BRIDGING PROGRAM
Upgrade to a Level 5 Professional Qualification in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy
This Bridging Program is specifically designed so you can build upon your strengths and experience and address your individual needs, thus enabling you to upgrade your skills and gain a Level 5 professional qualification.
NEXT COURSE: Bridging 24C, commencing Sunday 5th January 2025.
Full details and how to book here.
WHO IS THIS MASSAGE COURSE FOR?
To be eligible, students must have successfully completed at least one of the following:
- Level 4 qualification in sports massage
- A degree in osteopathy
- A degree in physiotherapy
- A degree in sports therapy
- Sports science unfortunately is not accepted
Are you a beginner? This is not the course for you!
Please head to our Level 5 course page to start your journey.
Are you a Level 3 therapist? You may be considered if you have a minimum of 2 years experience. Please get in touch with us at info@nlssm.com.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In addition to a Level 4 qualification or degree as outlined above, students must also have the following:
- Hold a current first aid certificate.
- Be able to demonstrate prior learning of anatomy and physiology
- Have appropriate insurance
- Be a member of a professional association
Evidence of the above, as well as certificates of your qualification need to be submitted within 24 hours of your application.
Are you unsure if you are eligible?
Get in touch with us at info@nlssm.com
Course structure
On our Bridging Program, you will be joining Modules 2 and 3 of our regular Level 5 course.
The course is part time and takes approximately 7 months to complete in total during which time you will attend practical workshops in class and undertake significant home study and hands-on practice.
Class attendance and assessments consist of 14 days, split across one day every two weeks. The reason that we host your class once every two weeks is to ensure that we have regular contact with our students, which we find enables the learning journey to be more supportive.
Module 2 includes:
- 6 face-to face workshops – practical skills and techniques include: Muscle Energy Techniques (PIR & RI), Transverse Soft Tissue Release as well as the classical form, introduction to Neuromuscular technique, Trigger Point Therapy, Strain Counter Strain, Positional Release
- 1 day of recorded lectures – NMT prep work, Fascia and Biotensegrity ( new concept that considers bodies behaviour holistically).
- 1 practical assessment day
This module takes approximately 3-4 months to complete.
Module 3 includes:
- 5 face-to face workshops – practical assessment and rehabilitation skills include: postural assessment that cover both stand up and on the couch evaluation skills, biomechanics vs biotensegrity movement, re-education methods, soft tissue rehabilitation, advanced pathology presentations, relevant case studies, putting it all together.
- Final Practical Exam
This module takes approximately 4 months to complete.
You can find out which days are in-class and which days are online in the Dates & Location section below, by clicking on the individual course calendars.
Most of our students are able to continue their work and other commitments around the course due to it being part-time!
During the course
Over the course of the 2 modules you will need to complete 70 logbook hours of practical massage experience. This can be on friends and family as well as members of the general public.
We understand that finding your potential future clients can be overwhelming hence, we offer a variety of work opportunities, event and clinical work experiences to help support your learning, we also have a private forum wherein you can find graduates who will be practice bodies for you. Find out more here.
You have a total of 2 written coursework assignments to complete throughout the course in your own time at home, as well as 3 end of module practical assessments.
As part of the supportive system on offer to NLSSM students, there are monthly ‘Student Office Hours’ hosted via zoom, where you can discuss and trouble shoot your assignment paper questions with an NLSSM tutor. Helping to take the fear out of coursework!
We understand that students have varying ways of learning and absorbing information, with this in mind our tutors skilfully deliver the course information using a variety of teaching methods to make the class both interesting and enjoyable. Your tutors will also take the time in class to discuss your assignment papers and help solve any questions or queries you might have.
We supply a ‘schedule of work’ that accompanies every class day. This document informs you ahead of time which assignment question(s) will be covered in your class material.
Bringing it all together is your final and comprehensive case study, this will demonstrates your assessment, planning and rehabilitation hands on skills, this is the hallmark of NLSSM’s reputation, it rests on our graduated students who demonstrate a high level of understanding and application.
Course syllabus
- Soft Tissue Release – Active Passive, Resisted & Transverse
- Muscle Energy Technique – Reciprocal Inhibition & Post Isometric Relaxation
- Advanced deep tissue techniques
- Neuromuscular Techniques
- Triggers Points
- Positional Release
- Strain & Counter Strain
- Range of Motion
- Business Mastery with Susan Findlay, she will discuss a practical and proven method on how to develop your client list
- Legalities
- Fascia and Biotensegrity – a new and dynamic approach to our understanding of the body and how it works
- Rehabilitation processes
- Pathology understanding conditions such as Parkinson’s, Diabetes, Arthritis, Frozen Shoulder
- Clinical and case studies
- Stretching and corrective exercises
- Injury scenarios
- Prevention Soft Tissue Therapy
- Re-education methods
- Homecare
- Remedial Massage Techniques
- History taking & notation
- Static & movement based assessment
- Contraindications
- Palpation skills
- Pain assessment skills
- Assessment of Acute, Sub Acute & Chronic
- Muscle ROM testing
- Biomechanics vs biotensegrity
- Neurological testing
- Exercise physiology research with Steve Hunter
This course is supported or accredited by the following associations:
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS COURSE?
