Center for Massage and Natural Health in North Carolina
Our wonderful massage school is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC. One of the most beautiful campuses in the country, and perhaps the world, this 6-month, 600-hour massage school offers a full and exciting curriculum, and is taught by highly trained and talented instructors from all over the state.
We offer week-day and evening programs to allow for those who need to continue their current jobs while in school. Early enrollment is encouraged to reserve your seat. You will have the opportunity to graduate in only 6-months and begin a new exciting and fulfilling career in the healing arts and sciences.
We are fully N.C. Board Approved, NCBTMB Approved, an AMTA School Member and are in the process of becoming fully accredited. We hope to achieve accreditation by spring 2007.
Our graduates enjoy tremendous success right out of our doors. They scored a 98% pass rate in 2004 and a 91% pass rate in 2005 on the National Certification Exam (the national average for massage schools in 2005 was 69%).
We are also expanding our massage school in 2006! We are adding an expansive classroom, a new student library and a brand new staff & faculty center. View a sketch of our new Massage School building! (scroll to bottom of the page)
In addition, we offer Continuing Education programs and Introduction to Massage workshops. Read student testimonials and explore our area resources, alumni resources, a photo gallery, employment opportunities and more.
Please call us at (828) 658-0814 for more information.
Massage Therapy Center
Specializing in our popular Student Massage Clinic, our Therapy Center is located in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, a city now considered to be the country’s new “Healing Mecca,” among all the most popular restaurants and shops. Our student practitioners offer delightful and nurturing 50-minute treatment sessions for only $25 in a professional and soothing setting. Our wonderful professional massage therapists provide wonderful 60-120 minute sessions on our heated, plush massage tables, melting your stress away. Please call for your appointment today: (828) 252-0058.
Overview of the Program
Our 600-hour Certification Program is designed to take you through an evolutionary process of learning. We begin with setting a solid foundation in Swedish Massage and in Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology. We then take our students on a journey through introductions to other exciting bodywork modalities, allowing you to explore a wide range of approaches. We finish our program with a focus on material that will support you to successfully apply your new bodywork skills in a professional capacity: Business & Marketing, Professional Ethics, and North Carolina Laws & Rules (specific to this state but helpful anywhere). By Graduation, you will be prepared to enter the rewarding health care field of massage therapy and bodywork.
Each course, including the sciences, assumes no prior knowledge and has no pre-requisite. (The single exception is our Supervised Clinical Practice segment—please see below.) Our courses do, however, continually build on material covered in previous courses. Our teacher/student ratio is 16:1 for hands-on bodywork instruction and 32:1 for lecture classes. Our maximum class size is 32, and our average is 21.
Coursework
Course Contact Hours
MASSAGE THERAPY & BODYWORK: THEORY & PRACTICE 208 Hours
We include in our massage therapy and bodywork courses the history, theory, and practical application of massage therapy techniques. We discuss the indications, contraindications, effects, and uses of individual modalities and techniques. You will learn how to collect information from a client, perform assessments, and, using clinical reasoning skills, create an effective treatment strategy. You will also learn how to document your findings, application of techniques, and client response. We cover proper draping practices, the use of appropriate equipment and supplies, standard precautions, proper body mechanics, and self-care techniques.
Swedish Massage Theory and Practice 80 Hours
Swedish massage is the most popular and well-known massage modality in the United States and Europe. It includes long sweeping strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, combined with active and passive joint movements. While we teach Swedish Massage, we set a foundation for exploring and practicing any bodywork modality, providing you with tools to either focus on Swedish as your technique of choice or branch out into other approaches.
Neuromuscular Therapy Theory and Practice 28 Hours
Neuromuscular Therapy (or NMT) is a strategic bodywork modality designed to relieve trigger points and chronic muscular pain syndromes. This modality strives to locate a client’s sources of pain and help free them from that pain, restoring balance to the body. Our course covers specific assessment methods, NMT theory, and therapeutic techniques.
Sports Massage Theory and Practice 12 Hours
Sports Massage uses techniques focused on improving athletic performance and preventing injury. We outline basic Sports Massage theory, techniques, and approaches, including steps and strokes for pre-event, post-event, maintenance, and injury treatment.
