Certification 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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FUNDAMENTAL THEORY & PRACTICE OF MASSAGE
AND BODYWORK THERAPY (286 HOURS)
This topic will be covered in the following courses:
Fundamental Theory & Practice of Massage and Bodywork Therapy 1 & 2
AND Self-Care
Fundamental Theory & Practice of Massage & Bodywork 1 & 2
In both of these courses (268 hours) students are taught the history, theory and practice of various modalities. By the end of the program 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, prenatal/infant/geriatric massage, and sports massage/hydrotherapy.
2. The second semester is a trouble-shooting section. Students will be introduced to the clinical massage techniques of Trigger Point therapy 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, Cranial Sacral bodywork, and Spa Treatments. Students end the semester with Integrative techniques and a written final exam. The exam helps prepare you for taking a state or national licensing exam.
Self-Care 1 & 2
In this aspect of Fundamental Theory & Practice of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (18 hours), students will learn and practice techniques for self-care including yoga and meditation to rejuvenate and prevent burn-out.
WESTERN SCIENCES FOR MASSAGE (152 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.
ENERGETIC ANATOMY (60 HOURS)
This topic will be covered in the following courses: Fundamentals of Energy Anatomy (32 hours), Mindfulness (16 hours), and Yoga 1 (12 hours). In the fundamentals of Energy Anatomy students focus on the chakra sy
stem and subtle energy layers of the body, gaining first hand experience of these energy systems through yoga, meditation, and palpation. In Mindfulness, students explore the intersection of thoughts/beliefs and energy and how management of that intersection effects our ability to ground and center. And in Yoga 1 students will learn practical techniques to create, change, and maintain energetic boundaries appropriate in the massage profession.
SOMATIC PSYCHOLOGY (24 HOURS)
This creative and informative course highlights elements of body-centered psychology including dynamics of client/therapist relationship, communication skills, and boundary functions.
BUSINESS PRACTICES AND MARKETING (28 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 (100 HOURS)
Throughout each semester the school opens its doors to the public for our supervised student clinic.
This gives students an opportunity to test their skills in a supportive, clinical environment.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS (10 HOURS)
The teacher 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.
NC RULES AND LAWS (6 HOURS)
These classes will be dedicated to professional ethics and the NC rules and laws governing massage and bodywork therapists.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS (5 HOURS)
Students are required to spend time each semester 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)
We dedicate these hours to commencement of this important period of education and self-discovery.