DETAILS - MASSAGE THERAPY

Academic Objectives

Students will be given a thorough grounding in human anatomy, physiology and muscle kinesiology, and the contraindications involved in fascial release and massage techniques.

Students will be trained in basic massage technique.

The techniques of gait and postural analysis will be taught.

Students will be expected to learn the basic orthopedic assessment of the joints and back necessary to rule out those for whom massage therapy is not an appropriate modality.

Students will receive training in movement coaching and psychophysical reeducation (a form of movement work designed to enhance flexibility and range of motion) in order to help their clients maintain themselves better after receiving work.

Students will be trained in Mind/Body Issues in Treatment, a class in which the interface between bodywork and the emotions is closely examined, and students are trained in how to best emotionally support clients should their work stimulate emotional release.

The skills of ethically and responsibly managing a business are taught in practice management seminars to all students.

Vocational Objectives

To train individuals to be highly skilled Massage Therapists, beginning with entry level skills and including advanced level skills as the training progresses.

To educate Massage Therapists in the necessary Biomedical Sciences so that they can interface with mainstream medical personnel in the treatment of their clients.

To prepare Massage Therapists with a full range of adjunctive skills so that they can most effectively enhance the client's experience, including skills such as client movement education, appropriate emotional support and communication skills, practice management; ethics and client education.

To grant a level of certification that will enable students to qualify for AMTA (American Massage Therapy  Association) certification, Chicago licensure for Massage Therapists and that will match nationally established standards for Massage Therapists.

Students will be allowed to designate themselves as CMT (Certified Massage Therapist).

Curriculum

Like all of our programs, the Massage Therapy Training blends the physical, emotional and spiritual together, to produce cutting-edge practitioners who are also well-rounded healers. The program takes place over three semesters and includes 500 hours of direct contact and an additional 60 hours of independent practicum.

Admission Requirements

Students must be at least 18 years old, and must possess sufficient emotional and social maturity to handle clients.

Students must submit a completed application form and a signed contractual agreement by the first day of class.

Students must have an official transcript sent directly to The Chicago College of Healing Arts. Accepted forms include a GED certificate, a high school diploma, or transcripts from a post secondary institution.  In rare cases exceptions may be made, but such students must undergo an interview process and receive the approval of the Dean of Bodywork and a minimum of two other instructors.

Students must submit a 1-3 page typed essay explaining their experience in complimentary healthcare, the subject they are choosing to study with us, and why they are seeking further training as well as their career goals in that field.

All applicants must present at least two letters of reference from former teachers, ministers or other respected community members attesting to their character and their competence to undertake the work.

Payment of a application fee of $150.00.