The Bodywork Institute Catalog
The Bodywork Institute
At The Comfort & Joy Wellness Spa
9514-A Main Street Fairfax, Virginia 22031 (703) 425-8800
WELCOME!
Welcome to The Bodywork Institute. We are committed to helping students of Massage Therapy achieve their professional goals by offering a program to train them in the theory and application of Massage. Our curriculum is designed to reflect the base of knowledge and understanding required to pass the National Certification Exam required by The State of Virginia in order to practice Massage Therapy. Along with the learning of skills necessary to meet State certification requirements, The Bodywork Institute is also committed to making your learning experience a safe, congenial, and practical one by offering classes within a full service Day Spa setting where students can mingle and learn from experienced practitioners of massage, have the opportunity to practice in a professionally-equipped facility, including a complete Wellness Library, and take full advantage of the clinical opportunities available through this unique venue. Courses in Ayurveda, Thai, Hot Stone, Pre-natal, Energy Medicine, Reiki, Acupressure, and alternative modalities and traditional Chinese medicine will be offered to complement the core massage therapy curriculum. Students will also study a course in spa body treatments, including body wraps and body polishes, to round out their bodywork training. Clinical experience will be offered on-site at the day spa, a real practice setting.
The Bodywork Institute is a member of the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), is licensed by the State Council on Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). As the owner, I have taken extensive training in healing modalities and am a certified energy medicine practitioner, spa management through TouchAmerica, spa modalities, oriental foot massage, and have attended massage school programs offered by ABMP. More than that, I bring ten years of business management and practice management experience to the program to help you develop and run a massage practice in whatever setting suits you. We look forward to serving you and to helping you achieve your professional goals.
Julie Smalfelt, Educator, President
The Bodywork Institute, 2011
A Career in Massage Therapy and Bodywork
Over the last twenty five years, massage therapy has become a recognized part of the healthcare field. Massage therapy is the only health approach that deals exclusively with muscle tension. Musculo-skeletal disorders account for more than half of all serious injuries and illnesses in the U.S. Therefore, massage therapy, as the most direct approach to muscle tension, is often the most economical and effective approach for the major sources of pain in our society. After decades of infatuation with machines and drugs as the primary tools of healing, massage reminds us dramatically that there is no tool that can even reproduce the functions of the skin of the human hands, let alone the sensitivity and intelligence of the movements we make with them. Massage, by using the incredible tools of the hands and physical leverage, informed by compassion and knowledge, is being shown to be one of the most sophisticated health therapies in existence.
Massage is sought out as much for deep relaxation and spiritual benefit as for its impact on physical tension. The spa and relaxation industry is growing by leaps and bounds. On-site seated massage grows phenomenally and is available now at airports, grocery stores, bookstores, and as a corporate benefit in many small and large businesses. Massage and bodywork are in demand for their profound psychological and spiritual benefits. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of disconnection can be greatly relieved through compassionate touch. Massage therapy is unique as a career. The range of positions allows a great deal of freedom for the individual. It is common to see massage therapists working with athletes; in health clubs, spas and salons; working on cruise ships or at resorts; employed with MD’s, chiropractors, physical therapy clinics; or closely associated with nutritionists, psychotherapists, personal trainers, and movement teachers. Many therapists enjoy the independence of self-employment. Even in challenging economic times, massage services are in demand.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The Bodywork Institute is to offer students the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need to pass the National Certification Exam and go on to be caring and effective practitioners of Massage Therapy, providing a fulfilling and financially stable career.
CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES
*The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
*The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
HISTORY AND GOVERNNANCE
The Bodywork Institute is a division of the company Wellness Services, LLC, a limited liability company licensed to do business in the State of Virginia and The City of Fairfax. Wellness Services, LLC also trades under the name Comfort & Joy Wellness Spa, a full service Day Spa operating since 2001 in the City of Fairfax, Virginia. The Institute has a single owner, Julie Smalfelt, who has owned and operated a full service Day Spa, Comfort & Joy Wellness Spa, since 2001. Ms. Smalfelt is a practitioner of Energy Medicine in addition to the day-to-day operations, finance and people manager of the spa. She has extensive training in alternative modalities, and practical experience in the running of a massage practice in various practice settings. She is also anxious to share her business skills with new massage therapists to help them get a great start in their new profession.
