Professional Massage TherapyTraining Program

2007-2008 Course Catalog

Executive Parc 942440 Executive Drive, Suite 100St. Charles, MO 63303(636) 498-0777 • (636) 547-3068/FAXwww.scsmt.net • info@scsmt.net

St. Charles School of Massage Therapy

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS• Certified to Operate by the Missouri Department of Higher Education• Approved by the Veterans Administration and the Workforce Investment Act• Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork• The school is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools.• Institution accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)• Licensed by Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICYThe St. Charles School of Massage Therapy endorses and implements a policy of equal opportunity in employment and admissions to its programs and services for all persons regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orien-tation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, or other status as protected by law. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to: Kathleen Crawford, Director, St. Charles School of Massage Therapy, 2440 Executive Drive, Suite 100, St. Charles, MO 63303.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Kathleen Crawford, Helen Haywood,President and Director Financial Aid Coordinator

Jane Flanakin, Assistant Director

CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGEThis catalog was revised as of June 10th, 2007. The contents are subject to change with or without notice. Provisions contained herein supersede all of those previously published. Policy changes made after the publication of the catalog will be on file in the office of the Director, Kathleen Crawford.

Dear Prospective Student,

Welcome to the St. Charles School of Massage Therapy!

As you read through this catalog, you’ll discover that we are a growing school, offering innovative educational programs in an optimal learning environment. St. Charles School of Massage Therapy serves its students and the community by producing highly skilled practitioners of the healing arts.

This is an exciting time to enter the field of massage therapy. Job opportunities are expanding, and research studies are demonstrating the effectiveness of massage therapy for a wide range of conditions.

Our program offers training in several approaches to skilled touch. You’ll learn Swedish massage, the most commonly practiced form of massage, as well as shiatsu, reflexology, sports massage, and many other techniques. By working on real clients in our Student Clinic, you will receive effective preparation for establishing your practice, indepen-dently or as an employee, and you will feel confident about meeting the individual needs of your clients.

When you study massage therapy at the St. Charles School of Massage Therapy, people who share your interests in wholesome natural health, genuine caring and personal growth surround you. It’s a great experience!

I encourage you to come for a tour of the facility, and take your next step toward becoming a professional massage therapist.

Sincerely,

Kathleen CrawfordPresident and Director

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF OUR SCHOOL

History ..............................................................................................4Philosophy and Mission....................................................................5Educational Objectives .....................................................................5Program Schedule ............................................................................6Program Outline ...............................................................................7Program Description .........................................................................8Course Descriptions .........................................................................9Faculty ............................................................................................14Facility and Learning Resources ....................................................16Licensing and Certification / Financial Information ........................17Private Assistance / Admission Requirements ...............................19Credit for Prior Learning .................................................................20Student Services ............................................................................20Administrative and Academic Policies ............................................22Leave of Absence ...........................................................................24Grading ...........................................................................................24Satisfactory Academic Progress.....................................................25Graduation Requirements ..............................................................25Graduation Certificate ....................................................................25Graduate Employment Information ................................................25Access to Files ...............................................................................26Disciplinary Procedures ..................................................................26Student Complaint Policy and Procedure ......................................27Refund Policy for Veterans or Other Eligible Parties .....................28Crime Statistics ..............................................................................29School Map .....................................................................Back Cover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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HISTORY

Kathleen Crawford, President and Director of St. Charles School of Massage Therapy, began practicing massage therapy in 1983. She established the Oasis Health & Wellness Center, a massage therapy clinic, in St. Charles in 1987, where she employed five massage therapists. She continued to pursue her own education in the field, taking numerous seminars in advanced techniques learning how to meet the individual needs of a very diverse clientele. Kathleen’s clients recognized that she had excellent massage skills, and extensive knowledge of several different modalities. Many clients urged her to train others to provide high quality massage services. In 1991, Kathleen began teaching a 100-hour course to her first class of six students. By 1996, the program had grown to 500 hours, and larger groups of students enrolled in the school, which then became known as the St. Charles School of Massage Therapy, LLC with Kathleen Crawford as member share holder. The school was certified to operate by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in 1997, and in April 1999, the school moved to its current facility at Executive Parc 94 in St. Charles. The school then became an institution accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) in October 2003.

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OUR MISSIONOur mission at St. Charles School of Massage Therapy is to prepare the student to become a successful massage therapist. The school is committed to creating an environ-ment instrumental to learning and skill-building, and to achieving excellence in instruction and practice. After training, each graduate will have gained the knowledge, ability, and confidence they need to pursue a career in therapeutic massage.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE MASSAGE THERAPYIn order to fulfill our mission, the school offers 675 hours that are based on the following objectives:• developing knowledge, confidence, and practical skills in massage therapy and bodywork modalities• learning body function and structure, and applying it to massage therapy• learning the benefits of massage therapy, and knowing when not to give a massage session• being able to recognize health conditions and appropriately referring clients to other health care practitioners • gaining communication skills for professional, successful, client-therapist relationships• acquiring the skills to develop and operate a massage therapy practice

PHILOSOPHY

The teaching staff at St. Charles School of Massage Therapy believes that massage therapy is a vital resource for the community and a positive career choice for the individual. The profession promotes health, supports personal growth, and provides expert accomplish-ments. We believe that massage therapists should have a broad range of skills to meet the diverse needs of many different kinds of clients. As the general public’s understanding of the tremendous benefits of massage therapy continues to grow, we believe that clients are expecting their massage therapists to be skilled professionals. Our program reflects our commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills which will earn them the trust and respect of their clients and their communities.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The day program begins several times each year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. The evening program begins twice each year in the Fall (August) and Spring (April). For specific dates of attendance and breaks, please see the Annual Calendar, which is provided as an insert to this catalog. Please keep in mind that the school reserves the right to cancel or postpone any start date of any program if there is insufficient enrollment, or to modify the schedule.