Pregnancy, Infant, and Geriatric Massage Theory and Practice 12 Hours
Providing therapeutic massage to clients in these special populations can be highly rewarding, especially because they are highly responsive to the simple offering of touch. We offer this course to introduce you to the unique benefits, challenges, and skills/strategies of working with a wide range of clients.
Hydrotherapy: Integrating Water into Massage Treatments 16 Hours
Water, in all its forms (solid, liquid, and vapor), has tremendous healing capabilities. This course demonstrates how various hot and cold hydrotherapy techniques (including hot and cold packs, immersion baths, and ice massage) can be integrated into a therapeutic massage practice. Then we visit a local pool to provide you with an introduction to Watsu? (acquatic bodywork).
Spa Treatments and Aromatherapy: Integrating Applications into Massage Sessions 16 Hours
This course transforms our classroom into a mini-spa and aromatherapy laboratory. We begin with covering the use of essential oils in massage therapy, including applying custom-blended oils, diffusers, baths, and compresses. Then, we introduce you to various spa treatments that can be performed in a small massage practice without specialty spa equipment, including body wraps, salt glows, and dry brush treatments. This tends to be one of our messiest and most invigorating courses.
Chair Massage Theory and Practice 12 Hours
Performing massage on a specialized, adjustable chair is an exciting alternative to full-body massage on a traditional table. Because potential clients can quickly and easily see and sample your services, chair massage is known for its effective marketing opportunities. Many practitioners also choose to regularly practice chair massage, enjoying its versatility, mobility, accessibility, and relative simplicity.
Shiatsu Theory and Practice 12 Hours
This Japanese bodywork method is one of the oldest forms of natural healing. Focusing strategic pressure on acupressure points and meridians, Shiatsu aims to unblock energy and restore healthy balance. In this course, we show you this method to therapeutically apply the health/healing system we introduce in our Oriental Medical Theory course (see below).
Integrative Massage Theory and Practice 16 Hours
Our Integrative course guides students toward performing treatment sessions combining several modalities of massage and bodywork therapy. Professional demonstration and commentary are followed by students practicing the development of their individual treatment sessions while including many of the bodywork styles learned throughout the program. Our final class showcases demonstrations from a variety of specialty practitioners.
Clinic Orientation and Practice 4 Hours
This class comes right before you begin your Supervised Clinical Practice. We provide an orientation to the processes and procedures of our Student Clinic, including effective greeting and interview techniques, using intake forms, clearly documenting treatment sessions, and receiving and reviewing evaluations.
SCIENCE OF THE HUMAN BODY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 184 Hours
The Musculoskeletal System:
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Massage Therapists 76 Hours
(includes 16 Pathology hours)
This course is a concentrated study of the human musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, and joints). Since understanding the structure and function of this system is essential to safely and effectively performing many massage therapy techniques, we focus extra time and attention on sharing it with you. As we cover the muscles, bones, and joints in each section of the body, we detail common musculoskeletal disorders, indicating indications and contraindications for massage therapy. Our instruction includes an introduction to medical terminology and the use of supportive health care research.
General Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Massage Therapists 92 Hours(includes 24 Pathology hours)
This course is an in-depth overview of the structure and function of the human body, covering all major body systems except for musculoskeletal (see above), including the cardiovascular, integumentary, endocrine, lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary, reproductive, respiratory, and nervous systems. As we cover each system, we detail common diseases and disorders, indicating indications and contraindications for massage therapy. We include medical terminology, the physiological effects of stress and touch, and accessing and understanding supportive research.
Oriental Medical Theory 16 Hours
Ancient Eastern Philosophy and Medicine has helped in the healing process of the human body for thousands of years. Completely different from Western practices, this system focuses on the body’s energy meridians and acupressure points. Our course is an introduction to Eastern theory, the Five Element System, acupressure meridians and points, and treatment methods.
ALLIED HEALTH CARE MODALITIES 36 Hours
Knowledge of other natural healing modalities helps to supplement a massage therapist’s awareness, knowledge base, and practice. We provide instruction in Energy Work and Reflexology, two modalities that North Carolina law does not consider to be bodywork, but we believe to be an important aspect of any massage therapist’s education. We also include introductions to Holistic Nutrition and Herbology, guiding you (and, in turn, your clients) toward improved health and healing.
