Massage Certification Program Catalogue

Admissions
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All applicants are screened and interviewed by our staff and evaluated based upon their motivation and academic ability. The school does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, gender, ethnic origin, sexual preference, or general disability.

At this time, the school does not admit Ability to Benefit students. The school does not engage in the recruitment of students already attending or admitted to another school. Transfer credits are not accepted at this time.

Admissions Requirements:
1. Completion of application form and payment of $25.00 non-refundable application fee
2. High school diploma or General Education Diploma
3. 18 years of age or older
4. Two completed reference forms
5. One professional massage from a licensed massage therapist
6. Compliance with zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy

• the applicant does not meet the stated admission requirements
• the applicant lacks the physical capabilities to perform massage
• the applicant has health issues which interfere with duties as a student or massage therapist
• the applicant is unable to meet the financial obligations to the school
• the applicant exhibits a lack of motivation or incompatible philosophy regarding bodywork

The admission procedure is as follows:
1. Applicant submits completed application form and $25.00 non-refundable application fee to the school.
2. Applicant has official copies of high school diploma, GED, and other transcripts sent to the school.
3. Proof of age (i.e. driver’s license, government ID).
4. Applicant has two reference forms completed by professionals who know the applicant personally. The individual completing the form must send the form directly to the school.
5. Evidence of having received one professional massage from a licensed massage therapist. A massage verification form is provided by the school. It must be completed and signed by the massage therapist and returned to the school.
6. Applicant has signed and submitted the enrollment agreement.
7. Applicant is given a written letter of acceptance.
8. Applicant has completed a scheduled appointment with the Program Director to discuss payment of tuition for the program.

Policies
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  Grading

Grading for all coursework is Pass/Fail. Students are expected to maintain a passing grade of 75% or higher at all times. All coursework must be completed with a passing grade. Tutoring may be required if a student’s grade falls below 75%. See Academic Tutoring Policy.

On the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth weeks of the program, a written evaluation will be given in a private meeting with an instructor or the Program Director. The evaluation assesses the student’s ability to proceed with the program. The evaluation may result in termination or academic probation. See Academic Probation Policy.

Academic probation is a separate contract between the student and the school, not to exceed two weeks. This contract may consist of extra coursework, test retakes, tutoring, or other work as deemed necessary by the instructor or the Program Director. All other coursework must be completed with a passing grade while on academic probation. Failure to fulfill the terms of academic probation may result in termination from the program.

The number of contact hours required for graduation is 544 hours. The period allotted to achieve the required contact hours is 21weeks.

Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with one hour allotted for lunch. Additional hydrotherapy classes will be held two Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A CPR class will be held one weekend, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All clients seen by students are considered clients of the school. Clients will be scheduled by an instructor or by the Clinic Supervisor.

Attendance at all scheduled classes is mandatory. Any classes missed for any reason must be made up. Three unexcused absences may result in termination from the program. All classes must be made up within two (2) weeks. See Make Up Policy.

Tardiness is unacceptable. Students are expected to arrive on time for all classes and 30 minutes early for student massage and clinical hours.

Due to the accelerated nature of the coursework, no leave of absence is allowed. Should an emergency situation arise, a student may re-enter the program upon validation (e.g., testing) of prior coursework and approval of the Program Director.

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule and complete missed contact hours. Missed contact hours must be scheduled for completion with the appropriate instructor. At the instructor’s discretion, missed contact hours may be made up with a registered school tutor under that instructor’s written plan. Procedure for making up contact hours is as follows: appropriate instructor and student must agree to a written plan for completion of contact hours. The plan must be submitted on the proper form to the registrar for approval. Upon completion, the submitted plan must be signed by the student, instructor, and registrar, and entered into the student’s file. All contact hours must be completed within two weeks of being missed. Fee for make up contact hours: $30.00 per contact hour.

Public clinic contact hours are mandatory. Clinic hours missed will result in a score of zero and no opportunity to make up the missed hours. Should an emergency situation arise, missed clinic hours may be made up at the Program Director’s discretion.

• Failure of scheduled academic evaluation.
• Failure to fulfill the requirements of academic probation.
• Failure to keep tuition payments current.
• Attending classes under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Behaving in any manner that may be harmful to the learning environment or reputation of the school. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and includes, but is not limited to theft, lying, disrespect of the instructors, fellow students, or clients, either physically or verbally.
• Failure to comply with the dress code.
• Not abiding by the Code of Ethics as adopted from the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.
• Not observing high standards of modesty, personal hygiene, dress, punctuality and respect for others.
• Practicing and charging for massage without a license. The school is required to report the offending activity to the Oregon Board of Massage Therapy. See OAR 334-040-0010 (1), (10).

