C l a s s e s
b e g i n
F a l l 2 0 1 3
S c h o o l C a ta l o g
W e l c o m e !
Whether you are just curious about the
healing arts or seriously interested in pursuing entry into the
professional field of manual therapies, we encourage your
exploration of our school.
Massage therapy is one of the most rapidly growing
professions in alternative health care.
In fact, massage is becoming main-stream and a well-trained,
motivated therapist can
Create their own work environment
Be self employed
Work in a spa, clinic or medical office
Travel and work on a cruise ship
Establish their own work hours
Become financially secure
G o o d l u c k i n y o u r s e a r c h f o r k n o w l e d g e ,
a n d t h a n k y o u f o r r e v i e w i n g o u r c a t a l o g .
S c h o o l o f M a s s a g e
Located in the foothills of
the Blue Ridge Mountains
of North Georgia and only
90
minutes
north
of
Atlanta, the small town
ambience
of
Ellijay
is
perfect for expanding your
personal growth in the
healing arts. Close to
hiking,
biking,
water
sports, relaxation, and the
Appalachian
Trail,
your
experience here will feed
your mind, body and soul.
The Massage Therapy Certification Program is a 755
hour training program that is divided into four 11
week quarters. This program will take one year to
complete.
Classes meet on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
nights from 5:30pm to 10:30pm; and three
Saturdays per quarter, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
After successful completion of the Massage Therapy
Certification Program, you will be eligible to take the
NCBTMB Exam or the MBLEX Exam, in order to apply
for your Massage Therapy License.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have a high school diploma or have a
GED and have command of the English language.
You must be a citizen of the United States of
America.
You must be of sound moral character (must be
able to pass a background check as required by
the state of Georgia to obtain a license).
You must successfully complete the Application
for Admission and all Admission Procedures as
outlined in the Application Checklist located on
page 12 of this catalog.
Enrollment Requirements
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755 Hour
Massage Therapy Certification Program
$ 100
Non-Refundable Application Fee
$ 100
Technology Fee
$ 50
Student Insurance
$ 300
Textbooks
$ 150
Supplies
$7,375
Tuition
$8,075
Grand Total
$30/hour Tutoring Fee (optional)
Payment plans are available - please contact
the Director of Administration for details.
Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Cohutta Healing
Arts Institute is in downtown Ellijay. Our facility is a
self-contained historic building of approximately 3000 sq. ft.,
comprised of classrooms, individual treatment rooms, a
media center, a student lounge and administrative areas.
Our location provides ample parking and is within walking
distance of restaurants and shopping.
Our classrooms are equipped with custom seating,
massage tables, and projectors for multi-media
interfacing. Students will have the benefit of muscle and
joint models as well as a life-sized skeleton. We offer
students the use of a full kitchen located in our student
lounge. Outdoor seating is also available during breaks.
S c h o o l o f M a s s a g e
E d u c a t i o n a l E n v i r o n m e n t
Quarter: 1st
Prerequisites: None Total Hours: 19
I n t r o d u c t i o n t o M a s s a g e T h e r a p y
This course introduces the art and science of massage therapy, from historical information to present day innovations and research literacy. The elements of massage therapy as well as an introduction to their application is covered in this course.
Quarter: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Prerequisites: Must be Sequential Total Hours: 311
A n a t o m y & P h y s i o l o g y I , i i , i i i , i v
These courses provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. Topics include: cells/tissues/organs, systems of the body, pathology, and how massage therapy can influence the body.
Quarter: 2nd
Prerequisites: Introduction to Massage Therapy Total Hours: 105
M a s s a g e T h e o r y & A p p l i c a t i o n
This course offers an overview of massage theory including benefits, assessment, and plan of care. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to perform basic Swedish Massage.
Quarter: 3rd
Prerequisites: Massage Theory & Application Total Hours: 91
A d v a n c e d T e c h n i q u e s
Provides insight for the development of skill levels required to be a competent massage therapist. This course includes such concepts as Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Postural Muscle Assessments, Muscle Energy Techniques, Acupressure, and Decongestive Techniques that will be needed for specific client populations.
