Alabama Massage School

Curriculum Format & Content720-Hour Certification Program
RMI offers a 720-hour certification program in Clinical Neuromuscular Massage Therapy. Our standards and hours surpass those set by the State of Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and the National Certification Board of Massage and Bodywork. New classes begin every Spring and Fall, and are offered in a full time day program or art time evening/weekend program.

Full Time Day
The full time class is approximately 6 months in length. Class times are 8:30 - 11:30 am and 12:30 - 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Friday classes vary according to class scheduled. Regular classes are 3 hours in length. Student Clinics are 5.5 hours in length. There is an additional 15 hours of Community Events as well as Bodywork homework sessions and academic study hours required outside of the class schedule.

Part time Evening/Weekend
The evening/weekend class is approximately 14 months in length. Class times are 6:00 - 9:00 pm two evenings per week. Monday/Wednesday in the Fall class and Tuesday/Thursday in the Spring class. There is one full weekend of classes each month, Friday evening 6:00 - 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Beginning about the fourth month of school there is an additional Saturday per month scheduled for Student Clinic. The clinics are 5.5 hours in length. There is an additional 15 hours of Community Events as well as Bodywork homework sessions and academic study hours required outside of the class schedule.

Course Descriptions

Anatomy & Physiology
(132 hours) - A&P is the study of the structure and function of the systems of the body. Students gain an in-depth knowledge of the skeletal system, joints, and muscles. Hands-on, experiential techniques are blended with lectures allowing for practical applications to enhance a thorough understanding of the human body.

Swedish Massage
(100 hours) - Learn draping, body mechanics, interview skills, massage benefits, indications, contra indications and begin to explore the value of touch. This course includes Swedish History, Theory, and the traditional techniques of Effleurage, Petrissage, Vibration, Friction, Tapotement and Joint Movement.

Deep Tissue Massage
(89 Hours) - Students explore the power of intention in their work and integrate effective and efficient strokes which release tension lying deep in the tissue. Students also learn the effects of stress and pain on the body and are taught specific techniques to work muscles and fascia to hydrate and improve circulation as well as release fibrous tissue.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
(90 hours) - NMT is a specific pain-relief technique that treats trigger points located in the soft tissue of the body. The coursework details the physiological reasons NMT technique is effective when working with chronic pain. Students learn to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, TMJ dysfunction, and chronic low back, neck and shoulder pain.

Somatic Education
(18 hours) - Somatics explores the retraining of nervous system patterns that frequently lock people into tension, inefficient movement and poor posture. The body/mind connection is central to this educational system. Through gentle movements that become increasingly complex, the nervous system is challenged with new strategies for coping and increased flexibility. This course includes the theory, origin, and important influences and issues in a supportive environment.

Business
(27 hours) - This course is designed to prepare students to maintain a successful massage therapy practice. Areas covered include business promotion, management, basic accounting, and clinical business practice skills. The program is designed specifically for massage therapists and is presented in a fun and practical format.

Pathology
(27 hours) - Pathology is the study of the scientific nature of disease, dysfunction or injury. The classes use case studies with topics such as Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Joint Replacements, Diabetes and Disorders of the Spine.

Ethics
(27 hours) - Ethics investigates the areas within the human scope of communication, client-therapist relationship, boundaries, self awareness, and creativity. Students are encouraged to share life experiences and issues in a supportive environment.

Student Clinic
(75 hours) - Student Clinics assist students in making the transition from student to professional massage therapist. Students are responsible for marketing, appointment scheduling, and operation of the clinic. Supervisors are present to give one-on-one feedback to the students as they gain priceless experience managing their student business.

Community Events
(15 hours) - Community Events provide an opportunity for students to work with the public at sporting events, health fairs, or nursing home facilities under the supervision of instructors.

Hydrotherapy & Spa
(18 hours) - Hydrotherapy is the study of the healing properties of water. Students learn the therapeutic techniques of hot and cold applications using a variety of modalities. Spa techniques include body polish, salt glow, aroma wrap and an introduction to hot stone therapy.

