Complementary Therapy at Teesside

By Clearing

Ask Paula Strickland ‘What are the benefits of complementary therapy?’ and she’ll give you a very simple answer – she weaned her daughter off her asthma inhaler by using it.

Paula, 33, from Hartlepool, is studying on the University of Teesside’s Foundation Degree in Complementary Therapies (Aromatherapy) to learn more about the skills and techniques used to help people with various illnesses. She had already gained diplomas in reflexology, Indian head massage and aromatherapy at night classes, before deciding to take her studies further with the Foundation Degree. The course is ideal for those who wish to practice aromatherapy within health care settings. The Foundation Degree is currently taught at Hartlepool College of Further Education and will run from Stockton Riverside College, Middlesbrough College and Bishop Aukland College from September 2004.

Paula, who is studying the course at Hartlepool, said: “I used a combination of massage and essential oils with my five year old daughter Katie and now she doesn’t need her inhaler any more. Of course, you have to be very careful and I’ve consulted with our family GP along every step of the way. That’s what Complementary Therapies are all about – working with traditional medicine in order to maximise the benefits to the patient.

“I began to develop an interest after being told that regular massages could help my son Peter, who has a long time stomach problem. I was worried I may be doing it wrong so I began the night classes. I was soon hooked and decided to make a career out of it.

“There are very few NHS positions available so I’ll be working as a registered mobile Complementary Therapist offering treatments in people’s own homes, mainly in care homes and Hospices probably. This Foundation Degree is the highest qualification available in Complementary Therapy, but if the University ever chooses to expand the course into a full Bachelors degree, I’ll be the first to sign up to it.”

Foundation degrees are flexible qualifications and are part of the Government’s commitment to furthering participation in Higher Education. Existing skills and qualifications can be improved while at work, leading to better career prospects. They are ideal for people with work experience, but who may lack many formal qualifications.

The degrees can be studied two years full-time or three years part-time and are often taught in collaboration with Further Education Colleges. Once the course is completed, there is the option to progress to a full honours degree at university.

The University of Teesside’s foundation degrees have been developed directly with employers in the public and private sector, training agencies in the health and social care sector, and with further education colleges. Subjects available include: Art, Design & Music, Business, Management & Human Resources, Engineering, Chemical Technology, Health & Social Care and Education. They are taught at the University of Teesside and at partner Further Education College’s around the region.

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