Energy Work Theory and Practice 12 Hours
We uncover the effect of energy work on the human body, showing the subtle but profound energy fields that surround us, demonstrating how to move energy with our clients, and explain the chakra system.
Reflexology Theory and Practice 8 Hours
This course covers the maps of the hands and feet and their corresponding reflex points throughout the body, shares Reflexology techniques, and outlines how to administer a one-hour Reflexology session.
Diet & Nutrition 8 Hours
Here, we provide an overview of the importance of nutrition in an individual’s life and a variety of reasons and suggestions for the health-promoting, practical use of whole foods, vitamins, and supplements. You will walk away with greater insight into holistic nutrition and, perhaps, a dramatically different approach to food.
Herbology 8 Hours
We offer an introduction to the application of herbs for health and healing, offering knowledge and possibilities for utilizing herbs in your own life, discussing these options with your clients and community, and recognizing the opportunity to refer your clients to a qualified herbalist when appropriate.
SOMATIC PSYCHOLOGY 20 Hours
This segment of our program is dedicated to the mind/body relationship and dynamics of the client/therapist relationship. We begin with exploring massage therapy’s mental/emotional effects. Then, we move into demonstrating how to create a safe working environment for client and therapist, keep healthy boundaries, use effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and appropriately react to a client’s emotional response to bodywork. This course focuses on self-care principles and techniques.
PROFESSIONALISM 32 Hours
Business & Marketing 16 Hours
In this important course, we provide detailed information on how to start and maintain a successful massage therapy practice, whether you choose to work independently or for/with others. We highlight career planning, job-seeking skills, marketing strategies, and practice-building skills, preparing you to explore the many options that will await you upon graduation.
Professional Ethics 8 Hours
Understanding and practicing excellent professional ethics will increase the success and joy you can experience in your career. We will present and discuss a professional code of ethics and uncover helpful approaches to common ethical issues.
North Carolina Laws & Rules 8 Hours
Using a combination of careful detail-delivery, guidance, and fun, we inform you of the laws and rules relevant to North Carolina massage therapists and amply prepare you for North Carolina’s licensing process (including details on becoming a Nationally Certified Massage and Bodywork Therapist).
PROGRAM ORIENTATION/EXAM REVIEW/FINAL EXAM 20 Hours
Orientation 4 Hours
On the first day of class, you and your new classmates will gather with our staff, to begin to know each other and to grow more prepared for the upcoming six months. We will introduce you to your study materials and cover the logistics, policies, and procedures for achieving success in our program and in this career.
Exam Review 12 Hours
In these classes, we review previously-taught material to prepare you for both our program’s Comprehensive Final Exam and the National Certification Exam. We also encourage students to regularly review course material throughout the program, individually and in study groups.
Comprehensive Final Exam 4 Hours
This exam covers all aspects of our curriculum and comes at the end of the program. Throughout your time here, we will give you study tips, quizzes, tests, and reviews to prepare you for this opportunity to proudly demonstrate your comprehension and mastery.
SUPERVISED CLINICAL PRACTICE 100 Hours
Our program includes approximately 12 additional full days that are spent at our Therapy Center, where students are supervised in their practice on real clients. There, you will be able to practice important skills like interview techniques, assessment, timing your treatments, and proper documentation, continually incorporating the new bodywork techniques you are learning in class. Students meet individually with our staff to discuss the treatment process and receive guidance and support. Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 client sessions prior to graduation.
Professional Evaluations are also a component of your Clinical Practice. Students are required to give 3 complete massage therapy sessions to qualified massage therapy faculty members, for the purpose of evaluation and feedback. A written evaluation will be completed by the therapists and reviewed by the school as well as the student. The therapists will guide and support you in making subtle corrections in technique, fluidity and overall professionalism, as well as make suggestions for treatment plans for various desired outcomes.
Course pre-requisite: Swedish Massage Theory and Practice, Clinic Orientation and Practice.