- Course lectures & comprehensive notes
- Detailed schedule of work
- Online review quizzes for all class days
- Online - extra bonus videos reviewing practical work
- Online - extra bonus videos reviewing practical work
- Access to schools' textbook library and teaching space
- A supportive tutor mentoring system
- Student Office hours - monthly online tutorial
- A high ratio of teacher to student instruction
- Final exam fees
- Private NLSSM Facebook group with job listings and support (ongoing after graduation)
- Student massage clinic (optional)
- Work placements and event opportunities
STUDENT MASSAGE CLINIC
During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in our student massage clinic. This is a regular clinic arranged by us, so you can gain experience of treating clients in as close to a real clinical setting as possible.
WORK PLACEMENTS
We also offer regular work experience opportunities for our Level 5 Diploma students. Throughout the course, various types of placements are available to apply to, such as working with sports teams, professional dance groups and events like the London Marathon. See examples here.
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
NLSSM students have access to the following discounts (click each for more info).
Suppliers of sports injury, sports massage, first aid for sport, foam roller rehabilitation products to therapists, sports teams, patients, and the public. 10% off for NLSSM students. Find out more about Physique here.
Songbird massage waxes and balms combine a unique blend of beeswax (or beeswax free for our vegan wax alternatives) and 100% natural ingredients. NLSSM students get 25% off. Find out more about Songbird here.
Massage Warehouse is the UK’s largest supplier of therapy equipment for Professional Therapists and our extensive ranges will suit every budget. 10% off for NLSSM students.
React First runs a lively program of public first aid courses in Central London and in-house first aid training across London and the South East. 10% discount for NLSSM students
Naqi Massage Lotion is our main supplier at NLSSM. This is available at a discount for students via Physique.
TOTUM, previously known as NUS extra, is the #1 student discount card, brings you over 200 UK student discounts.
KenHub is an online anatomy learning tool that includes detailed drawings, videos and more. 10% discount for NLSSM students
Handspring Publishing specialises in books that focuses on bodywork and movement. NLSSM students will receive a 15% discount on purchases
MEMBERSHIPS
NLSSM graduates are able to become members of the following associations (click each for more info).
DATES & LOCATION
Our bridging program takes place alongside our Professional Level 5 Qualification in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy, at The Hub in North London.
The Hub is conveniently located just a few minutes walk from Tottenham Hale Rail, Underground and Bus Station. Please find full location details here.
Upcoming Course Dates
We have the following details available for enrolment (click each course for more info):
This is a Sunday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here.
Please note: on this calendar, you’ll see the dates for our full Level 5 course, of which you will attend Modules 2 and 3. This means that only dates beginning with Module 2 or 3 are applicable. Bridging Program students are not permitted to attend Module 1 dates.
This is a Tuesday course, running from 10am – 5pm. Please find exact course dates here.
Please note: on this calendar, you’ll see the dates for our full Level 5 course, of which you will attend Modules 2 and 3. This means that only dates beginning with Module 2 or 3 are applicable. Bridging Program students are not permitted to attend Module 1 dates.
COURSE FEES
The full cost of this Level 5 Bridging Program in Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy is £2300.
You will be required to pay a deposit of £500 (non-refundable) when you submit your application. You have the following options of how to pay the remainder of your course fees after you apply. Details of how to pay using either of these 3 options will be in the welcome letter of the course, which you will have access to after you apply.
Payment Options
- Payment in full via bank transfer
You can choose to pay your course fees in full, after you submit your application and pay the deposit. This must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the course start date.
- Payment in full via credit card
You can choose to pay the remainder of your course fees in full with your credit card. This must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the course start date. Please note: there is an admin fee of £50 for this option.
- Payment via standing order
We offer a monthly payment scheme where the course costs (minus the deposit) are split over 7 months via a standing order, totalling approximately £271.43 per month. Your repayments begin on the 28th day of the month that your diploma course commences. You can also make a larger initial deposit payment to reduce the monthly amounts. You will need to advise us of this after you submit your application, and send evidence that this standing order has been set up. Please note: there is an admin fee of £100 for this option.
Please see our full Terms and Conditions here.
Ready to enrol?
If you’re ready to apply, please remember you’ll need to submit the following within 24 hours of your application:
- Evidence of your qualification in one of the accepted fields
- Evidence of prior learning in Anatomy and Physiology
- A copy of your valid first aid certificate
- A copy of your insurance
- Details of your professional association
Details of how to submit this evidence will be given in your welcome letter upon your application and course deposit.
To enrol on a course, please click the button below:
FAQ's
Why should I get a Level 5 qualification if I already hold a Level 4?