Allied Massage
(61 hours) Allied Massage classes include many techniques to expand students’ scope of knowledge. Techniques may encompass: Prenatal, Chair and Oriental Massage, Reflexology, Chakra information, an introduction to Reiki, and Blind Dance classes.

Allied Classes
(13 hours) - These classes include subjects such as S.O.A.P. charting, CPR Certification, HIV/AIDS prevention education and a review class to help prepare students to sit for the NCBTMB examination.

Financial Information

Application Fee - $65.00 - This fee must be sent in with the completed application form and is non-refundable.

Payment plans are available. RMI is approved for Sallie Mae student loans. These federally backed loans for education provide an excellent source of loan funds for school tuition and supplies. Students must apply to RMI and be accepted as a student before the loan application can be submitted.

RMI is an approved provider for Veterans Administration and Vocational Rehabilitation benefits.

Red Mountain Institute’s Clinical Neuromuscular Massage Therapy certification program has been approved by: The State of Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. Private school license number 933-R.

The Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. License numbers are S104 and E-1092. Red Mountain Institute is approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a Continuing Education provider under category A.

Red Mountain Institute is a member of: The American Massage Therapy Association’s Council of Schools.

Red Mountain Institute - Faculty

The teaching faculty at RMI is a collaboration of qualified and diverse professionals dedicated to our vision of creating and maintaining the highest standard of massage therapy training available. All lead bodywork instructors are licensed therapists that have at least 7 years teaching experience, and have completed both our teacher’s training program and a special one year continuing .education program in educational philosophy and methods. RMI’s bodywork instructors are all successful practicing massage therapists in the community. The instructors have a wide variety of interests, certifications and specialties keeping them on the leading edge of the massage profession. All student clinic supervisors are licensed therapists who are graduates of Red Mountain Institute.

Administrative Officers & Staff

• Arnold Askew, President

• Sheila M. Cook, Vice-President, Education Director

• Windy W. Dodson, Secretary/Treasurer, School Director

• Red Mountain Institute (RMI) is a Corporation in the State of Alabama.

• Arnold Askew is the sole owner.

Facilities
Classes for Red Mountain Institute are held at 828 Columbiana Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35209. Facilities include: 1 lecture classroom, 1 massage classroom, student lounge, and administrative offices. Equipment includes: TV, VCR, 2 overhead projectors, anatomy charts, 9 skeletons, 4 computers, research materials, 20 massage tables and 8 massage chairs. The institution, the facilities it occupies, and the equipment it utilizes fully comply with any and all federal, state and local ordinances and regulations as to fire safety, building safety and health codes.

Purpose and Educational Objectives
Our purpose is to provide holistically oriented training in Clinical Neuromuscular Massage therapy. Our training prepares students with the necessary entry levels of technical, professional and business competency for the field of massage therapy. Our objective is to assist students in becoming ethical, professional, and educated massage therapists who can serve in this profession for many years. The course of study at RMI will prepare the student to take the National Certification Exam.

Student Guidelines

Student Services
RMI offers the following Student Services, but not limited to: Transcripts, Records, Complaint/Grievance Resolution, Placement Opportunities, the Administrative staff makes students aware of their progress in completing requirements.

Placement Opportunities
Most of our graduates either become self-employed, or work in a variety of settings: rehabilitation/physical therapy facilities, health clubs, spas, salons, chiropractic offices, hospitals, pain clinics, athletic programs, and resorts, RMI does not guarantee job placement upon program completion. However, the professional community notifies RMI of job openings in our area. RMI provides an informational bulletin board regarding current job opportunities.

Cancellation policy
The application fee is not included as a part of the tuition cost of the class and is not refundable.

1. Enrollment may be cancelled prior to entering classes by giving written notice to the school. The postmark of the written notice is the effective date of cancellation.
2. If cancellation occurs within 3 days of signing the enrollment agreement (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), you will receive 100% refund of any payments made, excluding the registration fee.
3. If cancellation occurs after the 3 days grace period but before the first day of classes, the application fee will be retained by the school and the tuition payment will be 100% refundable.