NOTE: A clock hour is defined as a 60-minute block of time consisting of a minimum of 50 minutes of instruction (in the physical presence of a staff member) with appropriate breaks
Return to top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grading System
The grading system used throughout the program will reflect the following equivalents:
A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D= 60-69, P=Passed, F=Failed, I=Incomplete: students have 2 weeks to complete assignments after the end date of a course. After this time, any still incomplete grade becomes an F (Failed). W=Withdraw: Student has withdrawn from the full program and has notified the Education Center Director in writing. No credit is given for incomplete, failed, or withdrawn courses.
Return to top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of the Massage Therapy Certification Program will be achieved and certification awarded when the student demonstrates the following:
A passing grade in every course (minimum 70%), including passing the course final (if applicable) and completion of all homework assignments. Please note that to pass the Supervised Clinical Practice course, you must complete 40 massages, 5 professional evaluations, and professionally fulfill all time commitments at the Therapy Center.
A passing grade on our Comprehensive Program Final Exam.
Successful completion of all make-up work for absences and tardiness.
Fulfillment of all contractual and financial obligations to the school, and return of all library holdings.
Compliance with policies outlined in this catalog, the enrollment agreement, and the student manual.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Satisfactory Progress
We require students to maintain satisfactory progress throughout our program. For your progress to be deemed satisfactory, you must meet the following criteria:
A passing grade (70%) in every course
90% or higher attendance over entire program (no more than 13 absences overall) and no more than 10 absences in the first three months
Completion of ½ (300 hours) of the program within 4 ½ months of your start date
Completion of all graduation requirements within 9 months of your start date
We regularly evaluate each student’s progress and promptly communicate directly with students in the case of unsatisfactory progress. We may direct students experiencing difficulty toward academic advising, individual or group tutoring, study groups, and repeating courses. Students who fail an individual course will be given avenues toward achieving a passing grade before their required completion date whenever possible. All students will be regularly informed of their progress, including being given printed progress reports monthly.
Center for Massage & Natural Health
530 Upper Flat Creek Rd.
Asheville (Weaverville), NC 28787
Telephone: (828) 658-0814
https://www.centerformassage.com/
Our wonderful massage school is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC. One of the most beautiful campuses in the country, and perhaps the world, this 6-month, 600-hour massage school offers a full and exciting curriculum, and is taught by highly trained and talented instructors from all over the state.
We offer week-day and evening programs to allow for those who need to continue their current jobs while in school. Early enrollment is encouraged to reserve your seat. You will have the opportunity to graduate in only 6-months and begin a new exciting and fulfilling career in the healing arts and sciences.
We are fully N.C. Board Approved, NCBTMB Approved, an AMTA School Member and are in the process of becoming fully accredited. We hope to achieve accreditation by spring 2007.
Our graduates enjoy tremendous success right out of our doors. They scored a 98% pass rate in 2004 and a 91% pass rate in 2005 on the National Certification Exam (the national average for massage schools in 2005 was 69%).
We are also expanding our massage school in 2006! We are adding an expansive classroom, a new student library and a brand new staff & faculty center. View a sketch of our new Massage School building! (scroll to bottom of the page)
In addition, we offer Continuing Education programs and Introduction to Massage workshops. Read student testimonials and explore our area resources, alumni resources, a photo gallery, employment opportunities and more.
Please call us at (828) 658-0814 for more information.
Massage Therapy Center
Specializing in our popular Student Massage Clinic, our Therapy Center is located in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, a city now considered to be the country’s new “Healing Mecca,” among all the most popular restaurants and shops. Our student practitioners offer delightful and nurturing 50-minute treatment sessions for only $25 in a professional and soothing setting. Our wonderful professional massage therapists provide wonderful 60-120 minute sessions on our heated, plush massage tables, melting your stress away. Please call for your appointment today: (828) 252-0058.
Overview of the Program
Our 600-hour Certification Program is designed to take you through an evolutionary process of learning. We begin with setting a solid foundation in Swedish Massage and in Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology. We then take our students on a journey through introductions to other exciting bodywork modalities, allowing you to explore a wide range of approaches. We finish our program with a focus on material that will support you to successfully apply your new bodywork skills in a professional capacity: Business & Marketing, Professional Ethics, and North Carolina Laws & Rules (specific to this state but helpful anywhere). By Graduation, you will be prepared to enter the rewarding health care field of massage therapy and bodywork.
