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Course DescriptionsThree Areas of Focus All training integrates three areas: the development of knowledge and skills, professional preparation, and working with our own self understanding. Note: Course offerings and hours below may vary. One hour is equal to 50 minutes in class and a 10 minute break. Click here for a course summary by hours Introduction to Awareness Based Massage Therapy/Orientation - 16 Hours The intention of the first three days of the program is to introduce the students to awareness based bodywork through short talks and experiential processes. The students begin the program with sensitivity and perceptivity exercises which help form the base for contacting our clients with safety and respect. Students are introduced to communication and language skills that will be used throughout the program, as well as exercises for strengthening and stretching the legs, back, and hands as preparation for the physical nature of the massage program. Massage Therapy Techniques - 254 Hours Massage classes follow a general format of lecture,
demonstration, and paired practice. There are twelve to fifteen pairs
practicing at a given time with two or three instructors present for
individual attention. Massage therapy training includes the following
techniques: Foundations of Bodywork/Swedish Massage (69 hours), Reflexology
(13 hours), Connective Tissue Therapy (52 hours), Polarity Therapy (41
hours), Neuro-Muscular Therapy (52 hours), Sports Massage (27 hours), and
Integrative Massage/Transitions (51 hours). We begin with Foundations
of Bodywork/Swedish Massage, a general flowing technique designed to
move blood and lymph and to relieve aching muscles while increasing
relaxation and general well-being. Body mechanics and the context of
sensitivity and trust that continues throughout the program are introduced
in Foundations of Bodywork/Swedish Massage. Reflexology is based on the theory
that there are specific points on the feet that correspond to the internal
structures and musculoskeletal system of the body.
Proper manipulation of these reflex points helps the body to return
to homeostasis. Connective Tissue Therapy (CTT) focuses on lengthening the
fascial component of chronically shortened muscles allowing the muscles to
return to a relaxed state. Chronic postural habits can also be addressed.
Clients who receive CTT can enjoy greater range of motion along with
increased ease when standing and moving. Polarity Therapy is based on principles
drawn from Chiropractic and Osteopathic medicine, as well as the healing
arts of China and India. This unique synthesis addresses the concept and
experience of life energy as it manifests at physical, emotional, and mental
levels. Relatively light physical contacts are utilized with the intention
of drawing the client’s awareness to the patterns of life energy that form
the body/mind continuum. Neuro-Muscular Therapy (NMT) is closely related to
Oriental acupressure. Pressure applied to specific trigger points in the
bellies of muscles can allow chronically contracted muscles to relax. Allied Modalities - 101 Hours Integrative
Massage/Transitions, offered in the concluding weeks of the program,
accentuates the highlights of the program and helps the student integrate
what they have learned. This is
achieved through supervised bodywork sessions with students working in
triads amongst their peers. A
few days are also reserved for additional job preparation through the use of
personal empowerment exercises and business classes.
Good body mechanics, communication skills, and self-care techniques
are also reinforced. Other
subjects addressed through integrative classes include Oriental theory,
research, elderly massage, and chair massage.
These classes are designed to help the student deepen theoretical
understanding and application of massage techniques in various situations
and client populations. The Community Circle meets on Friday mornings,
bringing both classes together to announce upcoming events or changes in the
class schedule. This forum also provides an opportunity for dialogue and
feedback about the program, or to give the students an exercise in awareness
such as a guided meditation, a communication exercise, or a Feldenkrais®
lesson. Cariopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid: The
CPR course includes information on how to deal with respiratory emergencies
such as choking that could lead to cardiac arrest, and how to give first aid
for a cardiac emergency. Students
learn to do the work of an unconscious person’s heart and lungs, and how
to keep an injured person safe from further injury and as comfortable as
possible until medical help arrives. Examination Review/Graduation:
The final three days of the program review the topics we have covered
in the previous six months. Students
are given a review package that covers all the relevant areas for the
licensure examinations, practical information regarding test taking skills
and logistical information about the testing format. A final cumulative exam
is given and students are able to evaluate their knowledge and skills in
preparation for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and
Bodywork. This exam is the
standard for licensure in Florida and many other states.