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Quarter: 1st
Prerequisites: None Total Hours: 69
Quarter: 2nd, 3rd, & 4th
Prerequisites: Introduction to Clinical Internship Total Hours: 85
C l i n i c a l I n t e r n s h i p I , i i , i i i
This course offers supervised opportunities to practice massage therapy techniques on actual clients in a clinical setting. Clients will be able to provide valuable feedback to their student therapist.
B u s i n e s s & M a r k e t i n g
This course prepares you for a successful career as a Licensed Massage Therapist by giving you the tools you need to own and operate your own business. Topics include business ethics, planning, marketing strategies, taxes, laws, and business management.
Quarter: 4th
Prerequisites: Introduction to Massage Therapy, Massage Theory & Application, Advanced Techniques Total Hours: 31
C a s e S t u d i e s & E x a m R e v i e w
This course allows the student to examine various case studies in order to test their knowledge in creating the appropriate treatment plan. Sample Board Examination questions will be used to test the student’s readiness for the NCBTMB or MBLEX Exam.
Quarter: 4th
Prerequisites: Introduction to Massage Therapy, Massage Theory & Application, Advanced Techniques Total Hours: 44
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S c h o o l o f M a s s a g e
I n t r o d u c t i o n t o C l i n i c a l I n t e r n s h i p
This course provides students with an orientation to clinical policies and procedures. Course includes such topics as hygiene, sanitation, safety, body mechanics, indications and contraindications for massage therapy.
E d u c a t i o n a l T e a m
J e n n i f e r H o u l e , N D , L M T
D i r e c t o r o f E d u c a ti o n , C h i e f E x e c u ti v e O ffi c e r , I n s t r u c t o r
A dedicated and compassionate holistic health care provider, Jennifer Houle, ND,
LMT has been in the Massage Therapy industry since her graduation from the
Humanities Center School of Massage in 1999. In 2010, Jennifer graduated from
Trinity School of Natural Health with a Doctorate in Naturopathy.
Ever the consummate teacher, Jennifer is also an Approved Provider of Continuing
Education for the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
She writes and lectures on various massage topics nationwide and was the Lead
Instructor in the Massage Therapy Program at North Georgia Technical Institute in
Blairsville, GA. She welcomes the opportunity to share her many years of knowledge and experience with
the next generation of massage therapists.
Jennifer Houle, ND, LMT will be offering instruction in the areas of massage theory & history, anatomy &
physiology, massage technique & clinical internship, business & marketing, and case studies.
P a t r i c i a B a b i n , N D , D i p l . A B T ( N C C A O M ) , R Y T 2 0 0
D i r e c t o r
o f
A d m i n i s t r a ti o n ,
C h i e f
F i n a n c i a l
O ffi c e r ,
I n s t r u c t o r
With a view toward holistic lifestyles and living, Patricia Babin brings her experience as
a registered Jin Shin Do ® Bodymind Acupressure® practitioner, Naturopathic Doctor,
Yoga Instructor and Reiki Energy therapist to the Cohutta Healing Arts Institute. With a
foundational knowledge of the human body learned through nursing school and
extensive training in Anatomy and Physiology geared toward the body worker,
she possesses a unique synthesis of training in both Western and Eastern
modalities and a keen interest in all human sciences.
As a successful business owner for over 20 years, Patricia has a
unique perspective to bring to the classroom – not only how to
teach her students about the human body, Asian therapies,
nutrition and exercise, but also how to guide graduating
massage therapists into the practical world of marketing,
management and business.
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J i l l D a r l i n g , D C
S t u d e n t A d v i s o r , I n s t r u c t o r
Jill Darling, DC has been a chiropractor since her graduation from
Life University in 1992. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from
Eckerd College where she majored in Biology and minored in Human
Resources and is the owner of Back to Basics Chiropractic in Ellijay, GA. Dr.
Darling works closely with massage therapists where the cooperation between
chiropractic and massage therapy has greatly enhanced the patient outcomes and
experiences in her private practice.
