Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage - Intensive Massage Therapy Program

The real massage experience you will receive from the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage creates an inner confidence and personal momentum.

Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage prepares students to become successful massage therapists through an integrative approach to science, massage and bodywork. Students will gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques to prepare them in the field of massage therapy. Graduates of the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage will be thoroughly prepared to sit for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Class Hours: The intensive 525 hour massage therapy program is completed in 6 months.

• All day massage therapy classes are held Monday through Thursday 9:30-3:00.
• All night massage therapy classes are held from Monday though Thursday 5:00 to 10:30.
• All weekends massage therapy classes are held every Sunday and every other Saturday.

Massage Therapy Class Schedules

Program Summary:

Massage Therapy Course Descriptions

Location and Facilities: Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage is located at 200 Little Falls Street, Suite 303 Falls Church VA 22046, less than 1 mile from the East Falls Church metro. The school is well equipped with massage tables, white boards, anatomy charts, skeletons, flat screen monitors, overhead projectors, and massage lotions. A reference library is available to the students.

Overview of Classes: An Instructor will deliver the courses to the students through a combination of Lecture and Bodywork. The Lecture sessions will consist of the Instructor's verbal delivery of the course subject matter to the students. During the Bodywork sessions the Instructor will demonstrate massage techniques and then students will pair off and will practice the massage techniques (under Instructor supervision). During Lecture and Bodywork sessions, student questions and participation are encouraged. Our student/teacher ratio is no more than 12/1, and if needed, a teacher's assistant may be present.

Graduation: Students must complete and pass all required courses and tuition must be paid in full. Transcripts and certificates will be mailed within two weeks of the graduation date.

Employment Assistance: Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage offers job placement upon graduation, however, we do not guarantee job placement after completing the program. We maintain a list of job opportunities as they become available and after graduation students can contact the School's staff for guidance obtaining employment and obtaining letters of recommendation.

Mission: Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage provides an opportunity for students to obtain an education in massage therapy, and develop the necessary skills to become a certified massage therapist in just 6 months.

Objective: The purpose of the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage is to deliver the highest quality education to our students. Graduates of the school will be thoroughly prepared for a successful career in professional massage therapy, and to sit for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. During the six month (525 hour) program the majority of the student's time will be spent in class receiving hands on instruction from the teacher and a portion of the student's time will be spent providing a supervised massage therapy service to the general public. The curriculum will be evaluated and revised at regular intervals to maintain the program's effectiveness and to evolve with changes in industry standards.

Philosophy: Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage prepares students to become successful massage therapists through an integrative approach to health and wellness. Students will gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, massage theory and technique to prepare them in the field of massage therapy. An environment conducive to learning and an expansive curriculum is provided, so students have the education and training to become skilled, perceptive, and ethical massage therapists. Qualified, expert instructors offer students a variety of classic and innovative ways to understand all concepts of massage. The potential in massage therapy is endless; massage therapists can work in medical settings, spas, cruise ships, hotels, health clubs, and private practice. The program allows students to learn and grow personally, professionally, and academically in one of the fastest growing fields in the health care industry.

School Dress Code and Hygiene: Clothing should be loose, comfortable and clean. No low-cut or mid-drift shirts, tight jeans, short skirts/shorts, or dangling jewelry. Shoes should be worn at all times; socks must be worn if you choose not to wear shoes. All students are required to practice good personal hygiene and shower before coming to class. Nails should be kept clean and short.

Holidays and Breaks: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the Week of Christmas. All other breaks will be announces before each start date.

Instructional Faculty Office Hours: During the time, which the program is being offered a student in the program, can schedule a meeting with an instructor from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM Monday through Thursday.

Textbooks:

• Trail Guide to the Body Textbook Third Edition by Andrew Biel
• Trail Guide to the Body Student Handbook Third Edition by Andrew Biel
• Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage Fourth Edition by Mark F. Beck

  Student Policies:

  Attendance: It is mandatory for students to attend every class and to be punctual. The instructor records all attendance. Due to the nature of the program, students must be present 85% of the program. If a student misses more than 15% of the program, they will not receive credit for the program and can be dismissed. It is the responsibility of the student to get any material or subject matter missed due to absences. Classes and hours cannot be made up unless the absence is an excused absence. If a student misses a test and does not have an excused absence, they will receive a zero.

  Excused Absences: An excused absence is obtained by a doctor's note, or documentation of unforeseen circumstances. Excused absences can be made up; a "make-up" will be an assignment on material missed, given by the instructor.

  Grades: Students must maintain a 70% average during the entire program. If a student falls below a 70%, mandatory tutoring is required. Tutoring is $35/hour. The grading system is as follows;

  • 90 - 100 = A
  • 80 - 89 = B
  • 70 - 79 = C
  • 69 and below is failing.

  Probation: Students will be put on probation if they do not meet attendance, grade, or conduct requirements. Students who are put on probation are in danger of being dismissed from the program, and must meet the requirements stated in (but not limited to) this document. Once requirements are met, the probation will be removed from the student's file.

  Withdrawals: All withdrawals must be made in writing. Students will be responsible for unattended classes until a written letter of withdrawal is received. No refunds can be made if a student has attended 75% or more of the program. Students who have attended less than 75% of the program will receive a refund check within 30 days (see refund policy).

  Dismissals: Students can be dismissed from the program if the following requirements are not met:

  • Failure to maintain 70% GPA
  • Failure to meet attendance policy
  • Failure to pay tuition
  • Inappropriate or potentially dangerous conduct

  Refund Policy: An applicant has 3 days after signing the enrollment agreement (but only before the first day of class) to provide written notice of withdrawal from the program and then the student will receive a full refund excluding the non-refundable $50 application fee. On the first day of class, an applicant is considered a student and once a student starts the program the application fee, books, and supplies are nonrefundable. After the first day of class, a student can cancel the enrollment agreement by providing a written notice of withdrawal from program and will then receive a refund based on the prorated hours accrued by the student (see below). The refund policy is as follows:

  HOURS	REFUND
  1-131 hours	75%
  132-262 hours	50%
  263-394 hours	25%
  395-525 hours	0%

  Leave of Absences: A leave of absences is only granted in extreme cases, due to the nature of the program. Arrangements will be made to reenter the program at a point to be determined by the Director of Education. If the student does not return at a mutually agreed upon time, the student will be dismissed from the program and required to re-apply.

  Reentry: Students can re-apply by submitting a request to the Director of Education. If they have been dismissed or withdrawn from the program, students are readmitted on an individual basis, and a $50 reapplication fee may apply.

  Student Conduct: Students are expected to behave with professional, ethical, and honest conduct at all times. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated; and such behavior will cause a student to be reprimanded and/or dismissed from the program. A student may be dismissed for any conduct such as, but not limited to:

  • Cheating, forgery, plagiarism, or theft
  • Any verbal, physical, sexual, or racial harassment
  • Possession/use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons

  Non-discrimination Policy: Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage prohibits discrimination against current and prospective students and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender or sexual orientation.

  Student Records: Student records are kept confidential and will not be released without written consent from the student. Students have the right to all records on file. Official Transcripts and Diplomas are available upon request for a $3.00 fee.

  Cell Phones: All cell phones must be turned off during class.