Massage Therapy Program – Outline of Class Hours

Length of Program: 500 Hours — Independent Study: 206 Hours
100 Hours of Independent Study In Thailand (Optional)

Level I through Level III Total Hours - 500
Anatomy & Physiology distance study - 100 hours (independent study)
Professional Supervised Externship - 100 hours
Public Presentation (w/ prep & practice) - 6 hours (independent study)
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – Thailand Option - 100 CEUs

Complete all continuing ed. classes and receive up to an 800 clock hour diploma.

An average of 4-6 hours of homework per week is required for all levels of our program. Graduates are also eligible for Michigan and Wisconsin State licensing requirements. After successful completion of Level III, students will receive a diploma in Theory and Practice of Healing Massage Techniques from the Institute of Natural Therapies.

The I.N.T.Curriculum is in full compliance with many State Licensing Laws and the National Certification Board requirements for National testing. The first 500 hours is provided in a classroom, supervised with a licensed instructor present. There is absolutely no distance learning, online courses, or out of class video training, permitted in our State for the first core 500 hours of training. Our curriculum includes the specifics of this law as seen above; 200 hours of massage and body work assessment, 125 hours of instruction in on the body systems including anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, 40 hours of pathology, 125 hours of related instruction which includes in that 125 a 40 hour student clinic of on the job training, 10 hours of business with 6 hours of ethics.

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Program Descriptions

Program Descriptions: Levels I & II

Differential Advantage Trainings

You will benefit from world class training unique and exclusive from most schools Nationwide. We deliver a world classic venue of marketable massage styles. Then the student is inspired/required to develop their own personal technique from the styles presented in class for their level 3 final exam. Our goal is to give each student the tools and knowledge to create formulas of application rather than regurgitate memorized therapy recipes. We specialize in finding the student’s innate healing talents already within and teach you to customize your massage sessions specifically to enhance your client’s health and well being. Receive the unique ability to combine medical massage therapy techniques along with feeling good spa massage therapy styles. The in-class training hours are nearly all LIVE hands on training and minimal lecture. We never participate in prepackaged webinars or video trainings in the INT classroom. Early in the course the student’s perception, sensitivity, and transpersonal growth are stimulated using exercising touch skills that become the foundation to build on through their lives and careers. All instructors are Nationally Certified and have additional certifications and experience in every subject and technique they present.

Level I Introductory Massage Therapist

Together discover wellness massage, and Swedish Massage as developed by Pehr Henrik Ling in Sweden. We learn how to give a great back massage, and useful home remedies like how to help a sinus headache or relieve an aching lower back. Would you like to know how to leave your friends feeling relaxed and enveloped with a warm healthy glow? We learn table etiquette, proper draping, and the simple courtesies of massage therapy in the home and worplace. We combine yoga, movement, and kinesiology when applying in introductory massage of Thailand. We explore anatomy and physiology from cells through body systems of tissues, bones, and skin. Begin basic hygiene and pathology studies.

Level II Intermediate Massage Therapist

Prerequisite Level I. Transferees or students re-entering, see full catalog. Participate in effective skill building with a more medical massage approach. We probe deeper into the body tissues, apply range of motions, and helpful forms of complimentary kinesiology to add to your client’s health routine. We begin our introductory work with major syndromes including carpal tunnel, arthritic and joint conditions and refine our massagefor neck and shoulder symptoms. Students will be ready to distinguish the difference between healthy tissues and fibrotic knots and not so healthy tissues with our excellent palipatory skills .We learn professionalism in the work place and study the cardiovascular and lymph symptoms, systems pathology. We touch on manual lymph drainage and digestive massage therapy. We make healthy green drinks and have a great Christmas party!

Program Descriptions: Level III

Level III Professional Therapueutic Level

Prerequisites include Levels I and II, the Director’s permission, or be able to pass a written and practical exam of Level I and II curriculum. Transferees or students re-entering, see full catalog.

