Consumables, such as pillows, towels, bolster/s, folders, powders and creams.
• One Text Reference Book recommended 'The PodyCharts' ISBN13  9781789632293 Other books are optional.  I have many available to borrow.
• Treatment chair/couch, therapist stool​

By booking on the above course, you agree that The Academy can share your e-mail address with the relevant organisations CAREA and OTHM.
​To register your interest for the course click on either button.  You can complete word document or online electronic form.
​

APPLY NOW ONLINE

Download Application Form

A CAREA Centre

The Unique Approach Offered By CAREA Centres

C A R E A  M A T R I X: Comprises D U O P O D Y, NEPIP & CALM
Duopody reflexology is the approach students first learn during their training - and is part of the CAREA MATRIX and is only available at CAREA Academies. 
Students love learning and treating with Duopody: 
Here we work both feet together, which provides a wonderful balance to the treatment, as entire organs and glands can be worked simultaneously, and at the same time it allows an improved postural position for the reflexologist whilst working on the feet thus being gentler to their body. 
NEPIP for stress as discussed further below.
CALM which is a lovely gentle and calming approach which can be used in any treatment but developed primarily for palliative care clients.

Course Accreditation

Recognised By Awarding Body OTHM

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine is awarded by OTHM through our partnership with Centralia Advanced Reflexology Education Authority (CAREA) in Wales, and equates to LEVEL 6 in Ireland.
The Diploma is under the sector Nursing and Subjects and Vocations Allied to Medicine and is in line with National Occupational Standards. 

graduation and next steps

What You Will Achieve

All  students are eligible to become student members of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. Whilst Irish Students can join the Irish Reflexologists Institute (IRI) or NRRI (National Register of Reflexologists Ireland and become full members upon graduation.
All students are insured through the CAREA insurance scheme, and are able to upgrade to full practitioner insurance upon successful completion of the course.  Students from the South of Ireland can be assured that the QQI states 'The Irish and UK qualifications authorities collaborate on bi-lateral and international initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the correspondence between qualifications frameworks in operation  across the five jurisdictions.
​A joint publication Qualifications can cross Boundaries indicates the level of a UK qualification within the Irish NFQ'. This course of study equates to Level 6 in Southern Ireland as per The National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland. 
​See link: https://qhelp.qqi.ie/international-visitors/naric-ireland/qualification-frameworks-in-ireland-and-uk/

student testimonials

Hear From Our Graduates

At Dorothy Kelly Academy of Reflexology, we are proud of the transformative impact our courses have on student's professional journeys.  Our graduates consistently praise the comprehensive training, supportive learning environment, and expert guidance they receive.  Watch this short video testimonial from Rose Anna, sharing her experience.  
You can explore more testimonials from those who have experienced the benefits of our OTHM Level 5 Diploma firsthand by clicking the link below.

Explore Other Testimonials

enrol now

Ready To Take The Next Step In Your Reflexology Career

Ready to elevate your skills and expand your professional opportunities?  Check our next course dates, then enrol in the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine and join a community of dedicated reflexologists committed to excellence.  With our expert training and supportive environment, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to excel in your practice.  Don't miss your chance to advance your career - secure your place today.

LEVEL 5  2024 - 2025​​	​LEVEL 5  ​2025 - 2026	LEVEL 5  ​2025 - 2026
BELFAST DATES*	ROI DATES*  ​	BELFAST DATES*
​Sept 7 - 8	Mar'25, 8 & 9	Oct 18 - 19
Oct 5 - 6	Apr     5 & 6	Nov 15 - 16
​Nov 2 - 3	May    3 & 4	Dec 13 - 14
​Dec 30/11- 1/12	June  14 & 15	Jan'26, 10 - 11
​Jan' 25, 25 - 26	Sept    6 & 7	Feb 7 - 8
​Feb 22 - 23	Oct     4 & 5	​Mar 7 - 8
​Mar 22 - 23	​​​Nov     1 & 2	April 4 - 5
​Apr 3/5 - 4/5 (May)	​Dec 29/11-30/11	May 2 - 3
​May 31/5 - 1/6	​Jan'26  24 & 25​	June 30/5 - 31/5
​June 28 - 29	​Feb    21 - 22 ​	June 27/6 - 28/6
​​Sept 20 - 21	Mar 21 - 22	Sept 5 - 6

