When I took my master class, it was split into two sections with the understanding that we could choose to take the second half or not, depending upon whether we were called to teach. In the first half we were taught the healing attunement, which forms the basis for the process for actually attuning someone to a specific level. I did learn the master symbol in the first half. My RM feels it is important to learn that step first, become comfortable with the healing attunement and also to grow further in your own Reiki practice before being empowered with the tools to teach, and she recommends a six month span between levels IIIa and IIIb. I tend to agree with her. I did follow through with the Master/Teacher course and there learned the actual attunements which built upon the healing attunement I learned earlier.
I do feel that if you have been given the training, you are obligated to teach if the need arises, but that the opportunity will not present itself until you are ready. Spliting the course in two allows those who are not comfortable with teaching to have as many healing tools as possible at their disposal.
T.