This is our highest level of training leading to National Certification excellence. Completion meets elegibility requirements for Michigan and Wisconsin licensing and licensing reciprocity for most states.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) with Deep Tissue Massage – We learn tons of advanced medical and remedial trigger point therapies for a multitude of syndromes including; whiplash, sciatica, hip, knee, neck and shoulder pain relief, relief for headaches, frozen shoulder, TMJ, carpal tunnel, and various low back pain syndromes to name a few. We study the various pathologies apply a working knowledge of safety and epidemiology. No class time is wasted in unnecessary academics like studying muscle charts, or memorizing over impressive vocabulary. Learn by discovery in our living anatomy when we actually find and palpate living human structure. We shape and tape muscles to life size skeletons using a system developed here at INT with colored papers. Your instructor trained with Janet Travell who was president Kennedy’s physician. Dr. Travell also developed the first medical trigger point techniques which we employ in class.

Traditional Chinese Massage (TCM) – We examine acupuncture points, meridians, yin and yang, the five element theory, Zang-fu theory. We explore Qi-gong and learn to feel the powerful yet subtle energies of TCM. We learn how to do hot cupping, use herbs for moxibustion and then lightly touch on the East Indian Ayruverdic chakra system. You will develop a world class acupressure massage combined with Thai table massage. Students will be able to treat the body using ear seeds on the auricle (Chinese ear points) for addictions. We will learn to treat smoking, over eating, alcohol and drug addiction syndromes. Your instructor is certified in acupuncture and was trained by the World Health Organization at Nanjing, China in 1990.

Thai Yoga Massage – The traditional massage of Thailand. We learn a basic Thai massage known in Thai education system as a Level 1 Thai massage. Thai massage was born in the temples of Thailand and is interwoven with traditional Thai medicine, yoga, osteo medicine, and marital arts to create a unique healing system of Thai massage. We guide the student through a series of massage moves, yoga positions, and along the sen sib energy lines to create a comprehensive full body Thai massage that eases tension, boosts the immune system and balances the body’s energy. Occasionally we offer on site training in Thailand. Your instructor has been trained in Thailand and carries multiple certifications in Thai massage and is certified as an accredited Thai Massage teacher by the Ministry of Education of Thailand. Trained in Chaing Mai years of 2003 to 2006.

Myofascial and Structural Integration – This is a special section which allows the student to develop sensory intuition and experience the body as a three dimensional being. We encompass a variety of connective tissue massage techniques focusing on the facial entrapments, compartments and sheaths that surround the muscles and organs. Techniques of regional myofascial involve unwinding of both deep and superficial layers. We learn postural analysis, proper walking and alignment in motion, how emotions may be stored in the fascia, how to work with stored trauma in tissues and what to look for. Your instructor is a certified Rolfer who graduated from the exclusive Rolf Institute in 1992.

Auxillaries of Foot Reflexology, Cranial-Sacral, Qigong and subtle energies – We learn to feel a basic cranial pulse and beginning but beneficial cranial manipulations. We will do a complete foot reflexology treatment combined with a stimulating hearbal foot bath and the reflex points that cause significant change. We will study hydrotherapy, learn how to give a clay mud pack, use hot towels and spend a little time looking at and tasting living foods with live enzymes. We will learn a little about digestive and colon health. Instructor is certified in Cranial Sacral, Reflexology and has a nutritional diploma from the Creative Health Institute a unique raw foods program.

Anatomy Physiology and Pathology of Level III will include thorough studies of the nervous system, digestive, hormonal, and respiratory along with the pathologies massage therapist should know. Students complete 100 hours of anatomy and physiology workbooks out side of class as well as additional 100 hours of in class studies. Plan to spend 4-6 hours/week out side of class. Instructor has a BS in Natural Science including a major in anatomy and physiology.

State Laws,Clinic, books, records and ethics – We learn the laws and some of the grey areas that govern our profession. We study ethics of the profession as some things that may be legal may not be ethical or understood well by the public. We learn record keeping for clients and how to make subjective, objective, assessment, and planning notes.