Apply Now Online

Download Application Form

frequently asked questions

Your Questions Answered

We understand that choosing the right course is a big decision.  To help you make an informed choice, we've compiled answers to some of the most common questions about the OTHM Level 5 Diploma.  Whether you're curious about course details, application requirements, or learning formats, you'll find helpful information here.

​Confused about which course?

There are many courses and organisations, all offering different qualifications and styles of training - this can be very confusing when trying to choose the right Reflexology course for you.
Firstly, ensure that you don't enrol on a distance learning or correspondence course - none of the membership organisations listed on this website will accept these kind of courses.
Secondly, please be aware that there is a huge variety of standards in the level 3 training market (this is why we don't teach it). You can occasionally find a good level 3 school that has an awarding body such as VTCT that is taught over a full year. Most of the level 3 courses now seem to be a combination of distance learning and 5 or 6 days learning practical Reflexology in class. We really don't think you can learn to be a proper Professional Reflexologist after just 5 or 6 days training.
​Dorothy Kelly Academy of Reflexology only offers the best in Reflexology training. We are a partnership centre with Centralia/CAREA, so we can offer the CAREA Reflexology qualification (also known as the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine). OTHM is an awarding body recognised globally for higher level qualifications.
Find out if the school you are proposing to study with, enables you to join the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC - the UK complementary healthcare regulator), via the professional organisation it is linked to. Also be aware that some of the level 3 'practitioner diplomas' don't meet the CNHC entry criteria.
Then, find out if the course is delivered entirely by the college you are thinking of training with. Some training establishments will 'farm out' part of their training (particularly Anatomy and Physiology) to online training providers - you may then not get the necessary teaching support for this element of the course. The Dorothy Kelly Academy of Reflexology trains all its student for 100% of the course, giving dedicated contact teaching of 163 face-2face hours.
Finally, if the course provider describes their course as "Level 5 equivalent" (or anything else that sounds like "equivalent"), it will be nothing of the sort. A Level 5 course is either just that, or nothing at all. There are no other Reflexology courses that are officially recognised at Level 5, apart from CAREA's in the UK, and there is no Reflexology course that is currently higher than this level. (You can get a degree in Complementary Therapies [Level 6], but the university will use an awarding body for each of the component therapies on the course which in most cases is at Level 3 for each of the complementary therapies). Also, a Reflexologist who has trained at Level 3 and has completed lots of CPD (continuous professional development courses) is still a Level 3 Reflexologist regardless of the additional training, like wise a Level 5 Reflexologist is still a Level 5 Reflexologist regardless of the number of CPD courses attained; they can not become a Level 7 Reflexologist.

​What do all these different levels mean - level 3, level 5?

We are very grateful to OTHM for allowing us to use the diagram which shows the differences - follow the link here. This identifies Level 5 as a Foundation Degree. This levelling chart is representative for all qualifications in England, Northern Ireland (QCF) and Wales (CQFW) . (Please not the levelling grades are different in Scotland [a level 8 in Scotland is the same as a level 5 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland whilst in Ireland it equates to Level 6). Also, the Level 5 fully incorporates all the learning requirements of the Core Curriculum in Reflexology (a teaching book  guidance book). The Level 3 Diploma generally does not include all the recommended elements of the Core Curriculum.

​Why is it good to belong to a reputable professional organisation?

​

​Why choose Dorothy Kelly Academy of Reflexology?