Class TimeClass times are calculated in clock hours."Clock hours" is defined as a minimum of fifty (50) minutes of instruction within a sixty (60) minute period."

Program LengthThe day program takes 7 months (30 weeks) to complete.The evening program takes 12 months (53 weeks) to complete.

Class Meeting TimesDay program classes meet according to the following schedule:

Massage I meets: Monday thru Thursday only from 8:30 am - 3:00 pmMassage II meets: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Evening program classes meet both Monday and Wednesday (Fall), or Tuesday and Thursday (Spring) from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., plus two weekends per month (sometimes once a month). Please refer to main syllabus for weekend workshop hours.

All full-time day and part-time evening program classes will include scheduled clinic hours for the latter half of the program that may be any time during the following hours of operation: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 9pm Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 5pm

HolidaysThe school observes the following holidays, and no classes are held on these days:New Year’s DayMemorial DayIndependence DayLabor DayThanksgiving and the day afterDecember 24, 25 & 31

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PROGRAM OUTLINE

Professional Massage Therapy Training ProgramMassage Therapy and integration of other modalitiesChair massageTrigger Point TherapySports Massage 1 & 2Foot ReflexologyPolarity TherapyAromatherapyShiatsu 1 & 2Hydrotherapy

Clinical Practice (134 hours)Client Treatment PlanS.O.A.P ChartingStudent Clinic

Science (168 hours)Anatomy, Physiology & KinesiologyPathology

Business (60 hours) Business ManagementState & Local LawsHealth & SanitationEthics

CPR/First Aid

TOTAL SUPERVISED, IN-CLASS HOURS

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160.59.0

24.030.015.015.0

9.030.015.0

10.0 24.0 100.0

125.043.0

39.09.06.06.0

5.5

675

Supervised,in-class hours

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The massage therapy and bodywork classes encompass the largest por-tion of the program. In these classes, instructional methods include lecture, demon-stration, and practice. After hearing an explanation of the theory of the modality being studied and watching the instructor demonstrate specific strokes and move-ments, students are given the opportunity to practice the techniques by working on their classmates. Instructors are present during all practice sessions to correct students’ technique, posture, and body mechanics, while giving them feedback on their pacing, pressure, and many other skills that students will be developing over time. All classes include time for students to ask questions and receive answers from the instructor.

The clinical practice component of the program requires students to learn S.O.A.P. Charting and Client Treatment Planning. Instructional methods for these courses include lecture, class discussions, and oral presentations by students. Students have the opportunity to use their charting and treatment planning skills in the Student Clinic, where they receive supervised experience in working with mem-bers of the public who have a wide range of conditions and reasons for receiving massage therapy. The Student Clinic supports students in making the transition from school clinics to professional practice by giving them an opportunity to integrate all of the knowledge and skills that they are learning in the classroom.

Our science classes include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology, taught through lectures and supplemented by the use of many audiovisual aids, class discussions, and allowing time for students’ questions. We stress the impor-tance for the students to develop their palpation skills by combining discussion of bodily structures with simultaneous palpation of specific areas.

Business management consists of learning about precautions and safety issues in the workplace, as well as professional ethics. Students are provided important information on many aspects of establishing and maintaining a successful profes-sional practice. This class is taught through lectures, class discussions, and dem-onstrations. Guest speakers will provide insightful information into the dynamics of successful business operations.

Our classroom environment is casual and friendly, and is focused on meeting detailed learning objectives while giving the students a comfortable place to learn and develop a wide range of skills. The ratio of instructors to students is a maxi-mum of 20 to 1.

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

We continually refine our program in response to suggestions from students, instructors, graduates, employers of our graduates, and to developments in the profession of massage therapy. As new and better textbooks become available, we select the best ones to give our students comprehensive information that is relevant and practical for their educational needs.

We also offer Continuing Education for our graduates and other professional massage therapists. Students are encouraged to take these courses as their schedule allows.

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Massage Therapy/integration of other modalities160.5 hours - prerequisite: noneMassage Therapy is the foundation of our program. In this class, students will explore the the-ory behind bodywork, and will learn the practical application of massage therapy techniques in full-body massage, chair massage, trigger point therapy, and sports massage. Course includes: history of massage, benefits of massage, indications and contraindications for mas-sage, personal hygiene, proper draping procedures, use of oils and creams, and therapist’s body mechanics.

•ChairMassage 9.0 hours prerequisites: above

•TriggerPointTherapy (Direct Pressure) 24.0 hours - prerequisites: Massage Therapy and Anatomy Trigger point therapy is a simple technique of applying ischemic compression to an area that is hyperirritable and can refer pain to another area of the body. Students will learn how to apply pressure to relieve discomfort caused by trigger points in a muscle tissue.

Chair massage is done on a fully clothed person using Acupressure & massage therapy techniques. Students will learn a fifteen-minute routine designed to reduce stress and tension. The routine concen-trates on the upper body: neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, and head. This form of massage is extremely effective for edu-cating the public about massage therapy, introducing massage into the work place and public settings including airports, con-ventions and trade shows, and community events. Chair massage can be a powerful tool in obtaining new clients and building a successful professional practice.

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•SportsMassage1and2 30.0 hours - prerequisites: Massage Therapy This course covers the fundamental techniques involved in sports massage. Concepts of pre-event, post-event, and training massage will be covered. Students will learn how specific muscles are stressed by specific sports and what areas of those muscles are subject to trauma. Topics also include body mechanics, sports injuries, and cryotherapy.

Foot Reflexology15.0 hours - no prerequisiteReflexology is a science based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all parts of the body. Stimulating these reflex areas, using fingers and hands, can relieve stress and tension throughout the body. Students will learn the theory and practical application of Reflexology.