Accounting for Success
The Bodywork Institute will account for its success based upon: the effectiveness of its program as measured by the program completion rate, the student assessments, the pass rate of the national certification examination of program graduates, and the rate of placement in relevant careers of program graduates.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Bodywork Institute wants its students to be successful in building and sustaining a career in massage and related fields. As such, it is important to screen applicants to ensure that they will be well-prepared for a career in this field. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. In addition to a GED, students must show a high degree of professionalism, commitment, and basic communication skills. Students must be physically and emotionally prepared to complete the program, and as such, any conditions requiring an accommodation must be disclosed at the application process so that suitability can be determined. Each applicant must complete an essay on why they wish to attend massage school, and must submit 3 reference letters from friends, family or colleagues attesting to why the applicant would be a good massage school candidate. Applicants must be able to read and write the English language sufficiently to successfully complete the coursework. All students must be legally permitted to study in the United States. All school policies will need to be followed and all applicants will be required to attest that they will abide by all school policies, subject to expulsion from the program.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Bodywork Institute welcomes applicants from all walks of life and values the learning benefits that come from a diversity of points of view, ages, ethnicities, races, lifestyle preferences, familial status and genders. All policies and practices are administered consistent with applicable laws. If there are any concerns about the application of this policy, please follow the Grievance procedures outlined in this publication.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Submit a completed application form and enclose a check for a non-refundable $50 application fee. Applications for the class entering January, 2011 runs from November 1-December 20, 2010, or until all 10 places are filled, whichever is sooner.
2. Upon receipt of the application, it will be reviewed and the applicant notified if he/she meets the basic requirements. If so, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview.
3. The interview will be held on-site at the school location in Fairfax, Virginia.
4. The applicant will be notified of acceptance or denial within 10 days of the interview. Upon acceptance, applicants will receive a packet containing a Financial Contract, an Acceptance Letter, a Books and Supplies list, information on ABMP membership and on their Personal Liability Insurance policy, a requirement for massage students. Further information and assistance with supplies and insurance will be provided at an Orientation program to be held two weeks before the start of the program.
TUITION
Tuition for the program is $9,000. The tuition may be paid in full before the start of the program with a discount of $1,000. Otherwise, an interest-free monthly installment plan is available. Students electing the installment plan must pay by the 20th day of the preceding month before the payment is due. Fees for massage school supplies, insurance, a table, and books is estimated at $350 for the 2011 entering class. Further, contact us if you wish to explore financing options through outside financing companies.
REFUNDS
The following refund policy applies to the 500 Hour Program. Tuition refunds are determined by the date of withdrawal as follows:
1. A 100% refund will be granted in the event the student cancels the enrollment by midnight of the 5th business day after the student receives a written and final notice of acceptance from the school by delivering or mailing a signed written notice to the school. The refund owing will be mailed within 10 business days after receiving the notice of cancellation from the student. The student’s obligations will be terminated.
2. If for any reason a student withdraws or is dismissed by the school prior to attending any classes, the refund owing will be mailed within 10 calendar days after the dismissal or withdrawal. Pro-Rata Refund Schedule: Proportion of Program Taught by Withdrawal Date Less than 25%: 75% of program cost refunded 25% up to but less than 50%: 50% of program cost refunded 50% up to but less than 75%: 25% of program cost refunded 75% or more: No Refund
CANCELLATION
A student may cancel the enrollment agreement by delivering or mailing a signed written notice to The Bodywork Institute, 9514-A Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22031. If the cancellation letter is delivered to the school by midnight of the 5th business day after the student receives the letter of acceptance, then a 100% refund will be granted.
