Special Features
Curriculum
School Calendar/ Schedule
Academic Policies
Student Conduct Policies
Requirements for Licensure in NC
Admission Policies, Tuition & Fees
Application

Special Features

Yoga. Yoga is used as a teaching aid in every course in the curriculum.

Small Class Size. Each class has a maximum of 16 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1 for hands-on and lecture classes.

Flexible Class Hours. Regular classes are held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9-5 allowing students to have ample time for work and study.

Individualized Tutorials . Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor. Students will meet regularly with their advisor for individual tutorial sessions and to discuss individual questions and concerns as they progress.

Self-care Intensives. We will come together for two weekends during the program to learn and practice techniques for self-care as a massage therapist.   Self-care includes practices to prevent burn-out, body care stretches, meditation, energy balancing, somatic psychology processes, and strategic planning and goal setting.  Each intensive will be an opportunity for rich self-discovery and exploration through yoga, meditation, journaling, group discussion, and field trips to local mountains, waterfalls, blueberry fields, or laurel patches.

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CURRICULUM

One class hour is the equivalent of fifty (50) minutes of any one clock hour in which the student participates in a learning activity in the physical presence of a staff member.
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Program Overview

The curriculum is designed to give students a solid foundation in the fundamentals of massage and bodywork therapy, supported by an in-depth understanding of the sciences behind massage: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology. Each semester is followed by a student self-care retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Fundamental Theory & Practice of Massage and Bodywork Therapy 1+ 2 286 Hours

This course is divided into two sections. In both, students are taught the history, theory and practice of various modalities. By the end of the year, students will have the ability to give professional quality massages in a variety of settings while addressing a wide range of conditions.

1.  In the first semester students receive a basic introduction to Swedish massage which will include: the history of massage; the effects, benefits, indications, and contraindications of massage, hygiene, sanitation, and safety; body mechanics, therapist self-care, how to touch, and joint movements.

In the 2nd half of the semester students will take their Swedish skills to a new level in the context of deep tissue massage, chair massage, pre-natal/infant/geriatric massage, sports massage/hydrotherapy, spa treatments, and reiki.

2. The second semester is a trouble-shooting section. Students will be introduced to the clinical massage techniques of medical, neuromuscular, and myofascial massage in order to confidently address various pathologies of the body.

During the second half of the semester students are introduced to the Eastern massage theory and techniques of Shiatsu and Thai massage, as well as reflexology and craniosacral bodywork. Students will also present a research project, review all of the skills and knowledge they have gained over the year, and end with a written final exam in preparation for the national test.

Anatomy & Physiology - 60 hours     Pathology - 40 hours

Kinesiology - 50 hours

In these courses students explore the structure, function, and pathology of every system in the human body from a Western perspective, with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. The courses will parallel the Fundamental Theory & Practice of Massage and Bodywork Therapy and provide students with crucial information to understand and apply the massage techniques they are learning. These courses are highly experiential and include the use of lecture, discussion, palpation, yoga and movement, and case studies.

Energy Anatomy - 50 hours

This course will focus on energetic models of human anatomy including: the meridian system, acupressure points, the chakra system, and subtle energy layers of the body.  Students will gain first hand experience of these energy systems through yoga, meditation, and palpation.

Somatic Psychology - 28 hours

This creative and informative course highlights elements of body-centered psychology including dynamics of client/therapist relationship, communication skills, and boundary functions.

Holistic Healthcare Modalities - 20 hours

Five times throughout the program expert guest speakers will share their knowledge and experience in the following fields of adjunct healthcare: nutrition, ayurveda, herbology, homeopathy, and neuro-linguistic programming. The purpose of these lectures is to introduce students to the types of professionals they will encounter during their careers as massage therapists.

Business Practices andMarketing - 30 hours

This part of the program prepares students for the business aspects of a career in massage therapy. Topics include: record-keeping, marketing strategies, job search, taxes, contracts, professional organizations, strategic planning and goal setting.

Supervised Student Clinic - 40 hours

At the end of each semester the school opens its doors to the public for a four-day supervised student clinic. This gives students an opportunity to test their skills in a supportive, clinical environment.

Individualized Tutorials - 10 hours Professional Evaluations - 20 hours

In this course students take one-on-one hands-on tutorials with a lead instructor and other licensed massage therapists. Each student is assigned an advisor for individual support and tutoring. Students meet with their advisor to give and receive a massage once per semester. During these sessions the advisor establishes a supportive and instructive relationship with the intention of answering questions, giving feedback, and providing specific suggestions to improve the student’s massage skills. Students are also required to get two professional evaluations and receive two bodywork sessions per semester from a licensed bodyworker.