Polarity Therapy15.0 hours - no prerequisitePolarity therapy is a comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise, and self-awareness. It works with the human energy field and electromagnetic patterns expressed in a mental, emotional, and physical experience. Students will learn the theory, history, and techniques of Polarity Therapy.

Aromatherapy9.0 hours- no prerequisiteAromatherapy is the art of using essential oils from aromatic plants and trees to promote health and well being. This course will include theory and hands-on experience of blending twelve oils.

Shiatsu 115.0 hours - no prerequisiteShiatsu is a Japanese style of bodywork. In this course you will study the five element theories and eight principles of Ki along with the 14 basic meridians. Students will practice simple methods including thumbing, finger pressure, palming, and other hand techniques that can be incorporated into a massage that is performed on a massage table or mat.

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Hydrotherapy15.0 hours - prerequisite: Massage TherapyHydrotherapy is the science of water treatments applied externally to the body for thera-peutic purposes. Students will experience and learn a variety of procedures including the use of moist and dry heat, ice, fomentation, and packs.

Client Treatment Plan10.0 hours - prerequisite: Massage Therapy/Anatomy, Physiology and KinesiologyStudents will obtain a volunteer practice client who has a medical condition and who agrees to serve as a model for the student’s practice sessions. The student will perform ten massage sessions with this client, as a homework assignment. Throughout this period of time, the student will use S.O.A.P. charting to document the sessions, making detailed notes of what the client reports to the student about any perceived changes in their condi-tion. The student will also assess any changes that she/he perceives in the client’s condi-tion. At the conclusion of the ten sessions, the student will present a report to the class on their experience, describing how the client benefited from the treatment. The majority of class time is dedicated to listening and discussing each student’s presentation.

S.O.A.P. Charting24.0 hours - prerequisite: Massage Therapy/Anatomy, Physiology and KinesiologyS.O.A.P. charting is the method used by most practitioners of conventional and alternative medicine to document the patient/client’s condition, the treatments applied, and the results of the treatments. Students will learn to use proper anatomical and medical terminology, including abbreviations and symbols. Students will also learn how to take a medical his-tory, and ask questions that properly elicit important information from the client.

Shiatsu 215.0 hours - prerequisite: Shiatsu 1This segment will continue to build on techniques learned in Shiatsu 1. We will incorporate stretching and floor work techniques for a complete shiatsu sequence, which will be performed on a table or mat on the floor. Students will refine skills to provide a smooth, professional ses-sion.

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Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology125.0 hours - no prerequisiteThis intensive course offers an in-depth look at the structure and functions of the human body. Topics include origins, insertions, and actions of muscles, the 11 systems of the body, and physiological functioning. To help enhance the learning experience, the instruc-tor makes use of charts, skeletal models, slides, and videos.

Clinical Practice100.0 hoursprerequisite: Massage Therapy/ Anatomy and PhysiologyStudents will do massage on the gen-eral public with a supervising instructor to develop professionalism, confidence, and technical diversity. Topics include: how to refer to other health care pro-viders and obtain referrals, S.O.A.P. charting, maintaining proper records, minimizing the practitioner’s risk of liability claims, proper care of clients who have been referred by medical practitioners, maintaining health and sanitation needs for the general public, and communication with other care providers.

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Business Management, Ethics, State Laws, Health and Sanitation60.0 hours - no prerequisiteThis course will prepare the students for their new careers as massage therapists. Topics include: professional ethics; state and local laws; self-employment versus being an employ-ee; taxes and accounting; and, marketing techniques for building a clientele and having a successful practice. Students will learn how to develop a personal wellness program and will provide general wellness guidelines for clients. They will explore the importance of personal hygiene for themselves and their future clients. In addition, this class will learn about universal precautions and safety issues in the work place.

CPR/First Aid5.5 hours - no prerequisiteAll students must have a currently valid CPR/First Aid certificate for student licensing. The school provides a CPR/First Aid course for all students enrolled in the Professional Massage Therapy Program presented by an instructor from the American Red Cross. The instructor demonstrates cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and basic first-aid methods. Students have the opportunity to practice the techniques on models of the human body.

Pathology43.0 hours - no prerequisiteThis course explains the physiological changes brought on by disease. Topics include: names, causes, and symptoms of diseases, risk factors associated with specific diseases, and changes resulting from various states of disease. Specific emphasis will be placed on the indications and contraindications for massage therapy.

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The instructors at St. Charles School of Massage Therapy are wonderful resources for our students. They draw on their deep knowledge of their specific subject areas, as well as years of professional practice in the field of massage therapy. Dedicated to providing a high quality learning experience for the students, our instructors emphasize individual attention in a supportive, educationally stimulating atmosphere.

Kathleen Crawford is the Director of St Charles School of Massage Therapy and Spa St Charles, a Licensed Massage Therapist, and is Certified by the International Institute of Reflexology. Kathleen has practiced massage therapy since 1983, and she is the Founder and Director of St. Charles School of Massage Therapy. She began her practice with Foot Reflexology, progressed into therapeutic massage, and pursued continuing educa-tion in many different modalities and advanced techniques. Kathleen teaches several courses, including Massage Therapy and Foot Reflexology, and she supervises students in the Student Clinic. In her private practice, Kathleen enjoys the challenge of working with clients who have not received relief for their conditions from conventional medical treatments, and she emphasizes client education to help people understand how to avoid many health problems.

James Crawford has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a law degree. He is a Licensed and Nationally Certified Professional Counselor, and he has taught courses in both the law and psychology at local colleges. James is a private practice counselor consultant, and has a private counseling practice at SCSMT. James is the instructor for the Stress Management course, where he uses his extensive knowledge about the causes and effects of stress to help students understand how stress can be reduced, for themselves and their clients.