Students terminated from the program may be readmitted to the school at the discretion of the Program Director.

The school guarantees students access to their individual files. Photocopies are available at cost. The school maintains possession of the original files indefinitely.

The school will release student information to a third party with the student’s written permission, or to the specific parties as allowed by FERPA regulations.

• Shorts must be no more than two (2) inches above the knee.
• Shirts with a collar or ladies blouse (sport shirts, golf shirt, turtleneck, etc.) are preferred.
• Shoes must be worn in the reception area.
• Fingernails must be clean, short and smooth to prevent client injury or discomfort.

School phones may be used for emergency purposes only. No long distance calls will be permitted from school phones. During classes, clinical, and community-based activities, cell phones will be turned off.

NO SMOKING. The entire school building is a NO SMOKING AREA. If you are a smoker, remember that smoke stays on your clothes, hands, and breath. Take the time to eliminate these odors before entering the school or participating in any community-based activities.

Student Services
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Financial aid is available. Internal financial aid is available OAC. We require a $3,000 down payment, with three years at 6% for the remaining tuition and fees. Outsourced financial aid is also available, OAC. Scholarships through the Training and Employment Consortium may be available to qualifying applicants.

Tutoring may be arranged through the Program Director. Tutoring is available at a rate of $30.00 per hour.

Students may purchase books, oils, bottles, holsters, massage tables, massage chairs, aromatherapy oils at a discount from the school.

The school cannot guarantee employment for its graduates. A listing of job opportunities for Licensed Massage Therapists will be posted on the bulletin board in the school. Every effort will be made to keep this listing up-to-date, and we will assist in every way we can to help our students obtain employment.

Code of Ethics
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The school ascribes to the following Code of Ethics adapted from the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, www.abmp.com.

Client Relationships

• I shall endeavor to serve the best interests of my clients at all times and to provide the highest quality service possible.
• I shall maintain clear and honest communications with my clients and shall keep client communications confidential.
• I shall acknowledge the limitations of my skills and, when necessary, refer clients to the appropriate qualified health care professional.
• I shall in no way instigate or tolerate any kind of sexual advance while acting in the capacity of a massage, bodywork, somatic therapy or esthetic practitioner.

Professionalism

• I shall maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, providing services in an ethical and professional manner in relation to my clientele, business associates, health care professionals, and the general public.
• I shall respect the rights of all ethical practitioners and will cooperate with all health care professionals in a friendly and professional manner.
• I shall refrain from the use of any mind-altering drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants prior to or during professional sessions.
• I shall always dress in a professional manner, proper dress being defined as attire suitable and consistent with accepted business and professional practice.
• I shall not be affiliated with or employed by any business that utilizes any form of sexual suggestiveness or explicit sexuality in its advertising or promotion of services, or in the actual practice of its services.

Scope of Practice / Appropriate Techniques

• I shall provide services within the scope of the ABMP definition of massage, bodywork, somatic therapies and skin care, and the limits of my training. I will not employ those massage, bodywork or skin care techniques for which I have not had adequate training and shall represent my education, training, qualifications and abilities honestly.
• I shall be conscious of the intent of the services that I am providing and shall be aware of and practice good judgment regarding the application of massage, bodywork or somatic techniques utilized.
• I shall not perform manipulations or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, diagnose, prescribe or provide any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, podiatry, orthopedics, psychotherapy, acupuncture, dermatology, cosmetology, or any other profession or branch of medicine unless specifically licensed to do so.
• I shall be thoroughly educated and understand the physiological effects of the specific massage, bodywork, somatic or skin care techniques utilized in order to determine whether such application is contraindicated and/or to determine the most beneficial techniques to apply to a given individual
• I shall not apply massage, bodywork, somatic or skin care techniques in those cases where they may be contraindicated without a written referral from the client's primary care provider.

Image / Advertising Claims

• I shall strive to project a professional image for myself, my business or place of employment, and the profession in general.
• I shall actively participate in educating the public regarding the actual benefits of massage, bodywork, somatic therapies and skin care.
• I shall practice honesty in advertising, promote my services ethically and in good taste, and practice and/or advertise only those techniques for which I have received adequate training and/or certification. I shall not make false claims regarding the potential benefits of the techniques rendered.