How to Train to Be a Reflexologist

Reflexology is considered alternative medicine.

Reflexologists use pressure points on the feet, hands and outer ears to provide their clients with a holistic therapy, which promotes the body's natural healing abilities. Training, certification and licensing laws vary from state to state. However, there are national standards put forth by the American Reflexology Certification Board.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED (required for certification)

Instructions

1. 

   There are no federal laws governing reflexology.

   Learn the laws pertaining to reflexology in your state. Some states classify reflexology as a type of massage therapy. Others have specific reflexology legislation. Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming have no reflexology laws.

2. 

   Your local massage therapist may know of nearby schools.

   Obtain information about as many schools as you can. Frequently, reflexology is taught at message therapy schools or holistic healing centers, as well as schools specializing in reflexology.

3. Review the descriptions of the programs you are considering, and compare them to your needs. Consider program length (110 hours of instruction are required for certification), costs, philosophy and the instructors' credentials. Ideally, your instructor should be certified by the American Commission for the Accreditation of Reflexology Education and Training (ACARET). However, many are certified by specific schools.

4. Speak with the instructor. Before you enroll, you should know how the two of you interact. A good rapport with your reflexology instructor is paramount to your success.

5. 

   Your course will be balanced between theory and hands-on hours.

   Attend classes and practice. Your instructor will keep a record of your progress, classroom hours and clinical practice time (practical hours). You will need to perform 90 post-graduate reflexology sessions prior to taking the certification testing.

6. Take the American Reflexology Certification Board exam. This test is administered in a number of locations across the United States. Check the ACRC web site (see references) for specific dates and locations.

Tips & Warnings

• Verify your instructor's accreditation.

• Have at least one reflexology session done by a student of the school before you enroll.

• Reflexology is not something you can learn from a distance. Beware of online reflexology programs.

References

• American Reflexology Certification Board
• The Reflexology Association of America
• The American Commission for Accreditation of Reflexology Education and Training

Resources

• American Reflexology Certification Board: Reflexology Schools List