Dr. Dennis James is a Licensed Chiropractor who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Southwest Missouri State University, and he is a 1998 graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic. Dr. James currently operates a private practice in St. Charles. He teaches all Anatomy and Physiology classes. He truly has a passion for an overall holistic health approach, and is very supportive of the school. Dr. James enjoys teaching and working with the students while making the classroom a fun, professional experience.

Debbie Flaugher is a Registered Nurse, holding a Diploma Degree in Nursing from Missouri Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. As a Nationally Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Nationally Certified in Medical Massage Therapy, Debbie brings a broad background of medical skills and massage practice to our school. She is a Natural Health Educator and specializes in Lymphatic, Oncology and Asian Bodywork therapies. She is the Full-time Day Medical Massage Program instructor, and is an instructor for the Professional Massage Therapy Training Program and various Continuing Education Classes.

FACULTY

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Maggie Fenimore is a licensed massage therapist and has practiced massage therapy for over 20 years. She currently teaches the aromatherapy and Polarity therapy classes, and has taught Aromatherapy approximately 10 years. Additionally, she is a certified Flower Essence practitioner and has recently become one of three Registered Aromatherapists in Missouri. Maggie maintains her massage therapy practice at Advanced Bodywork Center..

Jane Flanakin graduated with a B.A. in Human Resources in 1994 from Lindenwood College. She spent her early years in the Corporate world and has over 30 years of experience in working closely with people on many different levels. Consequently, she has strong interpersonal skills. She studied massage therapy at Oasis Health and Wellness Center and graduated from there in the Spring of 1995. In 2003 she graduated from the Institute of Structural Medicine where she completed 2000 hours in the Structural Integration modalities of Hellerwork and Structural Medicine. In addition to teaching, Jane maintains her own practice of Soft Tissue Restructuring, where educating the client is a main focus. Jane's love for teaching comes from watching the students progress from novice to expert, and getting to watch them explore and discover their own style.

Kerri Flaugher, BSHS, has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Maryville University, where she is currently working toward a Masters Degree of Physical therapy. At Maryville, Kerri held a teaching assistant position in the Gross Anatomy Lab, where she was responsible for teaching cadaver dissection, anatomy, and basic kinesiol-ogy to students, as well as assisting in developing lab exams. She has extensive experi-ence in working with the geriatric population, patients with chronic illness, and patients with mobility issues. She is currently the coordinator of the After-Hours aquatic program at a local physical therapy rehabilitation facility. Kerri enjoys teaching and has a wealth of knowledge in the health care field.

Lynae Wachter holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a Certificate in Women's Studies. She is also a graduate of the Chiropractic Assistant Certification Course from Logan College of Chiropractic. Lynae has been a massage therapist since 1994, is licensed by the State of Missouri and Nationally Certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She is also a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. Lynae is a Missouri State Licensed Esthetician and a Missouri State Licensed Instructor under the Cosmotology Board. She is a member of Associated Skin Care Professionals. Lynae is a certified aromatherapist and Reiki Master. As an instructor and clinic supervisor, Lynae brings a diverse and multi-layered perspective to her classroom.

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Parking is available in the lighted parking lot.

In the library-conference room, there is a computer workstation with internet access that is available for student use. The library contains over 100 books and other print materials.

Classroom equipment includes massage tables and accessories, a skeleton, anatomical charts, privacy screens, overhead projector, television and VCR, and slide projector. Students do not need to bring massage tables to class. These are provided for student use. Students bring their own linens for in-class practice and for the Student Clinic.

FACILITY AND LEARNING RESOURCES

St. Charles School of Massage Therapy is located in a quiet, professional building that was constructed in 1999. Other current tenants in the building include a computer com-pany, an accounting firm, and a real estate company. We signed our lease before the building was completed, thus offering the opportunity to custom design the space to meet the needs of our students and our clinic, and the special nature of our program.

The school and spa occupy 3,500 square feet of space, all located on the main floor of the building, including:• administrative and faculty offices• four large classrooms with folding walls that can be opened to create one large assembly space• room that doubles as the library and conference room• student lounge with vending machines stocked with a wide selection of beverages and snack foods, sink, refrigerator, and microwaves• student lockers located adjacent to the student lounge• handicap accessible facility

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Tuition, Required Fees, and Optional CostsThe cost of tuition for the 675-hour program is $10,000 and includes all necessary textbooks, CPR/First Aid, massage oils for classroom and clinic training.

In addition to tuition, students must pay the following required costs and fees (approx-imately $300.):Application fee $ 75.00 (non-refundable)Student License $ 25.00Professional liability insurance $ 49.00 - $94.00 (to provide coverage for massage students during the duration of the program) Graduation fee $ 50.00Clothing: Scrubs (top & pants) approximately $50.00 - $75.00Linens for use in classroom and clinic approximately $50.00 - $100.00

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Massage therapy is an emerging profession. The number of massage therapists practicing in the United States has increased substantially over the past decade, and important changes in educational standards, practice standards, and regulation have accompanied this growth. The profession is still developing, and more breakthroughs are occurring daily. Through professional associations like the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapists are working legislatively with regard to regulations that are fair and provide a good balance between protecting the public and protecting massage therapists’ freedom to practice the way they choose. There is still a tremendous amount of work to be done, and we encourage our students and graduates to stay informed about and participate in the further development of the profession.

Currently, massage therapists are licensed in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state. In unlicensed states, some cities have mas-sage licensing procedures. The State of Missouri passed a massage therapy licensing law in 2000. The law states that graduation from a 500-hour program that is certified to operate by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education is required to satisfy the require-ments for licensure. Since the St. Charles School of Massage Therapy is certified to operate by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, our graduates are eligible to apply for licensure once they have passed the National Certification Exam. We provide our students with information on how to apply for both the National Certification exam and the Missouri State license.