Each course, including the sciences, assumes no prior knowledge and has no pre-requisite. (The single exception is our Supervised Clinical Practice segment—please see below.) Our courses do, however, continually build on material covered in previous courses. Our teacher/student ratio is 16:1 for hands-on bodywork instruction and 32:1 for lecture classes. Our maximum class size is 32, and our average is 21.
Coursework
Course Contact Hours
MASSAGE THERAPY & BODYWORK: THEORY & PRACTICE 208 Hours
We include in our massage therapy and bodywork courses the history, theory, and practical application of massage therapy techniques. We discuss the indications, contraindications, effects, and uses of individual modalities and techniques. You will learn how to collect information from a client, perform assessments, and, using clinical reasoning skills, create an effective treatment strategy. You will also learn how to document your findings, application of techniques, and client response. We cover proper draping practices, the use of appropriate equipment and supplies, standard precautions, proper body mechanics, and self-care techniques.
Swedish Massage Theory and Practice 80 Hours
Swedish massage is the most popular and well-known massage modality in the United States and Europe. It includes long sweeping strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, combined with active and passive joint movements. While we teach Swedish Massage, we set a foundation for exploring and practicing any bodywork modality, providing you with tools to either focus on Swedish as your technique of choice or branch out into other approaches.
Neuromuscular Therapy Theory and Practice 28 Hours
Neuromuscular Therapy (or NMT) is a strategic bodywork modality designed to relieve trigger points and chronic muscular pain syndromes. This modality strives to locate a client’s sources of pain and help free them from that pain, restoring balance to the body. Our course covers specific assessment methods, NMT theory, and therapeutic techniques.
Sports Massage Theory and Practice 12 Hours
Sports Massage uses techniques focused on improving athletic performance and preventing injury. We outline basic Sports Massage theory, techniques, and approaches, including steps and strokes for pre-event, post-event, maintenance, and injury treatment.
Pregnancy, Infant, and Geriatric Massage Theory and Practice 12 Hours
Providing therapeutic massage to clients in these special populations can be highly rewarding, especially because they are highly responsive to the simple offering of touch. We offer this course to introduce you to the unique benefits, challenges, and skills/strategies of working with a wide range of clients.
Hydrotherapy: Integrating Water into Massage Treatments 16 Hours
Water, in all its forms (solid, liquid, and vapor), has tremendous healing capabilities. This course demonstrates how various hot and cold hydrotherapy techniques (including hot and cold packs, immersion baths, and ice massage) can be integrated into a therapeutic massage practice. Then we visit a local pool to provide you with an introduction to Watsu? (acquatic bodywork).
Spa Treatments and Aromatherapy: Integrating Applications into Massage Sessions 16 Hours
This course transforms our classroom into a mini-spa and aromatherapy laboratory. We begin with covering the use of essential oils in massage therapy, including applying custom-blended oils, diffusers, baths, and compresses. Then, we introduce you to various spa treatments that can be performed in a small massage practice without specialty spa equipment, including body wraps, salt glows, and dry brush treatments. This tends to be one of our messiest and most invigorating courses.
Chair Massage Theory and Practice 12 Hours
Performing massage on a specialized, adjustable chair is an exciting alternative to full-body massage on a traditional table. Because potential clients can quickly and easily see and sample your services, chair massage is known for its effective marketing opportunities. Many practitioners also choose to regularly practice chair massage, enjoying its versatility, mobility, accessibility, and relative simplicity.
Shiatsu Theory and Practice 12 Hours
This Japanese bodywork method is one of the oldest forms of natural healing. Focusing strategic pressure on acupressure points and meridians, Shiatsu aims to unblock energy and restore healthy balance. In this course, we show you this method to therapeutically apply the health/healing system we introduce in our Oriental Medical Theory course (see below).
Integrative Massage Theory and Practice 16 Hours
Our Integrative course guides students toward performing treatment sessions combining several modalities of massage and bodywork therapy. Professional demonstration and commentary are followed by students practicing the development of their individual treatment sessions while including many of the bodywork styles learned throughout the program. Our final class showcases demonstrations from a variety of specialty practitioners.
