Reflexology I

This is an intensive 7-week course on basic foot reflexology technique, introductory history, theory, principles, zones and contraindications.  Detailed muscular and bony anatomy of the foot and lower leg is also studied. The goal is to prepare the student to use reflexology as an independent modality or as a complement to other therapies.
$544.50 - 30 hours.

Optional textbook: "Practical Reflexology" by Voner & Watson

This course prepares students to teach parents techniques for massaging infants and growing children.  The physical, emotional and mental changes associated with the developmental stages of infants and children are explored.  Common childhood symptomologies and disabilities for which massage is indicated are discussed.  Hands on teaching techniques include working with infant models. $544.50 - 30 hours.

Required textbook: "Infant Massage A Handbook for Loving Parents" by Vimala McClure

Fundamentals of Hospital-Based Massage Therapy
Prerequisite: 500 hours of training

This course prepares students for working in a hospital setting.  Common conditions, medical devices and unique elements of the hospital environment are addressed. Students will learn infection control practices, body mechanics, and session adaptations to serve medically frail patients.  Communication with healthcare providers, patients and staff, along with appropriate boundary issues will be discussed. During the 12-hour clinical rotations at a major teaching hospital, students will receive hands-on experience in the hospital setting working with hospital staff, medical documentation systems, a variety of medical conditions and diverse patient populations.  Students may be required to meet certain vaccination requirements established by the hospital. $549 class and clinical rotation (31 hours); or $366 (19 hour class only).

Required textbook: "Massage for the Hospital Patient and Medically Frail Client" by Gayle MacDonald.

Functional Anatomy

Discussion of muscle and joint function beyond simple actions, including physics and biomechanics of the human body. Students gain understanding of the body in motion and how anatomical structures work together to create different types of motion. Activities include inspecting, palpating, and moving these structures, enabling the student to link theory with experience to help further understanding of the human body and its movement potential. Students are introduced to imbalances or dysfunctions associated with soft tissue that are most commonly treated by manual and exercise therapists. $544.50 - 30 hours.

Required texbook: "Kinesiology for Manual Therapies" by Nancy Dail
Optional texbook: "Kinesiology" by Joseph Muscolino

Massage is an important tool for providing specific benefits to athletes and active clientele.  Sports massage is a system of massage techniques designed to address the needs of these populations.  This class will address the purpose, effects, goals, and techniques used in sports massage.  Also included is opportunity for hands-on practice. $181.50 - 8 hours.

This course will cover cancer-related pathology, treatment side effects, massage contraindications and precautions.  The benefits of massage and session adaptations for the patient with cancer are discussed.  Students will learn to design a massage treatment plan based on the presentation of the patient; whether in active cancer treatment, in the advanced stages or years later in survivorship.  Hands-on work to practice low impact techniques is included. A 12-hour clinical rotation working with patients in active cancer treatment at a major teaching hospital and/or outpatient cancer treatment center will follow. $549 class and clinical rotation (31 hours); or $366 (19 hour class only).

Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic used of water in any of its forms, for the treatment of illness and pain relief.  This course will focus on the physiological effects of heat and cold on the body and address various methods of hydrotherapy that can be used within a massage therapy session.  Practical applications of hot and cold therapies are included.
$183 - 11.25 hours.

Reflexology II
Prerequisite: Reflexology I*

This course expands the knowledge of techniques and procedures to effectively stimulate foot reflex areas.  Students review the systems of the body, common homeostatic imbalances and the role reflexology plays in maintaining optimum function and health.  Detailed anatomy of ligaments & tendons the foot and lower leg are studied as well as pathologies common to the foot. $544.50 - 30 hours.

Optional (but HIGHLY recommended); "Practical Reflexology" by Voner & Watson.

*If you are already certified in Reflexology you can take the classes in any order for CE hours.

Embodied Touch: Global Somatics™ Experiential Anatomy

Global Somatics™ Experiential Anatomy increases touch and relational skills by deepening anatomical understanding, body mechanics, tissue resonance and intuition. Learn to direct attention to internal somatic sensation through exploratory sequences of movement. Facilitate skeletal, muscular and organ patterns through embodied hands-on protocols. $363 (15 hours)

Advanced Nutrition
You will learn the link between nutritional and dietary principles and chronic degenerative disease. You are introduced to macro nutrition balancing, micro nutrients, supplements, popular diets and their clinical applications. You will also examine principles for the promotion of health, wellness and longevity through diet. $549 - 30 hours.

Required textbooks: "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollen and "Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It" by Gary Taubes.

Advanced Clinical Training: NeuroMuscular Therapy and Fascial Techniques (NMT)
Prerequisite: Rehabilitative Massage 2

This course is designed to expand upon the training received in the core curriculum of Northwestern’s School of Massage Therapy.  A specific focus of this course is the integration of the protocol from Rehabilitative Massage 1 and 2 with NeuroMuscular Therapy (NMT) American Version™ and fascial work, offering a more complete technique protocol for clinical therapeutic massage.  Training includes the complete NMT curriculum, as created by Judith Delaney of the NMT Center.   Passing the final exams will credential you as a Certified NeuroMuscular Therapist (CNMT) through the NMT Center.  $1270.50; 90 hours.
Please contact the Registrar's Office at 952-888-4777 x496 and register early - enrollment is limited!

Insurance Billing Practices for Massage Therapists

The decision of whether or not to accept insurance as a form of payment, in your office, can be a challenging one to make.  This class discusses policies and procedures for proper insurance billing and successful reimbursement.  A step by step process of how to submit claims for third party reimbursement, samples of claim forms and information on correct coding will also be included. $181.50 - 8 hours.

Reflexology III
Prerequisite: Reflexology 2*

This is a 15-hour course to prepare students for the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) exam for national certification in foot reflexology. Topics covered will include continued study of history, pathology of the foot, ligaments of the foot and ankle, biomechanics of the foot and leg, practice of technical application, and knowledge of reflexology maps of the foot. The basics of meridians and how they apply to reflexology will also be introduced. Students will conduct two case stuides in preparation for the ARCB certification. $363 (15 hours).

*If you are already certified in Reflexology you can take the classes in any order for CE hours.

Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage is a form of massage that is specific for people over the age of 65 with age-related conditions such as: arthritis, Parkinsons, stroke, fragility and end of life issues. It helps improve circulatio and joint mobility, eases aches and pains, and can help relieve symptoms of stress, depression, and loneliness. Students will be given the opportunity for hands on work that will deepen their understanding and compassion for the aging populations in a variety of settings under supervision of NWHSU faculty. $549 - 30 hours.

Required textbook: "From the Heart through the Hands: The Power of Touch in Caregiving" by Dawn Nelson.