National certification is a requirement for licensure in several other states. The Board that administers the exam has published a program content outline listing all of the topics that are included on the exam. We use the outline for developing and refining our courses to provide our students with preparation for the exam. We cannot guarantee every question on the exam will be on material covered in our program, so we encourage our graduates to do supplemental reading and studying to complete their preparation for the exam. It is a mean-ingful certification process, and being nationally certified adds credibility to the qualifications that are important to potential clients, medical practitioners who may refer clients to massage therapists, and the general public.

Places of employment include salons, spas, medical offices, hospitals, and massage clinics. Income ranges from 40-50% of salon & spa fees for services to doctor’s offices who pay $15.00 per hour upward, and massage clinics which pay an hourly rate or commission. Most employers provide health insurance, vacation, and retail discounts. An additional benefit from salons and spas are reduced rates for specific services they offer.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS

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Required fees for the licensure process after completion of the program(approximately $700):National Certification Exam Fee $225.00Fingerprints/Background Check (professional) $38.00Provisional license fee $50.00Professional license fee $200.00 (every 2 years)Professional liability insurance approximately $200.00 - $250.00/yr.The following costs are for items that are optional:Administrative fees are as follows:Fee for late payment of tuition $5.00 per dayReturned check fee $15.00Lost handout or the use of copy machine $.10 per pageTutoring $35.00 per hour (fee may be divided by the number of individuals present for a group tutoring session)Make-up exams and other costs associated with completing make-up work See attendance / student handbook policyTesting Fee for credit for Prior Learning $150.00 Testing fee plus portion of tuitionAdditional copy of transcript or certificate $10.00Verification of Education $10.00Verification of Exam $10.00Optional massage equipment/accessories approximately $100.00 - $150.00

Payment PlansFinancial Aid ProgramsWe currently process aid for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsi-dized), and Federal Plus Loans. The first step for determining a student’s eligibility is to complete a FAFSA (either via the paper or online at www.fafsa.gov). Our school code number is 03817300. Financial Aid is determined on the basis of a family contribution schedule developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Pell Grants • U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizen • Eligibility depends upon financial status of student or parents’ finances • Maximum award is $3,038 • Awards that do not require repayment Stafford Loans • U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizen • Eligibility depends upon financial status of student or parents’ finances • Maximum award is $4,968 • Interest rate will never exceed 8.25% • Must be repaid PLUS Loans • Available only to parents of students who are under the age of 24 • Eligibility depends upon financial status of parents • Interest rate will not exceed 9% • Must be repaid

All Pell Grants, Federal Stafford and Federal PLUS Loans will be applied directly to any tuition and fees owed by the student.

Alternative LoansPrivate credit-based alternative loans through SLM Financial Corporation are available. Please call the school for the SLM loan application.

Methods of PaymentThe school accepts cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard credit cards.

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An application form is available at the school. When we have received the application form, the application fee, and the required documents, they will be reviewed for completeness.

We recommend that you file your application well in advance of the date on which you would like to enter the program. We may reach our maximum enrollment before the start date of the program that you have selected, so your early application can assure your place in the class. Also, we may have to cancel a start date if there is insufficient enrollment, so your early applica-tion may help avoid eliminating your selected entry date from our schedule. In either case, it is to your advantage to apply early.

Admissions policy regarding persons with special needsWe do not discriminate based on disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations for our students who are accepted into our program. During the interview process, we ask that prospective students who have any form of disability to inform the interviewer for the purposes of determining our capability to meet their particular need. We will review the information presented and discuss with other staff members several plans to address potential problems in our presentation of the course material. This will include various teaching methods, logistical accommodations and the special equipment neces-sary for a positive learning environment. After a plan is developed, we will schedule an appoint-ment to review the suggested plan and decide with the prospective student whether it will meet their learning needs. If we think we are unable to accommodate the presented disability, we will notify, in writing, the prospective student of our regret to admit them.

Enrollment ProceduresOnce a student contacts the school to request school information, there is a sequence of events that will happen before the student starts school. When the student first contacts the school, he/she will either request a school catalog/brochure to be sent or the student can come to the school to meet briefly with staff, tour the school, and pick up the catalog. Included with the catalog will be inserts with the following information: application, updated tuition cost, and any recent changes in school policy.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURESIn order to be considered for admission to the massage therapy program, applicants must:• have proof of identity via drivers license• have earned a high school diploma or legal equivalent• be at least 18 years of age (at time of graduation)• have received at least 2 massages from professional massage therapists• submit two letters of recommendation (from non-family members)• have an interview with the administrative staff• bring two, 2x2 photographs showing head and shoulders

PRIVATE ASSISTANCEIn the event that a student would not qualify for and/or receive any federal funding, a payment plan is provided for students who cannot pay the entire amount of tuition and required fees at the beginning of the program. The student must pay the application fee at the time of interview and $4,000.00 of the tuition no later than one week before the first day of classes. The remaining tuition for the Day Program may be paid in seven installments, and the remaining tuition for the Evening Program may be paid in twelve installments. The deposit is waived for students who pay the tuition via federal funding and will be allowed to pay the tuition balance in monthly installments according to the payment plan. All payments are due on the first day of each month. No interest is charged for the payment plan. Tuition assistance is available from the Veterans Administration and the Workforce Investment Act, and/or your state department of Vocational Rehabilitation if you qualify.