Clinic Orientation and Practice 4 Hours
This class comes right before you begin your Supervised Clinical Practice. We provide an orientation to the processes and procedures of our Student Clinic, including effective greeting and interview techniques, using intake forms, clearly documenting treatment sessions, and receiving and reviewing evaluations.
SCIENCE OF THE HUMAN BODY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 184 Hours
The Musculoskeletal System:
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Massage Therapists 76 Hours
(includes 16 Pathology hours)
This course is a concentrated study of the human musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, and joints). Since understanding the structure and function of this system is essential to safely and effectively performing many massage therapy techniques, we focus extra time and attention on sharing it with you. As we cover the muscles, bones, and joints in each section of the body, we detail common musculoskeletal disorders, indicating indications and contraindications for massage therapy. Our instruction includes an introduction to medical terminology and the use of supportive health care research.
General Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology for Massage Therapists 92 Hours(includes 24 Pathology hours)
This course is an in-depth overview of the structure and function of the human body, covering all major body systems except for musculoskeletal (see above), including the cardiovascular, integumentary, endocrine, lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary, reproductive, respiratory, and nervous systems. As we cover each system, we detail common diseases and disorders, indicating indications and contraindications for massage therapy. We include medical terminology, the physiological effects of stress and touch, and accessing and understanding supportive research.
Oriental Medical Theory 16 Hours
Ancient Eastern Philosophy and Medicine has helped in the healing process of the human body for thousands of years. Completely different from Western practices, this system focuses on the body’s energy meridians and acupressure points. Our course is an introduction to Eastern theory, the Five Element System, acupressure meridians and points, and treatment methods.
ALLIED HEALTH CARE MODALITIES 36 Hours
Knowledge of other natural healing modalities helps to supplement a massage therapist’s awareness, knowledge base, and practice. We provide instruction in Energy Work and Reflexology, two modalities that North Carolina law does not consider to be bodywork, but we believe to be an important aspect of any massage therapist’s education. We also include introductions to Holistic Nutrition and Herbology, guiding you (and, in turn, your clients) toward improved health and healing.
Energy Work Theory and Practice 12 Hours
We uncover the effect of energy work on the human body, showing the subtle but profound energy fields that surround us, demonstrating how to move energy with our clients, and explain the chakra system.
Reflexology Theory and Practice 8 Hours
This course covers the maps of the hands and feet and their corresponding reflex points throughout the body, shares Reflexology techniques, and outlines how to administer a one-hour Reflexology session.
Diet & Nutrition 8 Hours
Here, we provide an overview of the importance of nutrition in an individual’s life and a variety of reasons and suggestions for the health-promoting, practical use of whole foods, vitamins, and supplements. You will walk away with greater insight into holistic nutrition and, perhaps, a dramatically different approach to food.
Herbology 8 Hours
We offer an introduction to the application of herbs for health and healing, offering knowledge and possibilities for utilizing herbs in your own life, discussing these options with your clients and community, and recognizing the opportunity to refer your clients to a qualified herbalist when appropriate.
SOMATIC PSYCHOLOGY 20 Hours
This segment of our program is dedicated to the mind/body relationship and dynamics of the client/therapist relationship. We begin with exploring massage therapy’s mental/emotional effects. Then, we move into demonstrating how to create a safe working environment for client and therapist, keep healthy boundaries, use effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and appropriately react to a client’s emotional response to bodywork. This course focuses on self-care principles and techniques.
PROFESSIONALISM 32 Hours
Business & Marketing 16 Hours
In this important course, we provide detailed information on how to start and maintain a successful massage therapy practice, whether you choose to work independently or for/with others. We highlight career planning, job-seeking skills, marketing strategies, and practice-building skills, preparing you to explore the many options that will await you upon graduation.
Professional Ethics 8 Hours
Understanding and practicing excellent professional ethics will increase the success and joy you can experience in your career. We will present and discuss a professional code of ethics and uncover helpful approaches to common ethical issues.
