NEW! WINW is now accepting applications
for the new, January – December 2009 program.

APPLY NOW!

The Program of Study

The curriculum consists of 705 hours of instruction and satisfies the requirements of the State of Wisconsin and national certification organizations. All of the core curriculum classes, clinical experience, and all weekend seminars are required.

Class times:

NOTE: TO SEE THE 2008-2009 ACADEMIC CALENDAR CLICK HERE

The Institute offers two choices for attendance:

A. Evening

Monday: 5:30-9:30 pm
Wednesday: 5:15-9:30 pm
Thursday: 5:00-9:30 pm

B. Day and Evening

Wednesday: 11:45 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday: 6:30-9:30 pm
Thursday: 12:30-6:15 pm

NOTE: TO SEE THE NEW, 2009 ACADEMIC CALENDAR CLICK HERE

January - December 2009 classes will meet:

Tuesday: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Wednesday: 5:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Thursday: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Core Curriculum

Hands-On Therapy: Massage Theory and Techniques
Mon. evening or Wed. afternoon
84 hours

This experiential class will be the core of the massage training program. Students will learn the movements, techniques, and treatment protocols for both relaxation massage and therapeutic work.

Massage Anatomy: Bones and Muscles
Mon. evening or Wed. afternoon
46 hours

Learn the names, placement and function of all the bones and muscles in the human body. A thorough knowledge of these two body systems is essential to the massage therapist. This class is taught in conjunction with Hands-On Therapy.

Meditation and Personal Growth
Mon. evening or Wed. afternoon
10 hours

This class will help you learn to deal with the stress and traumas of everyday life. Meditation techniques and journaling will be taught in a comfortable, non-intrusive environment.

Anatomy and Physiology: East Meets West
Wed. evening
105 hours

This class will cover the anatomy and physiology of all organ systems from both scientific Western and traditional Chinese medical perspectives. The Chinese meridians, point location and their uses for the massage therapist will be taught.

Massage Lab

Thurs. afternoon or Thurs. evening
105 hours

This study/practice lab is a supervised, structured lab that gives the student a chance to practice massage techniques, do research, use the library resources, and attend lectures by healthcare practitioners.

Clinical Experience
In addition to regularly scheduled classes
100 hours

Students must complete 55 hours of supervised, clinical massage outside of regularly scheduled classes. Hours will come from a staff-supervised clinic (26 hours), externships at community outreach sites (14 hours), and staff evaluations (15 hours). An additional 45 practice hours will be assigned and reviewed in class.

T'ai Chi and Yoga
Wed. evenings
35 hours

Tai Chi, a graceful Chinese exercise, is taught in order for the student to learn efficiency of movement and correct posture. Yoga will continue these objectives. These disciplines are extremely helpful in preparation for long hours of massage work.

Pathology for Massage Therapists
Thurs. evenings, Term 1
19 hours

This class looks at disease and condition pathologies that the therapist may encounter in their practice. It will teach indications and contraindications.

Kinesiology and Assessment
Thurs. evenings, Terms 2 and 3
25 hours

The study of movement determined by anatomy, physiology and mechanical forces. Students will learn muscle function and muscle testing techniques.

Weekend Seminars (part of the core curriculum)
176 hours

There will be nine required weekend intensives plus an eight-hour CPR/first aid class. Seminars will run all day Saturday and Sunday from 9 am–5 pm. Shiatsu and Thai Massage I will be held on two weekends and will include Friday evenings from 5 pm–9 pm. CPR is a one-day program.

CPR Training
8 hours

This will be offered at the Institute or you may take it at a variety of off-campus locations, at your expense. Please consult with the school’s director.

Tui Na
32 hours

Translates as “push pull.” This Chinese modality is the deepest structural work of all the Asian modalities. Students will also be taught gua sha, cupping and moxibustion. Many of the techniques learned can be incorporated into Western massage.

Reiki
16 hours

A Japanese technique that focuses the therapist’s energy to balance the energy of the client. It involves specific healing techniques in the laying on of hands. An introduction to Bach Flowers will also be presented.

Introduction to Feldenkrais
16 hours

A somatic movement therapy that works with an individual's awareness of his or her own sensory/motor processes. Enhanced awareness leads to improved muscle function, better health, and more energy.

Shiatsu
20 hours

A Japanese technique that translates as “finger pressure.” This bodywork technique relies on pressure applied to specific acupuncture points for the alleviation of muscular aches and pains.

Business and Marketing
16 hours

This class will cover opening a private practice, tax and legal issues, working in allied healthcare and spas or opening your own practice. Marketing your business is emphasized. A panel of graduates will share their business experiences.

Medical Intake and Assessment
16 hours

Learning to assess the client's condition and needs before developing a treatment strategy is of critical importance for the therapist. Indications and contraindications for the client as well as resource materials for the working therapist will be addressed.