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STUDENT SERVICESJob PlacementAs the demand for massage therapy has grown over the past decade, opportunities for mas-sage therapists to become salaried or hourly employees have increased. As described in our Business Management course, various types of employment agreements are being established between massage therapists and employers, including salon and spa owners, physicians, chiropractors, hotels, athletic club and resort managers, as well as growing numbers of con-ventional and alternative medical practitioners. Traditionally, massage therapy has been a field in which practitioners have chosen to be self-employed. Massage therapists have con-ducted their own independent practices in a variety of settings, including treatment rooms in their homes and in private offices located in business and commercial buildings. Additional opportunities include home visits and on-site massage services in the workplace, using spe-cially designed massage chairs.

When you apply for admission to the program, please specify if you would like to receive credit for prior learning. After you have been accepted to the program, the School Director will make a determination on the amount of credit that you will be granted toward completion of the 675-hour program, according to the following guidelines:

• If you have taken an approved course in CPR/First Aid and hold a currently valid certifica-tion, you may be granted 5.5 hours of credit. You must maintain your certification, and it must be valid during a period of time that includes the date of your graduation from our school.

• If you have taken and passed courses in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology at an accredited 2- or 4-year degree-granting institution, you may be eligible for academic credit for 168 hours of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology in our program. You will be required to take a written and practical test administered by our instructors, and you must achieve a grade of 70% or above to receive credit toward our requirements. While you may receive a reduction in tuition, there will be a charge for the test, as well as a charge for the hours of credit. If you do not pass both tests, the $150 testing fee may be forfeited and you will be required to take the class. The charge for the hours of credit is typically one half of thenormal fee based on the current rate per classroom hour.

When considering applying for credit for prior learning, please keep in mind that the courses in our program are well integrated and relate specifically to massage therapy and the various bodywork modalities that we teach. It may be helpful to take courses you have already taken elsewhere as a refresher course and to prepare yourself to take the National Certification

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

After reviewing the catalog, the student will call to arrange an interview (bring application, all relevant information in admissions requirements and application fee to interview). After the interview, the completed application along with interview results will be reviewed by Assistant Director and Director. Upon acceptance, the student will be notified by phone or in writing. If the student is not accepted, the student will receive a written explanation of the details for a denial of admission.

Upon acceptance, the student must make the necessary down payment to receive the textbooks and an assured seat in the class. Please be aware that we may have to cancel a start date if

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While you are enrolled in our program, we encourage you to clarify your professional goals, and decide how and where you would like to practice. With a solid foundation of compre-hensive training and the proper motivation to work in this specialized field, graduates can create the kind of employment they desire. Our staff will provide you with placement assis-tance consisting of referrals to businesses that hire massage therapists, as well as advice and suggestions for achieving your goals. When the school receives phone calls from employers seeking to hire massage therapists, we post this information on a message board for graduates and students nearing graduation. While we do offer assistance in finding a job, we do not guarantee any employment for our graduates. If you would like further assistance, please ask the School Director. We do not guarantee that we will place you in a job.

CounselingThe School Director meets with students upon request, to provide academic counseling, and to discuss the student’s experience in the program and his or her progress toward meeting all of the program requirements.

It is not unusual for students to experience personal change and growth as a result of the high degree of touch that students give and receive during the program. The intensity of this expe-rience can bring to the surface a variety of emotions and memories. Students can take full advantage of this opportunity to increase their awareness, self-knowledge, and self-esteem by receiving personal counseling while they are enrolled in the program. The school maintains an agreement with a Licensed Professional Counselor, who understands the unique nature and challenges of our program. He is available for sessions that can be arranged in advance.

LibraryThe school provides a computer workstation in the library, as well as books and videotapes that students may use while they are at school. We encourage students to take full advantage of these resources, as they can enrich the learning experience and provide the student with information that we do not have time to cover in the massage training program.

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Cancellation and Tuition RefundsSTUDENT CANCELLATION RIGHTSAll monies paid shall be refunded to the student who wishes to cancel their enrollment within three (3) business days of signing their enrollment contract. If the student was eligible for fund-ing through various government agencies, and the school received this funding directly, then the school will refund directly to the specific agency. The School must receive a written notice of cancellation.

WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATIONShould a student terminate or withdraw from the program, the refund will be based on sched-uled hours of class attendance. Please note that termination of the program must be in writing in order to calculate a refund. The act of simply not showing up to class will not serve as a formal withdrawal. All school equipment must be returned to the school in good condition before any refunds are made. Leaves of absence and school holidays will not be counted as a part of class attendance.

If a student already enrolled in the program decides to withdraw before the program begins, and more than 3 days have passed since the signing of the enrollment agreement, the stu-dent will receive a refund of all monies paid, except the $75 application fee, which shall be retained by the school.

Should the student withdraw after instruction has begun, or should the student be dismissed from the program, the amount of the tuition refund will be calculated based on the scheduled class hours, according to the following refund policy:

TIME OF WITHDRAWAL OR DISMISSAL PERCENTAGE OF TUITION OWED BY STUDENT

1% to 10% of program.................................... up to 10%, plus $150 withdrawal fee11% to 24% of program.................................. up to 25%, plus $150 withdrawal feeSecond 25% to 50% of program....................... up to 50%, plus $150 withdrawal feeOver 51% of program............................................... 100%

In the case of prolonged illness, death in the family, or other circumstances that make it imprac-tical for the student to complete the course, the School may make a settlement that is reason-able and fair for both parties.

All refunds will be mailed to the student within 30 days of the student's notice of their effec-tive date of withdrawal. All textbooks, massage oils, massage table, and face cradle must be returned to the school before a refund is made to the appropriate person(s).