Whilst a level 4 qualification allows therapists to manage common injuries and apply appropriate techniques, a Level 5 will provide a much more advanced understanding of sports and remedial massage techniques within clinical practice.
You will learn how to perform comprehensive assessments, develop individualised treatment plans for complex injuries, and use advanced techniques for recovery and rehabilitation. A Level 5 qualification can lead to roles in high-performance sports settings or specialised clinical environments.
Who accredits your course?
Our course is accredited by OCN London and is OFQUAL approved. OCN is awarding body that has been established for over 50 years and is commonly used in adult education, providing pathways for students to gain skills and qualifications.
We have chosen to be accredited by OCN as it has allowed us to create a flexible course that is adaptable to the specific needs of our students and the requirements of current employers. As we’ll as OCN, we are also approved by the following organisations:
- The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) – they are an independent UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners.
- The Complementary Health Professionals (The CHP) – they are one of the UK’s leading Professional Associations, serving members since 1994. They offer members a host of specialised services, including access to quality insurance, free entry to their annual conference plus much, much more!
We are also recognized by many other associations such as LCSP and The SMA.
What is the difference between BTEC, ITEC and OCN?
BTEC, ITEC, and OCN are all organisations that accredit qualifications in various fields, including sports massage and related disciplines.
BTEC usually offer Vocational qualifications, ITEC tends to specialise in therapies, and OCN focuses on vocational, flexible qualifications for adult education. Each organisations has its own strengths, but they all provide a qualification in the relevant field.
What professional associations can I join?
With an NLSSM Level 5 qualification, you are eligible to join the following organisations:
- The Sports Massage Association (The SMA) is a professional organisation launched in 2002 in order to establish and maintain minimum standards for soft tissue therapy training
- The London & Counties Society of Physiologists (The LCSP) were founded in 1919 and they’re the oldest-established and largest organisation of private practitioners of remedial massage and manipulative therapy in the U.K!
- The Complementary Health Professionals (CHP), set up in 1994 actively work with their peers within the profession to support the interests of their members. They are a holistic organization that welcomes a wide range of qualifications such as Reflexology, Aromatherapy, and Reiki.
All organisations that we work with sit on the General Council for Massage Therapies (GCMT) representing massage/soft tissue therapies and setting industry standards.
What are my different career options with a Level 5 qualification?
The beauty of this work is you can make it your own. You will make yourself unique by following your vision of where you want to go and how you want to use the training. We will help you to develop your unique style and vision of where you want this to lead you.
In the beginning you might not know which direction to go in once you graduate. We will help you with this! Susan will cover this in your Business Mastery class and offer suggestions about what your offer might look like.
We have graduates in several different careers, such as:
- Joining an established clinic or starting their own
- Working in professional sport with elite athletes, clubs, and teams
- Specialising in certain areas such as oncology massage
- Enhancing their current occupation in the health & wellness industry, such as yoga & pilates instructors who are looking to add a soft tissue therapy component
- Complementing existing qualifications such as osteopathy or physiotherapy.
This is not an exhaustive list! We would suggest you go to our Graduate Stories page, this will help you to see the scope of practice that is available to you.
How do you help students find employment?
We support our students in a number of ways to help prepare them for life after they graduate. There are many opportunities for you to gain experience and show this in your CV and we offer many work experience opportunities and event work.
We further encourage our students to offer their services in our student clinic, this takes the fear out of meeting new clients and not knowing what to do. Plus, you will have a tutor on hand to answer any questions and help you develop your skills.
We have a very active and supportive private Facebook group that all of our current students and graduates can join. Many job opportunities are posted here as our graduates are regularly head-hunted to work in clinics and sporting teams.
Do you offer work experience placements?
Gaining real-life experience is an essential way to be prepared for life post-graduation. We offer a variety of regular work experience placements and opportunities within our Level 5 Diploma and we encourage our students to apply, this will greatly enhance your CV and develop your confidence and is a great networking opportunity.
We pride ourselves on having a variety of work placements available, such as with top-level sports clubs, dance schools, clinics, events, and more! You can an example of current work placements we have available for our students on our page.
Do you run a student massage clinic?
We run a regular student massage clinic arranged by us, as a way for Level 5 students to gain clinical experience.
You will be able to treat members of the public in a real life clinical setting, giving you vital preparation for what it will be like to work in a clinical setting post graduation.
There is a qualified massage therapist on-site to help support you at all times to give you guidance and advice. Plus you can add this opportunity to your CV!
Are their opportunities to practice with my classmates outside of regular class hours?
We often have students arrange their own practice sessions with each other outside of their regular classroom hours. To help facilitate this, we open up The Hub on a regular basis, this needs to be arranged with the office and held on a day The Hub is available.
These extra hours can be used as part of your logbook of 100 practical hours that are required to complete, as well as a great time to share advice and practice your new hands-on skills.