As an Instructor, as well as Student Advisor, at the Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, Jill will
be offering instruction in the areas of anatomy and physiology. She will also be guiding the students
through their journey of education, licensing, and eventual career options.
A n n a J u n k i n s , L M T
I n s t r u c t o r
A practicing massage therapist since graduating from Lake Lanier School of Massage in
2004, Anna Junkins was also an instructor in the Massage Therapy Program at North
Georgia Technical College in Blairsville, GA.
Teaching a range of therapeutic massage techniques will allow her students to be as
prepared as possible for real world applications. She will also teach anatomy & physiology,
massage theory & history, and exam review.
D o r o t h y H u n t , L M T
I n s t r u c t o r
Dorothy Hunt, LMT has been a practicing massage therapist since her graduation from
Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in 2009, where she also was a teaching assistant in
neuromuscular therapy and did private tutoring to help prepare students for graduation.
She has since worked in both therapeutic settings, such as chiropractic offices, and in spa
settings.
As an instructor in therapeutic massage techniques as well as energetic techniques,
Dorothy brings a wide range of experience to share with her students.
How do I start?
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Today’s Date: _____/_____/_____
Last Name: __________________ First: __________________ Middle: _______
Birthdate: _____/_____/_____ M / F S.S. #: _________________________
Address: _____________________________City/ST/Zip____________________
Home Phone #: (_____) ______-________ e-mail: ________________________
Cell Phone #: (_____) ______-________
Occupation: ____________________
Work Phone #: (_____) ______-________ Employer: _____________________
Emergency Contact: ____________________ Phone #: ____________________
Education: ___ High School Diploma ___ GED ___ College or Trade School
If you have any physical limitations and/or learning disabilities that will necessitate special
accommodations during your education here please list details and special needs:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Do you hold any professional licenses in this or other states? ___ Yes ___ No
If so, state & license #: ________________________ Exp. _________________
Have you been convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic violation?
___ Yes ___ No If Yes, please explain: ____________________________
__________________________________________________________________
A background check is required for admission to our program. Do you agree to the
background check & agree to submit additional information if required? ___Yes ___ No
It is our duty to inform you that your admission to and completion of the Massage Therapy Certification Program is not a guarantee that you will receive a license. The Georgia Massage Therapy Board has the statutory authority to deny a license to anyone found to be deficient in moral character. Your signature indicates that you attest that everything on this application is true and that you understand that Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, Inc. is not making any claims that you are guaranteed to receive a massage therapy license.
Signature: __________________________________ Date: _________________
Return this Application for Admission to the Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, Inc. located
at 29 North Avenue, Ellijay, GA 30540.
Application for Admission
Application Checklist
The following documentation must be attached to your Application for Admission.
Applications with incomplete documentation will not be considered.
Copy of your driver’s license or passport
Copy of your Social Security card
Certified copy of your high school diploma or GED
Copy of any other professional licenses you hold (if applicable)
Non-refundable Application fee of $100
Once you have submitted your Application for Admission you will need to schedule an
interview with a Director of Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, Inc. You will need to complete and
bring the following documentation to the interview so that the Director can sign off that you
have submitted all the required forms. This does not guarantee that you will be accepted, but
all the required documentation is necessary for the consideration process to begin:
Signed copy of your Student Contract Form
Copy of your Financial Plan Form
Professional Letter of Reference
Personal Letter of Reference
A personally written, typed, one page essay describing your interest in becoming a
massage therapist
Sign off of a Director of Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, Inc. obtained during the interview
Notes: ______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Scheduled Interview Date & Time: _______________________
Director’s Sign Off: ___________________________________________________________
Return this Application Checklist to the Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, Inc. located
at 29 North Avenue, Ellijay, GA 30540.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the massage therapy certification program?
The Massage Therapy Certification Program is a 755 hour training program that is divided into four 11 week
quarters. This program will take one year to complete. Classes meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights
from 5:30pm to 10:30pm; and three Saturdays per quarter, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
How much does the program cost?