Standards of ConductStudents are required to follow all school policies and procedures. The Student Handbook contains all the Standards of Conduct, consisting of guidelines regarding a number of top-ics. Applicants will be provided with a Student Handbook on the first day of class. Topics include:

ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC POLICIES

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• Self-responsibility and Accountability• Appearance and Dress Code• Hygiene and Handwashing• Dressing, Undressing, and Nudity• Draping• Confidentiality• Dual Relationships and Appropriate Boundaries• Harassment• Discrimination• Personal Property• Academic Honesty• False Claims• Substance Abuse• Sale and/or Endorsement of Products or Services• Illness and Infectious Conditions• Smoking• Unsatisfactory Conduct

Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention InformationStudents are prohibited from using, abusing, possessing, exchanging, selling, and/or distrib-uting controlled substances (illicit drugs) and/or alcohol while on school premises or while engaged in any school-sponsored activity, including the fulfillment of any course requirement. Students are prohibited from coming to class while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Any of the above listed behaviors could lead to dismissal from the program. If a student needs alcohol or drug counseling, a counselor is available with advance notice.

As a natural health care provider, SCSMT believes that it should set high standards for the well-being of its students. Students are allowed to smoke in designated areas on SCSMT premises, but not to include the inside of the instructional rooms or other indoor spaces.

St. Charles School of Massage Therapy does not have an athletic program and no student athletes, and, therefore, has no statistics to report.

Additional PoliciesATTENDANCE/TARDINESS REQUIREMENTSOur program is very experiential in nature, and attendance is necessary to receive the full ben-efit of the training. An absence consists of missing class entirely, being more than 30 minutes late for class, or leaving class before the end of the session without the instructor’s approval. Tardiness disrupts both the instructor and the students; therefore, any student who arrives after roll has been taken shall be marked tardy. Three tardies shall be recorded as one absence. Three tardies in clinic will equal one hour of missed clinic and must be made up with approval of the Clinic Coordinator. If a student is absent for more than 10% of the massage therapy training program, the student may face disciplinary action, such as academic probation, and may not graduate as scheduled. The student will be required to complete additional work in order to come back into compliance with the attendance policy. All missed class time must be made up, regardless of whether or not the student has missed a total of more than 10% of the program, in order to complete the total number of program hours. Students must demonstrate their knowledge of all subject matter and must complete all assignments for any missed class.

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Should a student miss a test, it is to be taken on the day of return to school. Excessive absences resulting in the student being unable to complete the program in one and one-half times the program length will result in the student’s dismissal from the program. Students who miss five (5) consecutive school days without advance permission and an approved leave of absence will be dismissed from the program, unless acceptable written justification is received as soon as possible in case of emergency. The following fees are charged before students perform their make-up work:

$35 fee .......................hands-on examination$35 per hour ...............tutoring$25 fee .......................written examination (if taken outside of regular business hours)Up to $45 fee ..............clinic session (depending upon length of session)$45 fee .......................rescheduled weekend class

Numerical grade Letter grade 90 100% A 80 89% B 70 79% C 0 69% F

A grade of Incomplete ("I") will be granted only in cases of emergency. An "I" must be con-verted to a letter grade within 2 weeks of the date the exam was scheduled to be taken. The progress of each student is recorded on an academic report card every two months.

LEAVE OF ABSENCEThe programs provided by the school are not offered many times throughout the year. Therefore, when a student chooses to take a leave of absence from the program, it may not be possible to resume where they left off at a time that would be more convenient to the stu-dent. While the terms and financial agreements set forth in the original enrollment agreement will still apply, the student will need to pay extra charges if a leave of absence results in the student needing to repeat a course or a portion of a course. The maximum length of a leave of absence for the massage therapy training program is 6 months. Only one leave of absence is permitted for the duration of the program in which the student is enrolled. A request for a leave of absence must be submitted in writing to the School Director, who will approve or deny the request at her discretion. Depending upon the student’s circumstances, the student may find it simpler to withdraw from the program and re-apply at a later date.

GRADING

Students are tested regularly via written and practical exams. Exam dates are listed in the syllabus for each course. The School’s grading system for written and practical exams are as follows:

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Upon graduating from the program, the student will be provided with a "Certificate of Completion," stating that the student has satisfactorily completed a program of 675 hours of massage therapy training.

GRADUATION CERTIFICATE

In order to graduate from St. Charles School of Massage Therapy, the student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete the following requirements no later than one week before the scheduled graduation ceremony (Please discuss any extenuating circumstanc-es with the Director if more time is needed): • complete all assignments, tests, quizzes, clinic hours and make-up exams• achieve passing scores on all practical exams• fulfill all tuition and fee obligations• Financial Aid recipients of Federal Stafford & Family Plus Loans must attend a loan exit counseling session counseling.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESSIn order to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, students are required to: • receive no more than two failing grades in either Anatomy & Physiology or Massage Therapy curriculum throughout the entire program (tests must be re-taken and passed; the highest grade possible on a re-taken exam is 70%.)• maintain a letter grade of “C” or above • complete the entire program within a period of time equal to 1 and 1/2 times the scheduled length of the program• complete at least 1/2 of the program hours no later than a point that is halfway through the maximum time allowed for program completion • maintain compliance with the requirement to attend a minimum of 90% of the program • participate in and satisfactorily perform all clinical and practical learning exercises

Our graduates successfully gain employment, via working for an employer or going into busi-ness for themselves. Seventy-eight percent of students who started in 2005 graduated, and 62% of 2005 grads are currently practicing massage therapy.

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC POLICY A student whose GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on Federal Financial Aid Probation for the length of time equal to one grading period. The student must complete the following to come into compliance:

• Raise to a 2.0 GPA• Comply with attendance policy

Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of future disbursements for at least one grading period. Students who are dismissed from the program will not receive any Financial Aid disburse-ment.