If a course of instruction is discontinued by the school, and this prevents the students from completing the course, all unearned tuition is refundable.

Students who withdraw from the program for any reason may apply for readmission. An application fee of $65.00 will be charged.

Refund Policy
For all students who officially (written) or unofficially (verbal) withdraws on or before the 60% point in time, the following refund is computed for unearned tuition paid in advance.

• Withdrawal during the first 10% of the program results in a 90% refund of institutional charges
• Withdrawal from 11% through 20% of the program results in a 80% refund of institutional charges.
• Withdrawal from 21 % through 30% of the program results in a 70% refund of institutional charges.
• Withdrawal from 31 % through 40% of the program results in a 60% refund of institutional charges.
• Withdrawal from 41 % through 50% of the program results in a 50% refund of institutional charges.
• Withdrawal from 51% through 60% of the program results in a 40% refund of institutional charges.
• Withdrawal from 61 % through 100% of the program results in no refund

Refund Policy - Veterans
If a veteran of the military service or other eligible person withdraws from the school, the following refund policy will apply. The amount charged to the veteran or eligible person for tuition, fees, and other charges for a portion of the course shall not exceed the exact prorated portion of the total charges for tuition, fees and other costs, which the length of the completed portion of the course bears to its total length. The prorated amount is determined by the ratio of the actual number of hours of instruction completed by the student compared to the total number of instructional hours on the course.

Leave of Absence
The student must apply in writing to the Education Director for a leave of absence. RMI may also request/require a leave of absence if a student is unable to maintain satisfactory progress. The leave of absence allows the student to re-enter another program within 1 year of the original enrollment start date. Upon re-enrollment the student will be responsible for any new requirements and expenses. Readmission is contingent upon space availability and will be decided under the following guidelines:

• Student must meet RMI admissions criteria and have successfully completed all probationary agreements.
• Students will be charged any increase in tuition.

Changes in Program
Red Mountain Institute reserves the right to make changes in curriculum, faculty, scholastic policy, and program requirements deemed necessary to maintain consistently high standards of education in the massage therapy field. Applicants and students will be advised of any changes made.

Policies & Procedures
Students agree to abide by the following standards.

Code of Ethics/Conduct
RMI’s goal is to create an atmosphere conducive to learning, self exploration and healing. This statement is the declaration of the general principles of acceptable, ethical and professional behavior. Each student shall agree to the following standards.

• Attend all classes and events.
• Arrive on time and respect others time.
• Participate fully in all classes.
• Respect property and space.
• Respect the beliefs and boundaries of others.
• Be accepting of others by honoring differences.
• Refrain from gossip and slander.
• Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental and emotional well being of self, students and staff.

Conditions for Dismissal
A student may be dismissed from the school for the following reasons:

• Violation of substance abuse policy.
• Violation of weapons policy.
• Failure to follow financial or tuition agreement.
• Violation of attendance policy.
• Failure to maintain satisfactory progress in either academic or bodywork classes.
• Abusive behavior in classroom.
• Theft.
• Inappropriate sexual behavior.
• Plagiarizing, falsifying, or copying any material.

Substance Abuse Policy
No student or guest of a student shall have unlawful possession, use or be under the influence of any controlled substance (including alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants). No illegal drug or substances are allowed on the premises or at events of RMI. Students may not offer or distribute any illegal drugs, controlled substances or alcohol. Upon discovery of such use, possession, influence, or distribution, the student will be immediately dismissed from RMI. Report any violations of this policy to a staff member immediately.

Policy on Weapons
Weapons are not permitted on school property or any school event. Violation of this policy will result in dismissal from the program.

Student Grievance Policy
RMI is committed to a conflict resolution process. Students having an academic problem, conflict with an instructor, classmate or staff member, please see your Student Advisor. If a grievance is not resolved, please submit a written grievance statement to the school administration, who will investigate the complaint.

Class Times
Evening Classes:

• Begin at 6 PM Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday and end at 9 PM. Saturday Student Clinics are 5.5 hours one Saturday per month. Each student will work a morning or evening shift.