Thai Massage
36 hours

The ancient and revered art of touch with the intention to impart healing. Students will learn a sequence of soft tissue pressing, stretching and twisting techniques using hands, elbows, forearms, knees and feet to achieve a state of harmony and health in body, mind and spirit.

Myofascial Therapy
16 hours

This is an introduction to myofascial therapy which teaches the importance of therapist-guided stretching of fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds all muscles). This technique can increasing muscles flexibility, unblock restrictions and reduce pain patterns.

Advanced Standing

The Institute may consider granting advanced standing for prior education and training for entrance into our program. With advance standing, tuition will be determined by the director, based on the number of class hours needed.

A portfolio review can be done with advice and help in achieving the required 600 hours for Wisconsin registration. There will be a $200 fee for this review.

Performance Evaluation

Students are evaluated by a variety of methods that include written tests, oral presentations, practical hands-on tests, classroom observation and student reports. Students will receive progress reports two times during the school year and a formal transcript at graduation.

Grading

A: 92-100%
B: 85-91%
C: 79-84%
D: 75-78%
F: Below 74%

Students are expected to maintain a grade of at least 75% in each class to continue in the program and to complete the program. Students are offered extra tutorial time, extra reading assignments and added quizzes to help maintain their grades. Students not maintaining grades of at least 75% will be placed on probation. A probationary period of four weeks to raise grades will be in place before a student will be dismissed. After being dismissed, students will be allowed to re-apply for the next year’s class following an interview with the school's director.

Classroom Conduct

• Classroom behavior that could cause public comment that is detrimental to the profession is prohibited.

• Students are taught and practice professional draping techniques. Genital areas and breasts are covered at all times and classroom nudity is prohibited.

• Respect for the diverse views of classmates will promote trust and maximize learning for all.

• Attentiveness to all instructors at all times is expected. This honors their role as teachers and each student's right to learn.

• The dress code is casual, comfortable and semi-professional. Provocative clothing is prohibited.

• As an adult learning experience, students are held responsible for all tests, assignments, research and clinical experience.

• The Institute is a smoke-free environment.

The Institute will dismiss students for unsatisfactory conduct. These students will not be readmitted.

Student Complaints

Student complaints are handled fairly and promptly by teaching and administrative staff. Students are encouraged to evaluate each class and voice their concerns. The Institute takes all complaints seriously and works to make necessary adjustments for the benefit of the students and the enhancement of the program.

Attendance/Tardiness

The state requires total compliance with the 600 hours of training. Students are required to attend all scheduled classes. All hours missed must be made up.

1. Excused and Unexcused Absences: Students are expected to inform the instructor prior to missing class. Unexcused absences will be noted in the student's file. All absences must be made up.

2. Promptness: All classes are expected to begin and end on time. Students must be in class, ready to begin on time or will be considered tardy. More than 15 minutes late and the student will need to make up an hour.

3. Weather Cancellations: Cancellations due to snow will be scheduled for a later date. Check with school in instances of questionable weather.

4. Make-up Policy: Both content and hours need to be made up.

5. Missed seminars must be made up by taking off campus seminars (approved by the director) at the student’s expense. Documentation is required.

6. Probation/Dismissal: Any student missing more than two weeks of classes will be put on probation. Any student accruing more than four hours of tardiness (see#2) will be put on probation. He/She will remain on probation until the time is made up. A student who continues to accrue absences or tardies, while on probation, may be dismissed from the program.

Library

Lab time is set aside for students to utilize the on-site reference materials in the library including books, charts, video tapes, audio tapes, and DVDs on anatomy, physiology, traditional Chinese medical philosophy and treatment modalities. Books covering many topics of alternative medicine and self-help may be checked out by students. The library keeps current and back-issues of three massage journals that keep students up to date on industry trends. The library is designed to further expand the student's knowledge of massage, the human body, and the growing field of alternative medicine.

Registration/Licensing/Certification

Registration/Licensing/Certification laws vary from one state to another and prospective students are urged to contact their state or municipality to learn particulars. Wisconsin has a Certification procedure for all massage therapists and bodyworkers. There is the minimum requirement of attendance at a school with a 600 hour program and the passing of the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Graduates of our program qualify to sit for the NCETMB. This exam allows our graduates to then apply for Wisconsin State Certification as a massage therapist.

School Certification and Affiliation

Approved and Regulated: Wisconsin's Educational Approval Board (EAB)

Institutional Member: Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), American Massage Therapy Association's (AMTA) Council of Schools, Upledger Institute Registry of Schools

Approved for:

Veterans Benefits: State Approving Agency (SAA), Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TTA) Benefits, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Sallie Mae Financial

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