North Carolina Laws & Rules 8 Hours
Using a combination of careful detail-delivery, guidance, and fun, we inform you of the laws and rules relevant to North Carolina massage therapists and amply prepare you for North Carolina’s licensing process (including details on becoming a Nationally Certified Massage and Bodywork Therapist).
PROGRAM ORIENTATION/EXAM REVIEW/FINAL EXAM 20 Hours
Orientation 4 Hours
On the first day of class, you and your new classmates will gather with our staff, to begin to know each other and to grow more prepared for the upcoming six months. We will introduce you to your study materials and cover the logistics, policies, and procedures for achieving success in our program and in this career.
Exam Review 12 Hours
In these classes, we review previously-taught material to prepare you for both our program’s Comprehensive Final Exam and the National Certification Exam. We also encourage students to regularly review course material throughout the program, individually and in study groups.
Comprehensive Final Exam 4 Hours
This exam covers all aspects of our curriculum and comes at the end of the program. Throughout your time here, we will give you study tips, quizzes, tests, and reviews to prepare you for this opportunity to proudly demonstrate your comprehension and mastery.
SUPERVISED CLINICAL PRACTICE 100 Hours
Our program includes approximately 12 additional full days that are spent at our Therapy Center, where students are supervised in their practice on real clients. There, you will be able to practice important skills like interview techniques, assessment, timing your treatments, and proper documentation, continually incorporating the new bodywork techniques you are learning in class. Students meet individually with our staff to discuss the treatment process and receive guidance and support. Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 client sessions prior to graduation.
Professional Evaluations are also a component of your Clinical Practice. Students are required to give 3 complete massage therapy sessions to qualified massage therapy faculty members, for the purpose of evaluation and feedback. A written evaluation will be completed by the therapists and reviewed by the school as well as the student. The therapists will guide and support you in making subtle corrections in technique, fluidity and overall professionalism, as well as make suggestions for treatment plans for various desired outcomes.
Course pre-requisite: Swedish Massage Theory and Practice, Clinic Orientation and Practice.
NOTE: A clock hour is defined as a 60-minute block of time consisting of a minimum of 50 minutes of instruction (in the physical presence of a staff member) with appropriate breaks
Return to top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grading System
The grading system used throughout the program will reflect the following equivalents:
A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D= 60-69, P=Passed, F=Failed, I=Incomplete: students have 2 weeks to complete assignments after the end date of a course. After this time, any still incomplete grade becomes an F (Failed). W=Withdraw: Student has withdrawn from the full program and has notified the Education Center Director in writing. No credit is given for incomplete, failed, or withdrawn courses.
Return to top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of the Massage Therapy Certification Program will be achieved and certification awarded when the student demonstrates the following:
A passing grade in every course (minimum 70%), including passing the course final (if applicable) and completion of all homework assignments. Please note that to pass the Supervised Clinical Practice course, you must complete 40 massages, 5 professional evaluations, and professionally fulfill all time commitments at the Therapy Center.
A passing grade on our Comprehensive Program Final Exam.
Successful completion of all make-up work for absences and tardiness.
Fulfillment of all contractual and financial obligations to the school, and return of all library holdings.
Compliance with policies outlined in this catalog, the enrollment agreement, and the student manual.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Satisfactory Progress
We require students to maintain satisfactory progress throughout our program. For your progress to be deemed satisfactory, you must meet the following criteria:
A passing grade (70%) in every course
90% or higher attendance over entire program (no more than 13 absences overall) and no more than 10 absences in the first three months
Completion of ½ (300 hours) of the program within 4 ½ months of your start date
Completion of all graduation requirements within 9 months of your start date
We regularly evaluate each student’s progress and promptly communicate directly with students in the case of unsatisfactory progress. We may direct students experiencing difficulty toward academic advising, individual or group tutoring, study groups, and repeating courses. Students who fail an individual course will be given avenues toward achieving a passing grade before their required completion date whenever possible. All students will be regularly informed of their progress, including being given printed progress reports monthly.
Center for Massage & Natural Health
530 Upper Flat Creek Rd.
Asheville (Weaverville), NC 28787
Telephone: (828) 658-0814
https://www.centerformassage.com/