Day Classes:

• Begin at 8:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday. Friday regular classes 8:30 - 11:30 AM. Student Clinics are 5.5 hours. Each student will work a morning or evening shift.

Community Events:

• Times and dates will be announced to individual classes.

Breaks:

• Time will be provided for each class at the discretion of the instructor.

Holidays:

• Thanksgiving Day & the day after, Christmas break is two weeks and includes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day.

Class Size and Hours
Classes are kept to a size that promotes a positive learning environment. The maximum number of students in a class is 16. RMI is committed to maintaining the following maximum student teacher ratio:

• Bodywork class - 8 to 1
• Student Clinic - 6 to 1
• Academic class - 16 to 1

Classes are based on a 50-minute hour.

Transfer of Credits
RMI will consider transferring academic credits into our certification programs under the following conditions.

• An official transcript must be obtained directly from the institution.
• Applicant is tested to demonstrate competency. Score of 75% or higher is required. No re-testing.
• Test must be taken within 10 days of orientation.

Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes, activities and events in their entirety. Role is taken at 6:05 during evening classes, 8:35 for day classes. Arrival after this time will be recorded as a tardy. Class and other scheduled activities will start at the designated time. Any students showing more than 14 tardies may be dismissed from the program. Missing more that 30 minutes of a class or activity will be recorded as an absence. If a student must leave a class or activity early the appropriate instructor must be consulted.

Satisfactory attendance is defined as punctually attending 95% of the scheduled class hours. If absences exceed 36 class hours the student my be dismissed. Out of the 36 hours no more than 18 hours may be bodywork classes. Students are required to call the Institute and the instructor when unable to attend class or other required activities.

Repeated absences and/or tardies will result in Student Action Plan or Student Probation. Any student close to reaching the allotted absences and tardies will be counseled by the Student Advisor. All missed classes must be made up. Making up a missed class does not remove the absence from you record.

Bodywork Make-up
It is the instructor’s choice as to how the missed class time will be made-up using the following options:

• The instructor may require that the student hire the instructor to teach the missed information.
• The instructor may assign an additional study project, bodywork homework or video instruction.
• The student may participate with another class upon approval from instructor. This option is limited to space availability. Please note, your graduation date could be delayed.
• The instructor may schedule up to the amount of time the student missed in the scheduled class. It is the instructor’s discretion how much time is needed for the student to fully receive the missed information. Upon instructor approval the student may organize a make-up class with other students who also need to obtain the information or who want a review of the class: the instructor’s fee may be shared by the participation students.

Academic Make-up
Academic classes can be made-up using the following options. The instructors will choose which option will best fit the need of the students.

• The instructor may approve another student to assist the absent student in obtaining the missed information. If the student is unable to demonstrate knowledge of the material the instructor reserves the right to require a tutoring session.
• The instructor may assign an additional study project or video instruction.
• Make-up one-on-one with instructor.

Make-up Fees
Red Mountain Institute does not pay instructors for make-up classes. Students are responsible for paying the instructor for the time spent in the make-up session. Students are responsible for paying the instructor for the time spent in correcting or reviewing the assigned project. All instructor fees are $40.00 per hour per make-up session.

Course Requirement for Programs
All scheduled classes must be completed with a grade point average of 75% or higher. All of the following requirements must be met before a certificate of completion will be awarded.

1. All bodywork homework sessions complete (requirement as listed on class schedule).
2. Swedish written test (must score 75% or higher).
3. Swedish practical (must score 85% or higher).
4. Deep Tissue practical (must score 85% or higher).
5. NMT practical (must score 85% or higher).
6. NMT written test (must score 75% or higher).
7. Receive four professional massages (one per quarter).
8. Three community events in duration of 5 hours each are required. These are scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays, and evenings during the week.
9. Participation in all student clinics.