A quality massage therapy education is an investment in your future. The Cohutta Healing Arts Institute Massage
Therapy Certification Program includes 50% more hours than is required by the state of Georgia and is priced below
industry averages. Please see page 5 of this catalog for further details.
Does Cohutta Healing Arts Institute offer or administrate federal grants or Title IV funding?
No
Does Cohutta Healing Arts Institute offer student tuition accounts or payment plans?
Yes. Talk with the Director of Administration for details.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Talk with the Director of Administration for details.
What happens when I’ve graduated?
You will be required to take a licensing exam, and once you’ve passed, you will need to apply to the State of Georgia
Massage Therapy Board for a license to practice.
Where will I work?
Most graduates eventually establish a private practice, but many graduates will gain their initial employment
experience in group practices, salons and day spas, chiropractic clinics, retirement homes, on-site massage services,
hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and in integrative psychotherapeutic practice.
More information about the placement services offered by Cohutta Healing Arts Institute can be found on page 14.
Participation in the Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, School of Massage is not a guarantee of employment. Placement services are available for those students who have completed the program and become licensed in the state in which they are seeking employment. Placement services include:
Job postings from companies interested in hiring Licensed Massage Therapists.
Presentations from potential employers or franchise organizations.
Self-employment training.
Licensed Massage Therapist Profile Listings - Resumes & General Information.
Alumni of the Cohutta Healing Arts Institute will be granted access to our placement services. However, if the Cohutta Healing Arts Institute receives complaints regarding an alumni, we reserve the right to restrict access to our placement services.
P l a c e m e n t S e r v i c e s
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A t t e n d a n c e P o l i c y
Consistent attendance is essential for the successful completion of the program. Courses cover a great deal of information in a short period of time and much of what you learn is acquired through hands on work.
Attendance is based on “clock hours.” A total of 10 clock hours of absences or tardies is allowed per quarter. Since each class is generally 5 hours in length, this means that you can only miss 2 classes during each quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for makeup of time and work. Any missed test or quizzes must be made up during office hours within 7 days of the absence. Missed hours may be made up within 7 days of the absence with private tutoring offered at $30 per hour. If a student is absent for 4 class days without notifying the school, they will be automatically withdrawn on the fourth day.
Reenrollment is only available if the student withdrew in good academic and financial standing. Students wishing to reenroll must interview with the school directors for approval.
Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class. Students are considered late 10 minutes after the class start time. Leaving more than 10 minutes early will also constitute tardiness. Arriving late or leaving early 30 minutes or more is considered an absence. If you are tardy 3 times in one quarter, it will be considered the same as one absence. Eight tardies are considered to be excessive, and are cause for dismissal.
Students may take a leave of absence only if they are in good academic standing at the time of leave. If they are absent for more than 10 hours during the quarter, they may be required to start that quarter over again the next time it is offered. Students also have the option of making up the classes via private tutoring at the rate of $30 per hour pending approval by the Director of Education.
Cohutta Healing Arts Institute, Inc. offers
post-graduate education in the same
tradition as its entry-level training.
Continuing Education courses are designed
to be relevant to the current needs of the
massage therapy industry.
In addition, the instructors are selected
based on their experience in the areas of
instruction.
Schedule of continuing education courses is
available online at:
w w w . m a s s a g e c e u s - n w c . c o m
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R e f u n d P o l i c y
A full refund of all tuition and fees will be issued if Cohutta Healing Arts Institute receives written notice of cancellation within 3 business days of signing the student contract.
If a student withdraws before half of the term is completed, they will receive a prorated refund of their tuition. Only tuition is eligible for refund once the first term has begun as the fees have been used to purchase the instructional items to pay for services that are non-refundable.
Prorated tuition refund is based upon the portion of the program completed at the time of written request of withdrawal. The prorated tuition fee schedule and refund schedule for students is as follows:
Program completion Amt Charged for Education Received Refund Percentage of Total Tuition 1% - 9% (less than 4 wks) $ 368.75 95%
10% - 24% (more than 4 wks but less than 11 wks) $1843.75 75% 25% - 49% (more than 11 wks but less than 22 wks) $3687.20 50% 50% - 99% (more than 22 wks) $7375.00 0% After the completion of 50% or more of the program, the student is not entitled to a refund.