MASSAGE THERAPY CURRICULUM
The Massage Therapy curriculum conforms to the requirements for successful passage of the National Certification Exam as established by The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The 500 Hour Program includes:
125 Hours: Lecture on anatomy, body systems, kinesiology, physiology.
43 Hours: Business Practices/Regulations (35 hours) and Ethics (8 hours)
40 Hours: Pathology
200 Hours: Practice of massage, theory and application, and bodywork assessment. Labs, clinics and out of class practice.
40 Hours: Adjunct modalities: Out of Class practice will include field trips to settings where students will be exposed to hands-on complementary modalities such as acupressure, reiki, energy medicine, chiropractic, hospice, etc.
52 Hours: Student on site supervised bodywork experience in the Comfort & Joy Wellness Spa Clinic is included in the program. Students will be required to document all Clinic Hours.
STUDENT SCHEDULE
Students will report for class lectures on site or online and practicum on site, weekly 4 evenings from 5:45-9:45 for the first 7 months (448 hours), and then for Clinic and supervised meetings to go over business plans, practice improvement plans and self-administered test results on designated days for the remaining 52 hours.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Should a school day fall on a legal Holiday, the class time will be made up at the end of the session. The school observes all Bank holidays. A sampling of our Course Descriptions:
SAMPLE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SWEDISH MASSAGE THERAPY Focuses on mastering the Swedish massage which is the foundation for most other massage modalities. The Swedish massage includes strokes such as effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Students learn contraindications, therapeutic value and applications of this type of therapy. The Swedish massage is practiced on fellow students, family and friends, and then the general public in a supervised setting.
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY I Detailed study of the skeletal system and musculature emphasizing hands-on palpation and kinesthetic learning is the basis for this course. Students gain a deeper understanding of the muscular system through building clay muscles on models of the human skeleton. Also includes cell structures, anatomical terminology, and directional terminology. The purpose is for students to understand how these systems work, know the common dysfunctions their clients may have, and be able to integrate this knowledge into their massage practice.
PREGNANCY MASSAGE Pre-natal massage for the first, second, and third trimester are addressed in this course. Benefits of pregnancy massage for the mother-to-be are discussed with emphasis placed on easing common low back and hip pain. Unique draping, body mechanics, and use of pillows and bolsters are essentials. Contraindicated pressure points and common problems with edema will be taught.
BUSINESS AND ETHICS This course is designed to give students the necessary information for starting their massage therapy practice by combining ethical issues and business skills. Included is marketing, professionalism, ethics, record keeping, setting fees, career options, and other concepts for a successful practice.
CHAIR MASSAGE A 15-minute and 30-minute chair massage sequence will be taught with acupressure points on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and scalp. Chair massage is versatile where the therapist can work in a multitude of settings. Marketing for your practice with chair massage will also be covered.
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY II An in-depth look at the other body systems are covered; particularly the integumentary, lymphatic, and nervous systems. This course also covers the definitions, etiology, signs and symptoms for conditions of the body systems commonly encountered by massage therapists. Games, creative stories, and real life applications support students in the learning process and retaining the information.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE Deep tissue massage is an integral part to any therapist’s practice. Proper training and techniques are designed to accomplish more profound work with less effort by integrating proper body mechanics and specific strategies. Students learn to slowly work their way to the deeper muscles and release holding patterns in the body. Working in specific areas of the body will be covered as well as strategies to help with common complaints and injuries such as sciatica or tennis elbow.
REFLEXOLOGY Reflex points on the hands and feet will be covered along with their corresponding organ, gland or structure in the body. Pressure point techniques, zoning of the body, and additional massage techniques will be taught.
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY III This section encompasses the digestive, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and urinary system. Common pathologies of the systems will be covered as well as their structure and functions. An emphasis will be on interdependence of all the body systems to maintain homeostasis and how through massage therapy and stress reduction each system is affected.
HERBOLOGY/AROMATHERAPY Basic principles and theory behind the use of herbs and general nutrition are the foundation for this course. Recognizing a variety of herbs and their uses as well as precautionary measures and potential contraindications will be taught.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE Light effleurage strokes move the lymph along towards the lymph nodes located in various parts of the body. Excellent for slight swelling or a run-down system, many clients can benefit from this type of massage. A review of the lymphatic system and a full hour lymphatic massage sequence is taught.