Grading System

A = 93-100: GPA 4.0
B = 85-92: GPA 3.0
C = 75-84: GPA 2.0
D = 70-74: GPA 1.0
F = 69-Below: GPA 0.0
I = Incomplete
W= Withdraw

Satisfactory Progress
Quarterly review of student academic files by Education Director to review progress. If an Incomplete is received for a course, the work must be completed within the following Quarter or a grade of “F” will result. If a student’s average is below 2.0 or “C”, a Student Action Plan will be issued. If the grade average has not improved to a minimum of “C” or 2.0 by the next testing period (zero to four weeks), the student will be placed on probation. If the grade average still remains below 2.0 or “C” at the end of probation agreement, the student will be required to take the subject over the next term or may be dismissed. The grade for the repeated course becomes official. The school administration will review cases of extenuating circumstances.

A student may appeal a determination of unsatisfactory progress by submitting a written request to the Director of Education within 5 business days. The school administration consists of the Director, school owner and the Education Director. If a student receives an Incomplete or fails a class, this will generally affect the maximum time frame for satisfactory progress. The program must be completed in 1.5 times the normal time frame for completion. Students attend 720 hours. Evening program in 56 weeks and Day program in 26 weeks. RMI does not offer any non-credit remedial courses.

Student Action Plan
A Student Action Plan is issued to students who are in jeopardy of probation and/or demonstrate unsatisfactory progress in the program. It serves to direct the student toward satisfactory progress requirements, attendance, behavioral expectations and financial responsibilities. The Student Advisor, Director, or Administrator may administer the Student Action Plan.

Student Probation
A notice of probation will be issued when terms and conditions of a student action plan are not fulfilled. Failure to comply with Probation may result in one of the following actions:

1. Dismissal
2. Retake class when space is available
3. Not allowed to attend class until the situation is rectified

Exams and Quizzes
Exams and quizzes are given regularly in classes. Missed exams and quizzes not made up in the required time frame designated by the instructor will receive a grade of zero. If prior arrangements are made with the instructor before the scheduled date of the exam, exam may be taken at a mutually agreed time. If a student misses an exam, he or she must contact and meet with the instructor to arrange a makeup. The instructor may allow the exam to be taken with a proctor.

Practical Examinations
There are three practical examinations: Swedish, Deep Tissue, and NMT.

Massage Homework
Students are required to submit massage homework’s monthly. Requirements are listed on the class schedule. The Director of Education will notify the student if lack of satisfactory progress on massage home works jeopardizes requirement (see Requirements for Program).

Auditing
Auditing of classes is not permitted (available) at RMI.

Student Records
All student records are kept in the File Office located at 828 Columbiana Road, Homewood, Alabama, 35209, and are private and confidentia. A student may have access to his/her file by contacting the Educational Director.

Red Mountain Institute, Inc. is committed to equal employment and educational opportunities. It is the policy of RMI not to deny admission or discriminate against students enrolled at the school on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, disability or national origin. RMI reasonably accommodates applicants and students with disabilities to the extent required by law.

Personal Belongings
Cell phones and beepers must be turned off in the classroom, clinic or during any supervised event, unless arranged with the instructor due to extenuating circumstances. Ail personal belongings must be cleared at the end of each day. RMI is not responsible for any lost items.

Children in Class
Children are not allowed in the school (this includes classrooms, offices, halls, parking lot, and/or other school events) while guardian is attending class or event.

Pet and Animals on School Premises
Pets are not allowed in the school (this includes classrooms, offices, halls, parking lot, and/or other school activities). The only exceptions are for Disability Aid Animals.

Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, RMI will telephone students in a timely manner to inform students of school closing.

Classrooms/Break room
While on school property and at events, follow these guidelines:

• No food or drink allowed in the classrooms. Water is acceptable in covered containers.
• Return all pillows, lotion bottles, blankets, etc. to storage areas.
• After each use, spray and wipe the massage tables and stack them against the wail.
• Place all trash in the appropriate receptacles.
• Each class is responsible for cleaning break room after use.
• Label and date all food in refrigerator and remove by end of week.
• Telephone in break room is available for students.
• Administrative offices and equipment are not available for student use.
• Copy machine is not available for student use.

RMI is dedicated to creating rich and challenging programs providing students with a sound foundation of knowledge and skills for massage therapy. Homewood, Alabama, (AL)