​Our Training:
At this Academy, unlike many other training establishments, you will train you to become a Integrated Medicine Reflexologist - capable of treating specific conditions. It is the only Level 5 Academy in Northern Ireland/Ireland. In addition, the Academy also operates a flexible training plan, so if you need extra time to study, we will support you. The Academy operates a 'lifetime support' system for all graduates

​What is a Integrated Medicine Reflexologist, aren't all Reflexologists the same?

An Integrated Medicine Reflexologist is someone who has been trained to the highest standards and can create a treatment protocol for many different conditions, who looks at the whole person, exploring the relevance of other Health Professionals including medicine as well as all lifestyle factors. Unfortunately, there are too many people who have taken a short course (sometimes as short as just 2 days!) or unregulated course and then call themselves Reflexologists. As these courses are so short, they cannot possibly equip a therapist to competently treat conditions.

​What entry qualifications do I need?

​To succeed on this course, it is more about determination and hard work (since the course is intensive), rather than previous qualifications. A GCSE in Biology will be helpful, but it is not essential. You certainly don't need to have studied previously at Further or Higher Education level to successfully qualify on this course.

When do the courses start?

Our courses usually start in September each year.  The Course in Ireland has 2 start dates March or September.

​What days are the training sessions on?

​Our training days are at the weekend but we also offer a weekday course for those wishing to train within term time when demand exists.

How long does the course last

Our courses normally run for 12 months. However, some students prefer to extend their period of study to suit their learning speed and they can extend their course length by a few months at the discretion of the Academy.

What happens if I can't get to all the training dates?

100% attendance is required for the duration of the course. However, we do understand that life is full of unexpected events. The tutors will discuss with each student how they can manage course dates if a problem arises.

​How much time will I need to spend on homework?

​The answer to this does very much depend on the individual. As a rule of thumb, we suggest 2½ hours of home study for every hour in class. Also, case studies will take 1 hour of practical work per session + about 1.5 hours to write them up. If you are a fast worker, then these times may be on the generous side. Conversely, if you like to take your time, you my want to spend more time on home study.

What qualification will I get?

You will qualify with the UK's highest award in Reflexology: The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine. This can be used, not only to become a Professional Reflexologist, but also as 'accredited prior learning' towards a degree in health sciences.

​How many Credits will I be awarded?

You will be awarded 120 Credits by OTHM and these can be used for onward progression to University courses. 
Credits are more important than most people realise, as they also signify that this is a 'real' qualification and not a course that isn't registered or recognised by any organisations or other teaching establishments. If you are researching which Reflexology school to attend, ensure you ask about credits - if the school can't give you this information, they might not be offering a 'real' qualification.

​Don't I have to do an introductory course first?

No - many Further Education colleges will tell you that you need to do an entry-level Reflexology course first (such as a level 3 diploma) - this is completely unnecessary.

​How much does the course cost?

​Our course costs £3250 and is payable with a deposit of £400 (non-refundable) plus 10 or 12 monthly instalments spread over the course.  A payment plan can be agreed by speaking to the principal if you require a slightly longer period of time.

​Are there any extra costs incurred on top of the basic course fees?

​With the exception of the items listed below, everything you need to pass the course is included in the total cost:

• Registration fees with Centralia and OTHM along with  Student Insurance via Balens Insurance which must be paid at the first weekend of the course. Irish Students can obtain membership with the Irish Reflexology Institute if they prefer.
• Lafuma recliner chair or couch (optional, but recommended) for completion of your case studies and upon qualification.
• Uniforms (not needed until after the sixth lesson)
• Any towels, pillows, or other consumables you are wanting to use

​Can I pay by interest free instalLments?

Yes you can. This is done by Direct Debit and is arranged at the beginning of the course with your Bank. ​

​Can I get a Loan for this course?

Unfortunately not. Although the level of training is the correct level for student loans,  but because we are a private school our courses do not qualify for funding. To help spread the cost of the course, we give interest free repayments for the duration of the course.

How do I enrol for the Practitioner's Course?

Click 'Apply Here'  and this will take you to the 'Fees for Level 5 course' page and the enrolment form can be found at the bottom of the page.