What is the difference between the VTCT Anatomy and Physiology course and the iTEC Anatomy and Physiology Course?
At Ray Cochrane Beauty School, we offer two Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology courses. You may think that this is an odd thing to do… surely anatomy and physiology is the same?
Well, both of these courses cover the anatomy and physiology of the body. This is information that will always be the same. However, there are some differences to these courses, which cater for different learners.
Another point is that VTCT and iTEC are fully recognised and insurable qualifications, so no matter, which qualification you choose, you will have a qualification regulated by OFQUAL.
Firstly, let me tell you a little about each of these examining boards that our qualifications are awarded by.
Who is VTCT?
VTCT stands for Vocational Training Charitable Trust and is a specialist awarding and assessment organisation offering vocational and technical qualifications in a range of service sectors.
Some of these sectors are:
- Hairdressing and Barbering
- Beauty, Nails and Makeup
- Education and Training
- Clinical Aesthetics
- Hospitality
- Spa and Complementary
- Sport, Active Health and Fitness
- Business and Retail
With more than 2,000 approved centres worldwide, VTCT has an ever-expanding list of centres throughout the UK and Ireland, with a growing international presence.
Who is iTEC?
ITEC provides leading international qualifications, specialising in the following subject areas with centres worldwide:
- Beauty and Spa Therapy
- Hairdressing
- Complementary Therapies
- Sports and Fitness Training
- Customer Service
Two years ago VTCT acquired ITEC Awarding Organisation and ITEC branded qualifications are now awarded by VTCT. VTCT is officially recognised by Ofqual – Recognition Number: RN5198.
Originally founded in 1973 in the UK by Dr William Arnold-Taylor, ITEC (as part of VTCT) is a government-regulated awarding organisation, responsible for the award of qualifications in 2,000 centres in the UK, Ireland and 40 countries around the world.
While they are now a joint company, they still offer their separate qualifications and also offer dual-branded qualifications like the VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling and the VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Peeling.
So it is clear to see that these two qualifications in anatomy and physiology offered at Ray Cochrane, come from two very prestigious and well-established examination boards.
We have looked at both VTCT and iTEC. Now let’s take a look at the anatomy and physiology courses offered.
We will look at the VTCT Anatomy and Physiology course first.
The VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathologies is a very detailed and interesting course.
- It is assessment-based, meaning it has coursework in the form of assignments that you can work on in your own time. As you complete your assignments, There is also a requirement to do some research on the pathologies of each system helping to further your knowledge of diseases and disorders and possible contraindications to treatments you may provide. You send your assignments to your assessor. The assessor will then mark your assignments and send you feedback on your answers.
The VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathologies.
This guidance from the assessor can help with your learning and understanding of each system.
- The MCQ test is multiple choice and covers all 12 of the systems detailed in the course.
As you add a good amount of detail into your answers for your assignments, the MCQ test questions are fairly straightforward and not too difficult to answer. The anatomical systems are spilt over 2 short tests.
The tests can be completed online via the VTCT platform. If you complete them online, you will receive your login details and an invigilator will be present online to observe you completing the tests. You also have the option of completing them in our Baker Street Centre in central London. An invigilator will be present to observe you here also. You have approximately 2.5hrs to answer these tests. Most students have both tests completed within 1 hour.
If we compare this to the iTEC Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology:
- You don’t need to complete any assignments for this course.
- This course is most suitable for learners who are able to work independently and is self-motivated to learn, without assistance from an assessor.
- The iTEC Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology has the same 12 anatomical systems, however, as this is a diploma course, there are a few additional points in each system that you need to learn, for example, the structure and function of the Olfactory system within the Nervous system.
As this is end assessment based, you do not need to complete any assignments.
- You are required to study between 6-9 hours per week in addition to the classes and then at the end of your learning, you complete your final MCQ exam.
- The test can be completed online via the VTCT (iTEC) platform. If you complete them online, you will receive your login details and an invigilator will be present online to observe you completing the test.
- You also have the option of completing the test in our Baker Street Centre in central London. An invigilator will be present to observe you here also.
Again, as this is an MCQ test, it is multiple-choice questions. The questions tend to be a little more challenging in comparison to the VTCT test. This is because it is the only assessment method for the course and they are ensuring you have met the required knowledge outcomes.
It is one test paper and you have 50 questions to answer in 55 minutes. This is a shorter amount of time, so learners need to feel confident answering approximately 1 question per minute with the last 5 minutes to check their answers.
Regardless of your choice, a Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology Course is the stepping stone to a career in the beauty industry.
Both qualifications will lead you to choose a career in the Beauty, Aesthetics or fitness industry. This qualification is a stepping stone to more advanced courses like Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy, Level 3 Aromatherapy or Sports Massage. You may wish to study anatomy and physiology to simply further your own knowledge and understanding of the human body.
Whatever your reason for choosing to study these qualifications, we wish you the very best of success in your examinations and future careers!