SCHOOL POLICIES
STANDING
A grade of 75% or higher must be achieved in all course work to be in good standing. Graduation is available only to those with a grade of 75% or higher in all clinical and academic course work and those that complete the full 500 hours of the Professional Program. All exams and quizzes can be made up or retaken if the grade is 74% or lower or is not taken at the scheduled date. There is a limit of two retakes. Grades from makeups and retakes are computed the same as regular exams and quizzes. It is highly recommended that all absences be made up within 10 days of their occurrences. An entire class section may be repeated on a space available basis and by repaying the pro-rated tuition. A student will be considered withdrawn from the program after 7 consecutive classes are missed with no excuse. Leaves of absence will be granted for military service, illness or other serious hardship. The student will be re-enrolled where they left off with no adverse consequences.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT
All rules apply to both students and staff of The Bodywork Institute Massage School.
1. Be respectful and courteous to everyone, at all times.
2. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
3. Respect the physical and emotional boundaries of others.
4.Show up on time for class. Tardiness is 5 minutes after class starts.
5.Be free from the influence of unlawful drugs or alcohol at all times. Theft, lying, cheating, sexual impropriety, the unlawful possession, distribution or use of illegal substances or physical/verbal abuse of anyone in the facility is grounds for immediate dismissal by the school. Violations of 1-4 are subject to progressive disciplinary action, depending on frequency and severity, of verbal warning, written warning, suspension and/or final or immediate dismissal. Students have the right to raise concerns about any disciplinary action through the Grievance Procedure outlined below.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
This procedure applies to any and all concerns relating to attendance, dismissal, probation, or any other type of concern. Student complaints are handled fairly and promptly by teaching and administrative staff. Students must first address their concern with the person or persons involved to try and resolve the conflict. If there is a need for further resolution, they may speak to the administrator of the school, Julie Smalfelt, and a meeting may be set up. After all of the above has been attempted, then a meeting with the director of the school may be scheduled. The school has a policy of non-retaliation to protect the right of students to raise concerns they have. Should a grievance not be resolved to the student's satisfaction, they may file a complaint with the
State Council on Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Private and out-of-State Postsecondary Education
101 N. 14th street, 9th Floor James Monroe Building
Richmond, VA 23219
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must pass all clinical and academic course work with a grade of 75% or higher and complete the full amount of hours required in the course to graduate from Massage School. Students will have the opportunity to make up missed hours on scheduled “makeup” days or by scheduling time in advance with their instructor.
ATTENDANCE
100% attendance is required for graduation, pursuant to National Certification requirements. The study of massage is a hands-on process and the minimum clock hours are reuireed for graduation and for qualifying to sit for the national certification exam. All absences and tardiness must be made up. These make ups are designed to meet the needs of the student while maintaining the integrity of the course work. They may range from, but are not limited to,viewing the pertinent videos, study hall, clinical make ups, and study projects. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed notes, hand outs, or homework assignments. The teacher will be available once per week before or after class for additional consultation as needed, by appointment.
Attendance will be taken for each class and records maintained by the school for a period of at least 5 years. Students have access to all of their student records upon request. Such records shall be retained for a period of 5 years and will remain private unless requested by a legal or regulatory authority to be released. Otherwise, records may only be released by written consent of the student.
JOB PLACEMENT
The Bodywork Institute prepares students to work in a variety of settings from independent private practices, chiropractors’ offices, health clubs, spas, or massage clinics. The Bodywork Institute does provide career counseling and job placement assistance, and we do offer a variety of courses to make yourself more marketable as a massage therapist and courses in business. However, ultimately, much of the effort in finding a job that is a good fit for you will be your own. Class time is spent evaluating the pros and cons of starting your own business, working out of your home, or for an employer in various possible work settings like spas, resorts, gyms or studios.