Student clinic 40 hours – We put this entire program together in our Student Clinic. Students demonstrate business organizational skills in the therapeutic environment. We Identify and design effective methods for time management and maintenance of the work place like having room ready, comfortable and inviting with adequate linens lighting, music, safety and pathology awareness of a clinic. Sharpen abilities to take a proactive approach to communication including listening and encouraging client feedback when conducting an intake interview. Oh yea and you have to give a great massage because the public clients grade your work. You will honestly see how the general public responds to you as a professional therapist. Clinic is mandatory attendance and you cannot graduate without attending this week. (There are no exceptions to clinic attendance.) Please see schedule for dates.

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Conduct

Students are expected to dress and perform in a manner which compliments the school and community. Students are required to abide by INT’s policy and contract they receive when applying. Students may be terminated immediately for the following policy violations. (refer to tuition refund policy and student policy handbook):

• Forms of professionally unethical behavior or talk in class or therapy sessions.
• Obscenity , sexual harassment, and inappropriate touch and behavior.
• Attending class under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Theft or destruction of school property.
• Violating safety and cleanliness rules.
• Unsatisfactory progress.
• Non-payment of tuition.
• Consistent absence or tardiness.
• Falsifying massage journal, or any professional feedback forms.
• Cheating on tests or assignments.
• Falsifying or non-disclosure of information on admissions documents.
• Forms of insurgency like trying to incite anti school policy group actions.

Code of Ethics American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)

Students are also required to heed AMTA code of ethics. This is an abbreviated list.
Massage Therapists Shall:

• Have a sincere commitment to provide the highest quality care to those who seek their professional service.
• Strive for professional excellence through regular assessment of personal strengths, limitations and effectiveness and by continued education and training.
• Respect all ethical health care practitioners and work together amicably to promote health and natural healing.
• Conduct their business and professional activities with honesty and integrity and project a professional image in all aspects of their practices.
• Respect the integrity of each person and, therefore, do not engage in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients.
• Accept the responsibility to self, clients and associates to maintain physical, mental and emotional well-being.
• Acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person and therefore, do not unjustly discriminate against clients or colleagues and work to eliminate prejudices within the profession.

Dress and Hygiene

Working together closely, students’ personal hygiene is important. This includes washing hands before and after every massage session, showering regularly, clean finger nails and other requirements in the Student Policy Handbook.

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Standards

Teacher-Student Ratio

Our classes are exclusively limited to 22 students per class. We offer very specialized multi-level advanced training which requires explicit individual attention. We guarantee never less than a 1:12 practical and 1:24 lecture.

Student Progress

We have carefully considered the non-traditional student and those re-entering school when designing our program. Peer study groups are encouraged and often attended by staff. Close tracking of students’ weekly progress is monitored by weekly quizzes. If a student’s weekly average grade falls below 70% for more than a two-class period, the student is put on academic probation. The student has four weeks to improve. During this time the student may be assigned a study partner, seek professional help, or take tutoring sessions from our staff. If the grade cannot be raised to passing by two class meetings, the student’s enrollment may be terminated. Students are required to give a one hour practical massage session to the instructor in Level III.

Grading Criteria

A passing grade is 70% total on all weekly quizzes, major written tests, practical exams, and written assignments. Students will be graded complete or incomplete on all out-of-class assignments.

School Calendar Office Hours and Closings

Classes are usually not scheduled Thanksgiving weekend, the weeks before and after Christmas, New Year’s week, the weeks before and after Easter, and all of summer. Reality is we are in the UP and snow is inevitable. We are accustomed to visits from Heikki Lunta (Mythical Finnish Snow God) so we rarely close for snow days. I.N.T. does reserve the right to miss 25 hours for snow days, for missed instruction after that, class time will be added to the present schedule. Office hours are weekdays from around 11 a.m. until the late afternoon. Our office is closed any sunny day in the winter, most nice days in the summer but we usually get back with you with in a few hours for anything.