All approved refunds shall be made within 30 days of the date of withdrawal as determined by the receipt of the written request of withdrawal.
In the event of injury, illness or other extenuating circumstance that makes completing the program impossible, Cohutta Healing Arts Institute will allow the student to take a leave of absence while retaining all hours earned in the quarters completed and resume at the beginning of the incomplete quarter without financial penalty. The student must complete all required quarters of instruction within a period of 2 calendar years from the start date of their first quarter. Students can take a leave of absence only if they are in good academic and financial standing at the time of their leave. Students will need to meet with the Directors for readmission approval.
S t u d e n t R e c o r d s
Cohutta Healing Arts Institute maintains student records via an offsite computer backup system. Students may view these records at any time by scheduling an appointment with the Director of Administration. Upon completion of the program and payment of all outstanding balances students will receive transcripts and a Certificate . Additional Certificates may be purchased for $10 each with a written request. Transcripts sent to other educational institutions are processed free of charge with a written request. Personal copies of transcripts may also be requested in writing for a fee of $5.
M a k e - u p P o l i c y
It is the responsibility of the student to make up classes missed, which may affect their integration of information. It is advised that students who miss a class contact classmates and/or seek private tutoring available at $30 per hour. Tutoring must be arranged with an instructor and should not be used for undocumented excessive absences.
G r a d i n g P o l i c y
We feel that regular evaluation of a student’s progress is important, whether it be in academic areas or in the area of massage techniques. All examinations, whether in the academic or hands -on areas, are scored as follows:
A 90 - 100%
B 80 - 89%
C 70 - 79%
69% and below is unsatisfactory
The student must be maintaining a 70% average or above on all tests within a specific class during each quarter of enrollment. The student is allowed to retake one test each quarter for a total of 4 retakes. However, retakes are only used if a student has failed a test and needs to retake the test to maintain the 70% average for that quarter. If a student’s average falls below the 70% minimum average, the student will be placed on academic probation. The student will be given 3 weeks to bring up their average or the student will be dropped from the class. The student may obtain private tutoring at $30 per hour to attempt to bring up their average.
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D r e s s C o d e
It is expected that all students will take personal responsibility in the area of grooming while they are in school. We recommend limiting or eliminating your use of colognes and perfumes, as multiple -fragrances can be overpowering, and many people are sensitive or allergic to some fragrances. Please avoid the smell of smoking on your breath by using appropriate products. Students are expected to wear either t -shirts, polo -shirts, or dress shirts and slacks or shorts (no shorter than fingertip length) during class times. During clinical internship, scrubs must be worn and hair must be pulled away from your face.
S t u d e n t C o n d u c t
Students at Cohutta Healing Arts Institute know that our mission is to guide them toward the adoption of professional skills, behaviors and ethics. For those who are unable to integrate these expectations, the Director will provide a Notice of Concern; if change does not occur, the student will be asked to leave in the best interest of the group. Students demonstrate respect for their instructors, as well as respect for their classmates, by working toward the common goal of attainable excellence for all. Students can reference their student contract for specific conduct that will require immediate termination from the program.
E n v i r o n m e n t
Cohutta Healing Arts Institute is a Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free environment. Should a student come to school under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances, they will be immediately dismissed. The purpose of this policy is to assure our students and the public we serve that massage therapists are professionals and provide their clients a safe environment in which massage is performed in a focused, centered, and caring manner. Tobacco is prohibited from being used on school grounds. If tobacco products are used during breaks, it is essential to take steps to eliminate the smell from clothing.
T r a n s f e r r i n g C r e d i t s
Unfortunately at this time we are unable to recognize credits from other educational institutions.
S c h o o l C r e d e n t i a l s
Cohutta Healing Arts Institute is authorized by the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission in the state of Georgia to offer a certification program in massage therapy.