Please contact a school administrator for more infomration about
licensure in your state. Hydrotherapy - 25 Hours Therapeutic applications of heat and cold, icepacks,
saunas, whirlpools and other therapeutic tools and procedures are discussed
and practiced. Also covered are the uses, effects and chemical ingredients
of powders, oils, and other products used in the practice of massage
therapy, as well as the hygienic principles followed in the use of such
treatments. Clinic Practicum/Journals - 35 Hours Students are required to complete 50 massage sessions
outside normal classroom hours. These
massage experiences are recorded in massage journals provided to the
student. Medical history and information about the client is gathered in the
journal and the client is requested to give the student written feedback on
their work. A credit of
1.5 clock hours is granted for each massage, to total 75 hours of practicum
experience. Thirty-five hours
are supervised and 40 hours are unsupervised. Supervised massages are completed as follows: sixteen
must be given as supervised massages in the student clinic and five given as
supervised massages at a retirement community, the Ronald McDonald House and
at a local hospital. Students
also give and receive one massage from a staff member for individual
instruction and feedback. In addition, students provide 27 unsupervised massage
sessions (40 hours). The
intention of these unsupervised massage hours is to encourage students to
promote themselves within the community and to develop communication skills.
Students may satisfy the journal requirements by working more than
the minimum requirement in the student clinic or by contacting different
groups or agencies throughout the community and working with clients at
their homes and offices. Students
are not permitted to receive compensation for any massages provided.
Note that unsupervised massage hours are in addition to the 665
in-class program hours. Human Anatomy, Physiology and
Kinesiology - 190 Hours This is a systemic Anatomy and Physiology program that
seeks to establish an understanding of the human body as an internal
experience rather than abstract data to be memorized. Discussions include
the physiology of musculoskeletal pathology, maintenance of health through
prevention, and an introduction to the principles of nutrition. Program
material includes the development of tissues from a cellular level to organ
systems with special emphasis on the relationship between muscle, nervous
and connective tissues. Emphasis is also given to the physiology of
emotional experience and the role of belief systems in the maintenance of
chronic tension. A variety of innovative teaching tools are employed
including visualization, prepared program notes, and noncompetitive testing
to provide immediate feedback and to facilitate understanding.
Kinesiology classes help students gain a greater understanding of the
relationship and functions of muscles.
Students gain knowledge of the origins, insertions, and actions of
over 100 muscles through the use of lecture, palpation, Maniken™ clay
modeling, stretching, exercise, and body painting.
Students also gain an understanding of muscle relationships and
movement to specific pathologies and bodywork techniques. Professional Development - 57 Hours Awareness and Communication Skills: A variety of classes
in communication give students therapeutic verbal skills to support them to
be available for clients as sensitive, caring human beings without judging
or advising. Classes in group dynamics, conflict resolution and personal
awareness range from group play to the use of personal journals, art,
movement, sound, stillness and silence. Florida Massage Law and Business Practices: Discussions
include Florida Statutes Chapter 480 and Rules Chapter 64B7; career planning
and goal setting; obtaining employment; record keeping and tax strategies
for the self-employed; marketing and promotional ideas for creating a
successful massage practice; insurance billing and SOAP documentation. Boundaries and Ethics: Students are introduced to some
of the ethical issues regarding sexual boundaries and ethical conduct in the
therapeutic relationship. Living With AIDS - 3 Hours Discussions will include defining and understanding the
terms AIDS and HIV, understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of AIDS,
exposure, control of spread, prevention of exposure, current treatments, and
behavior and attitude changes surrounding HIV. Elective Classes
(optional) up to 100 Hours The elective classes are provided in addition to the
massage therapy program and give students a brief introduction to a variety
of topics. The elective program is entirely optional. Students may
participate in a variety of classes ranging from Tai Chi, Yoga, and
Meditation, to Infant Massage, Thai Massage, and Pregancy Massage.
Students can receive a maximum of 100 hours credit - 50 from the
journal writing elective and 50 from the other elective offerings.
Electives and optional classes are held in the afternoons and on
weekends. Please note that most
elective classes carry a nominal additional charge. Directed Independent Study Project
(optional) 200 Hours The independent study is a project, coordinated with a
faculty member, relevant to the student’s interest. Students may create a
project that incorporates research and study of a particular massage therapy
technique, personal growth work, life correlation studies, community service
project, or design and development of a business plan. The intention of the
directed independent project is to offer students another vehicle to explore
a subject that excites and interests them.
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