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Schedules – Days – Meeting Times – Hours – Locations

Every other weekend Classes meet beginning in September through June 1

Days: Saturdays and Sundays and some Fridays. Every other weekend;
Clinic in Hancock 4 days Wed thru Sunday. May 29-June 1

Times: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday.
* very first day only of each class begins @ 10:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.
1 hour and 15 minutes lunch break and adequate breaks through the day.
In accordance to state regulations 1 classroom hour = 50 minutes of real time.

Locations: Directions for both locations are found on our Contact page.
St. Ignace, MI@ the St. Ignace Public Library
Hancock, MI @ INT main campus on Paavola Road

Notes on scheduling: The advantages of every other weekends families don’t have to sacrifice every weekend away from home, family, church, or recreation. Our schedule coordinates and permits enough time to integrate the homework and massage practice. There is a 4 day Clinic Week from Wednesday through Sunday for your on-the-job- training experience. Midterm exam attendance in Hancock on December 15, Final Exam in St. Igance on June 7, and Clinic in Hancock June 12-15 is required mandatory attendance for essential for graduation with no exceptions for absence on these days.

Scheduled Travel Weekends Required: Each class is required to attend the other campus for 2 scheduled weekends during our 22 weekend program. INT requires a minimum of 14 students to hold a class. However we have never cancelled a class for low enrollment. In the event of very low enrollment we will offer the option for the less populated class to attend the other location a few more times than is currently
posted on the schedule.

Fridays and Absence: Its possible to miss most of the Fridays but not including the Friday of Clinic Week. After exceeding 25 hours of absence students are required to make up the Friday or any absence at the other location within 4 weeks of the missed dates. The Fridays can be made up on Saturdays or Sundays so its possible to miss most every Friday.

Thailand Training is scheduled every year usually departs in the first week of August for about 2.5 weeks. Dates cannot be determined until around May of every year. See our Thailand page.

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Policies

First Aid and CPR Requirements

It is mandatory for students to have current certification in CPR upon graduation by the American Red Cross. This is an extra cost paid for by the student.

Attendance Policy

The strength and profoundness of the class requires 100% attedance. Plan to be on time and attend every session. A student may miss 2.5 days of class (25 hours). Any absence that exceeds 25 hours is required to be made up at the alternate campus at the very next scheduled class date. Excessive absence over 50 hours is considered a withdraw. Special considerations may be made for emergencies. Please do not plan to miss the first parts of Level I and Level III. Students with high absence during the beginning of Level I may be asked to withdraw. You absolutely cannot miss midterm week or clinic week.

Attendance Credit (Planned absence)

Some students like to attend both classes at both locations enjoying the benefits of receiving double instruction. We encourage this. We also permit students to build up attendance credit when they know ahead of time they are going to miss like for a wedding, vacation or have to miss Fridays. However do not plan to miss midterm or clinic week because you can not graduate without attending; no exceptions. Maximum attendance credit is 60 hours total and excludes consecutive weekends of planned absence.

Out of class Assignments and Practice Proficiency

Massage therapy is an amazing healing art form as well as a technical profession. Proficiency requires practice like playing a musical instrument. Students are required to log 100 hours of massage therapy out of the classroom, and complete weekly workbook assignments. INT students average 4-6 hours per week in out of class study. Students are required to keep logged massage practice current with the class delivery schedule and level of techniques the class is in. “Practice makes perfect”, as they say and your out of class massage therapy practice is checked every class.

“First you learn to read the music, then you master the instrument, then you forget all that s*** and just blow” . Charlie Parker, jazz musician.

Mailing to School

The school’s mailing address is P.O. Box 222, Hancock, MI 49930. Please do not mail or send anything to our physical address on Paavola Road. For faster convenience when corresponding you may mail all applications, payments and correspondence directly to our facilitator, Ms. Estelle Laru at 21944 Chassell/Painesdale Road, Chassell, MI 49916. Her phone Number is 906.523.4637 and she is always happy to help with your, questions and enrollment. All mailings must be at the INT P.O. box, hand delivered or at Estelle’s before or on the due date to qualify to meet discount and other deadlines. We will not accept faxed or emailed info on the very last day of a discount deadline all applications materials must be received in hard copy.

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