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Student files are kept in locked file cabinets in the school office. Information in student files is considered confidential. Only those instructors and administrative staff members who have a legitimate need to know particular information will have access to student files. Students have the right to have access to their files, and students may inspect the contents of their files by making an appointment with the School Director. The school will release student information to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and to nationally recognized accrediting agen-cies, and when required by law, to judicial or law enforcement agencies. Student records will not be released to any other individual or organization without the student’s written consent. Students are required to sign an agreement giving their consent to release certain materials to prospective employers, schools and professional boards. A copy of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy ACT (FERPA) may be found in the Administrative offices at SCSMT.

ACCESS TO FILES

Grounds for Disciplinary Action• Failure to comply with policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress• Failure to make up-to-date and consistent payment of tuition and fees• Failure to comply with Standards of Conduct• Failure to comply with any school policies or procedures.

Types of Disciplinary Action• Warning: A warning consists of a written notice to a student that they may face more serious disciplinary action if they fail to fulfill specific requirements for main- taining compliance with specific school policies and procedures.

• Probation: Probation indicates that a student may continue in the program only under certain conditions. The length of the probationary period depends upon the portion of the program that the student has completed, as follows:

Percentage of Program Hours Completed Duration of Probationary Period 25% or less Until 50% of program is completed 26% to 50% Until 75% of program is completed 51% to 100% Until 100% of the program is completed

• Dismissal: Dismissal indicates that a student must discontinue all participation in the program. A student who fails to meet the conditions of probation may be dismissed. Additionally, a student may be dismissed without first receiving a Warning or being placed on Probation, at the discretion of the School Director, which typically occurs when a serious violation occurs that places the school or anyone in the school at risk of injury.

ProcedureWhenever a student is facing possible disciplinary action, the School Director will meet with the student, inform the student of the concern or apparent violation, listen to the student’s descrip-tion of special circumstances and/or their side of the story, and make a determination.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

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AppealsA warning may not be appealed. Probation or dismissal may be appealed. The student wishing to file an appeal must provide the School Director with a written explanation of the reasons for the appeal within 10 days of their receipt of notification of probation or dismissal. The Director will review the request, and may interview the student and/or any Instructor or administrative staff person who can provide helpful information. The Director will review all related information and decide that either the original determination of probation or dismissal will stand, or that the original determination shall be changed to either a warning or no dis-ciplinary action. The Director will give her final decision within 2 weeks of her receipt of the written request for an appeal.

STUDENT COMPLAINT POLICY AND PROCEDUREAs described in the section entitled Disciplinary Procedures, students may appeal disciplin-ary actions. Additionally, if a student believes that any member of the school community has treated him unfairly or inappropriately, the student may use the following complaint procedure. All individuals involved in a complaint procedure are expected to communicate with temper-ance and mutual respect in a responsible, honest, and direct manner. All efforts will be made to conduct the complaint procedure with the highest possible level of confidentiality. The steps in the complaint procedure are:

• Speak to the person with whom you have your concern to resolve the situation. If you have reason to fear repercussions from approaching the person directly, or if the two of you are unable to come to a resolution, proceed to Step 2.

• Speak to an Instructor of your choice to receive guidance on the matter. If no resolution results, proceed to Step 3. • Request a meeting with the School Director, who will speak to the individuals involved and help them come to a resolution. If the individuals are unable to come to a mutually agree-able resolution, the Director shall make a final decision, which may include conditions with which both individuals will be required to comply.

• Another alternate step could be to fill out a complaint form located in the library and give it to the School Director. There will be a response within 72 hours of receiving the complaint. Depending on the circumstances, an Incident Report may need to be completed andsubmitted to the Director. Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information.

If the student believes that this process has not resulted in a fair resolution of the complaint, the student may submit the complaint, in writing, to the Missouri Department of Higher Education at 3515 Amazonas Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 573-751-2361. Students may also access the web site (www.dhe.mo.gov.)

• A refund of the unused portion of tuition, fees, and other charges will be made to the fund-ing agency for the veteran or eligible persons who either fail to enter the program or complete the program. This policy is as required by the Department of Veterans Affairs Regulations, CFR 21.4255. The refund will be within 10% of an exact pro rata established at enrollment. The registration fee will be retained if an eligible person fails to enter the course.

• Prompt Refund: The refunded amount shall be paid within 30 days.

• Workforce Investment Act: No more than $100 of the established registration fee will be retained if the student fails to enter the course. Refunds of state board funds shall be accord- ing to 5 CSR (4) (E) 4.

Need HousingThe following websites allow you to perform a custom search for finding a house or apart- ment to live in while attending school. www.rent.com www.apartmentguide.com www.yourjournal.com www.stltoday.com/apartments

• Apartment Search” > “Select Location & Type” > “St. Charles County”

• Another option is to look for rooms to rent in houses. They can be found in the Journal and St. Louis Post-Dispatch

• Call the Assistant Director for further information on specific apartment complexes

REFUND POLICY FOR VETERANS / OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSONS

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COMTA Student Complaint PolicyIf a student believes that there is not a fair resolution of a complaint after going through the complete administrative procedures outlined in the Student Complaint Policy and Procedure section, the student may file a formal written complaint with the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). The COMTA complaint form and written procedures may be obtained from the office of the Director/Assistant Director. All formal complaints must be directed to COMTA at 1007 Church St.; Suite 302; Evanston, IL 60201.

Following are the number of crimes that occurred between January 1 - December 31, 2006, on St. Charles School of Massage Therapy premises which are reportable under the federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990:

• Murder 0• Rape 0• Robbery 0• Aggravated assault 0• Burglary 0• Motor vehicle theft 0• Arson 0• Hate Crimes 0 Race Gender Religion Sexual orientation Ethnicity Disability• Arrests 0 Liquor law violations 0 Drug violations 0 Weapons violations 0

Please report any and all crimes on campus to SCSMT administration and the St. Charles Police at (636) 949-3300.

CRIME STATISTICS

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(636) 498-0777 (636) 547-3068/FAX

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