Programs
Massage Therapy Diploma Program
Our next class begins on September 3, 2013.
Call the school today at 888-500-4500 to schedule your Free Campus Tour and Personal Career Exploration session.
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You can have the life and career you've always dreamed of!
Over the past three decades, Body Therapy Institute has offered a complete entry-level training program for those interested in pursuing a professional career in massage therapy, for health care practitioners seeking to enhance their range of clinical skills and knowledge, and for those who are interested in the exploration and integration of body, mind, emotions and spirit.
In our "whole-person" educational model, we approach the therapeutic process with a profound respect for our innate intelligence and self-healing capabilities. From this perspective, we view the practice of massage as both the application of knowledge and hands-on techniques – as well as a means of creative expression and self-discovery. Those who have graduated from the Diploma Program at BTI consistently tell us that it is a life-changing experience!
A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES
BTI graduates enjoy the many benefits of being a part of this exciting and rewarding natural health profession, including: having meaningful work in their lives, being of service to people in their communities, and having the freedom and flexibility to work in the way they desire.
Today, massage therapy is the most widely used complementary health care service in the country. Because of this popularity, there is an abundance of career opportunities in this rapidly expanding field.
These range from massage franchises, fitness centers, destination resorts, day spas and salons to a wide variety of private practice settings. An increasing number of massage therapists are maintaining independent practices in professional offices, or are working in group practices with medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and psychologists. Other possibilities include home visits and on-site massage services in the workplace.
As the first school in the Carolinas to be accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), BTI has consistently demonstrated its commitment to high standards of accountability and performance. We choose to operate at this level so that our students are assured of receiving quality education – and so the public receives quality therapeutic services.
Some impressive numbers:
- 98% of BTI graduates passed the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) in 2008-2012 on their first attempt. This compares to the current national pass rate for the MBLEx of just 77% – more than a 20-point difference!
- Over the history of the school, 90% of the students who enrolled in the Diploma Program have completed their training.
- More than 75% of our graduates are engaged in the professional practice of massage therapy following completion of the program.
- Our surveys indicate that 100% of the employers of BTI graduates (who responded) are either "very satisfied" or "extremely satisfied" with the quality of their work.
TRAINING SCHEDULE and ADMISSIONS PROCESS
BTI offers just two programs per year, limited to 32 students per class. This allows us to offer a personal, "hand-crafted" approach that supports each student being able to achieve their highest potential.
In the Spring, we begin a two-semester daytime program that takes 8 months to complete. In the Fall, we begin our three-semester evening/weekend program that takes 12 months to complete. Both training formats are designed to allow students to have the out-of-class time necessary for study, practice, and personal replenishment.
Applicants to the Diploma Program are required to submit an Application Form and have a personal interview. Complete requirements are detailed in the School Catalog. BTI also offers a one-day Introductory Massage Workshop that is recommended, but not required for applicants. This relaxing and inspiring event will allow you to expereince just what it's like to be a student in this unique school.
The program is presented in a learning environment which supports healing and awareness of the whole person. Throughout each of the courses, our dedicated and experienced faculty guide you in the process of achieving excellence in the therapeutic knowledge, sensitivity and personal awareness necessary for the effective and successful practice of massage therapy.
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, as well as the National Certification Examination, and to apply for state licensure with the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy.
Our curriculum is organized sequentially, and is designed so that all courses integrate with one another. In the first half of the program, we establish a solid foundation in fundamental hands-on skills, optimal body mechanics, knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, and awareness of the mind-body connection. In the second half, we present additional hands-on modalities, deepen the understanding of the client/therapist relationship, and explore the elements necessary for creating a successful professional practice.
The curriculum consists of 660 clock hours. Here is a listing of the courses:
MASSAGE THERAPY I (163 hours)
- Introduction to Embodied Touch (23 hours)
- Theory & Practice of Classical Swedish Massage (140 hrs)
MASSAGE THERAPY II (139 hours)
- Myofascial Massage (113 hours)
- Integration of Clinical Skills (26 hours)
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, KINESIOLOGY & PATHOLOGY
(133 hours)
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (95 hours)
- Business and Marketing Practices (26 hours)
- Professional Ethics and Massage Laws (23 hours)
- Therapist Self-Development (23 hours)
- Group Dynamics and Learning Styles (23 hours)
SOMATIC PSYCHOLOGY & COMMUNICATION SKILLS (39 hours)
HYDROTHERAPY & SPA MODALITIES (20 hours)
STUDENT MASSAGE CLINIC (25 hours)
COMMUNITY SERVICE EXTERNSHIP PROJECT (46 hours)
OTHER PROGRAM INFORMATION (as required by the US Department of Education)
| Name and Standard Occupational Classification for this program | Massage Therapists; 31-9011.00 | ||||||||||||||||
| US Department of Labor's O*Net for this program | www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9011.00 | ||||||||||||||||
| On-time graduation rate for this program | 91% | ||||||||||||||||
| Job placement rate | 78% | ||||||||||||||||
| Median loan debt incurred by students at time of graduation |
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| COST OF ATTENDANCE (Fall 2013 Program) | |
| – Tuition for the Massage Therapy Diploma Program | $14,000 |
| – Required Textbooks* | $580 |
| – Oakworks Synergy Massage Table* | $495 |
| – Administrative Fee (includes course handouts and learning materials, linens and lubricants for in-class use, BTI polo shirt, on-campus accident insurance, professional liability insurance) | $350 |
| – ABMP Student Membership | $45 |
| – Licensing Examination Fee (MBLEx) | $195 |
| – North Carolina Licensure Fees (application fee, background check, initial license fee) | $210 |
| * these items include 6.75% NC sales tax | |
| TOTAL | $15,875 |
| Additional costs not included in this total: | |
| – Receiving two professional massage therapy sessions (outside of class) | $100 |
| – BTI Application Fee | $25 |
| – Fingerprint card for state background check (for licensure) | $10 |