 

Professional Ethics - 10 hours     NC Rules and Laws - 6 hours

The first week of classes will be an orientation week dedicated to professional ethics and the NC rules and laws governing massage and bodywork therapists.

Community Service Projects - 15 hours

Students are required to give 2.5hours of their time each month sharing their massage therapy skills with the community of Asheville. Students elect either to participate in teacher-led volunteer projects or get permission for a community outreach project of their own design.

Opening Day-4 hours

Graduation Day-4 hours

We dedicate these hours to commencement and completion of this important period of education and self-discovery.
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School Calendar & Schedule of Classes

Our 675-hour program will last 6 months and be divided into two semesters. The last week of each semester is dedicated to Student Supervised Clinic, Individual Tutorials, and Professional Evaluations.

We will observe the following holidays: the 4th of July, Thanksgiving (and the Wednesday before), Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day. If a class happens to fall on one of the holidays it will be made-up the next available weekday.

In the event of bad weather, classes will be cancelled. A message will be posted on the school's out-going voicemail.

The school offers its certification program two times a year. Students elect to join the program starting in April or October of each year.  Classes are held Monday through Wednesday from 9-5, plus two weekend intensives.  The hours for the intensives are:  Friday 5:30-9:30pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-1pm. On clinic days students come to class either from 12-5pm or 5-10pm on an alternating basis.

Length of time required for completion of the program = 6 months
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School Calendar

Spring 2008
Opening Day March 30, 2008
Regular Classes Begin April 14, 2008
Graduation October 12, 2008

Fall 2008
Opening Day October 5, 2008
Regular Classes Begin October 13, 2008
Graduation April 12, 2009

Class Times

Academic Policies

Grading System

The following grade indicators are used to measure academic performance:

P=Pass F=Fail I=Incomplete.

To pass a course students must complete all assignments and earn a passing average on all tests and quizzes. Students must earn a P in all courses to complete the program. A grade of 70% or greater is considered passing. Students who fail to maintain a 70% average may be placed on academic probation.

Make-Up Work and Incomplete Grades
Students are required to complete all assignments, exams, and any other work in each class. If class or work is missed, the student must make arrangements with the instructor of the course to complete work to the instructor’s satisfaction; this may include additional outside make-up work and one-on-one instructor tutorials ($50-$60 per hour).

An incomplete may be granted in certain circumstances at the discretion of the course instructor. In the event of an Incomplete, students have six months from the date the grade is issued to complete the assignments. After that period the Director will decide whether to accept the work or require additional hours of instructor tutorials.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
If a student attends all classes, receives a “P” average on all quizzes, assignments, and exams, and participates in all aspects of each class, he or she will be in good academic standing. Progress in each class is reported each semester. If a student receives an “F” average in any course, he or she will be required to complete the tutorials and coursework necessary to master the material necessary for a “P” average.

Transfer of Credit Policy
The Asheville School of Massage & Yoga does not accept credit fromany other institutions.

Graduation Requirements
Students will receive a 675-Hour Certificate of Completion from the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga when he or she complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the full 675-Hour program with a 70% passing average
2. Fulfill all financial obligations to the school
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Student Conduct Policies

Attendance
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory. It is the responsibility of the student to master any missed class material and complete any missed class assignments. Students who arrive after role has been taken or leave before class has been dismissed will be recorded as absent for that class. It is at the discretion of each instructor how many classes may be missed before a student will be required to make up work with a one-on-one tutorial ($50-60 per hour). If a student is absent for a total of 10 classes during the course of the program he or she will be put on probation. Students who are absent for a total of 16 classes will be required to provide a written and oral defense to avoid dismissal from the program.

Leave of Absence
Under certain circumstances a leave of absence may be granted by the Director. Requests must be made in writing, and an interview will be required. All decisions regarding leave, including the new time frame that the program must be completed, are at the sole discretion of the Director. If the program is not completed in due time, the student will be dismissed from the school.

Code of Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that supports the mission and community of the school. Personal and professional integrity are essential. Students may be warned, placed on probation indefinitely, suspended, or dismissed for violations that include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Attending classes or practicing massage under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Physical harm or threat of physical harm to anyone
• Harassment of any kind which goes beyond the boundaries of protected free speech and would likely cause violence or unrest
• Theft or damage of the school’s or another student’s property
• Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, or misrepresenting the work of others’ as one’s own
• Health issues that would interfere with the practice of massage therapy
• Possession or use of any weapon on school property
• Failure to maintain safety regulations and appropriate hygiene
• Sexual activity or advances in a massage therapy setting
• Poor academic performance
• Failure to fulfill tuition obligations
• Accepting any form of compensation for massage services provided as a student (a violation of NC law)
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Disciplinary Actions

Before any disciplinary measures are taken with a student, the Director will inform the student of the situation, and give the opportunity for student input before deciding upon a course of action.

• A written warning will inform the student that he or she may face more serious consequences if he or she does not fulfill specific requirements to keep compliance with school policies, procedures, or student conduct policies.
• A student placed on probation may continue in the program on a conditional basis. The length and conditions of the probation are at the discretion of the Director.
• When a dismissal is issued to a student, he or she must cease all participation in the program. If a student fails to meet the terms and conditions of probation, he or she will be dismissed.
  

Appeals
A dismissal may be appealed. Within one week of the notification of the dismissal a student wishing to file an appeal must provide the Director with a written explanation for the appeal, as well as any new or relevant information pertaining to the original determination of dismissal. The Director will review the information, conduct further interviews if necessary, and decide to let the dismissal stand or change the dismissal to probation. The Director will grant this decision within two weeks of the appeal request.

Reinstatement after Dismissal
At the time of dismissal the student will be notified if reapplication would be welcome as well as the conditions the student would be required to meet before being considered for readmission. If the student chooses to reapply and is accepted, he or she will be notified of the course and financial requirements at that time.

Grievance Procedure
Issues that cannot be resolved through the outlined procedures can be directed to the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy at P.O. Box 2539, Raleigh, NC 27602.
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NC Licensure Requirements

In order to become a licensed massage therapist in the state of North Carolina, you must graduate from a Board-approved school, pass the national certification exam for massage and bodywork therapy, and complete the licensure application from the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
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Admission Policies

Requirements for Admission

• 18 years or older
• High School Diploma, GED, or college diploma
• U.S. Citizen , or a non-citizen who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence
• Ability to participate and complete all requirements of the Asheville School of Massage & Yoga
• Ability to pay all fees
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Admission Process

Applications for admission are accepted year round. Class size is limited to 16 students; students are encouraged to submit their completed application as soon as possible. Once classes are full, accepted students will be placed on a waiting list. In order to be considered for admission, students must submit the following:

• A $50 application fee
• A completed application form
• A copy of birth certificate or valid driver’s license
• A copy of H.S. or college diploma or transcripts or GED certificate

After the above requirements have been received, applicants will be contacted to arrange for a personal interview. If it will place undue hardship upon the applicant to travel to the interview, a phone interview will be conducted in its place.

The Asheville School of Massage & Yoga is open to all prospective students who meet the above requirements and illustrate through their references and interview moral character and an ability to complete the program. The school does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, or marital status.
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Enrollment Procedure & Fee Schedule

Applicants are to submit an application and the application fee ($50). Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by mail.  In order to enroll students must submit a $250 non-refundable fee and sign an enrollment agreement.  At this time, accepted students may choose from the following tuition payment options:

• Pay full tuition 90 days prior to start date: $5,750 (Save $1000)
• Pay full tuition 60 days prior to start date: $6,250 (Save $500)
• Pay full tuition 30 days prior to start date: $6,500 (Save $250)
• Pay full tuition by the first day of regular classes:  $6,750
• Installment Payment Plan $6,750 + $500 financing fee
  Pay in quarterly or monthly installments

• Textbooks $230 + tax (due on the first day of classes)
• Linens and oils cost approximately $50
• Massage tables cost between $300-$700 (student discounts apply to tables bought from the school)
• 6 Professional Massgaes ($60/hour average)
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Refund Policy

• Application fees, enrollment fees, financing fees, and all books and equipment purchased are non-refundable.
• Students who withdraw up to 72 hours after signing the enrollment agreement are entitled to a full refund of all money paid toward tuition.
• Students who withdraw thereafter are entitled to refunds based on the percentage of the program actually completed.
• Refunds may be granted for up to and including 25% of the program and shall be calculated from the last date of attendance and made within 30 days of the date of withdrawal or dismissal
• Students who withdraw after the first quarter (25% of the program) are not entitled to a refund.
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Work Study Scholarship

The school offers two work-study scholarships per class of students that is equal to $1500. To apply for the scholarship prospective students must attach a letter to their application explaining their financial hardship and why they should be considered for the position. The students selected will be required to volunteer no less than 2 hours per week at the school doing odd jobs such as: copying handouts, maintaining the planters in front of the school, straightening and cleaning the school premises.
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Application for Admission

You can contact us to request an application. Or you can download a PDF application now. this will require Adobe's PDF reader.