Answers to Questions Commonly asked by Students Inquiring about Certification in Pre- & Perinatal Massage Therapy

Q: How much of the course is theoretical and how much is practical?

A: The course is approximately 85% demonstration and hands-on practice, including a practicum on pregnant women, and 15% lecture and discussion.

Q: How long will the course be?

A: 32 instructional hours generally from 9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day. Some classes meet Thursday through Sunday, and others are on weekdays.

Q: What are the costs?

A: At most locations a $100 non-refundable registration deposit will hold your space. If registration is postmarked one month before the workshop starting day, tuition discount applies. After that full tuition is due. Depending on location costs range from $575-625. Refunds for non-attendance are determined on a case-by-case basis, minus $100 non-refundable deposit. Required text: Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy by Carole Osborne-Sheets. Order from sponsoring school or from Body Therapy Associates, 11650 Iberia Pl. #137, San Diego, CA 92128. Send check for $30.20 (includes shipping and handling ; CA residents add $2.34 sales tax) or call (800) 586-8322 for credit card orders.

Q: Who teaches the workshop?

A: The course developer, Carole Osborne-Sheets, teaches many workshops. She has also trained three outstanding instructors, Liz Ellis, Linda Hickey and Jennifer Hicks, who also teach in some locations. Please see detailed biographical data in other areas about each. Carole, Linda, or Liz is assisted, when enrollment requires, by one or several experienced teaching assistants. Generally a 12:1 student/teacher ratio is maintained, and often lower.

Q: What are the differences between this class and Bodywork for the Childbearing YearŽ?

A: Carole used her former class as the foundation for the Pre- & Perinatal Massage Therapy workshop. This course is now better paced and formatted to enhance assimilation and applicability of techniques to specific pregnancy complaints and dysfunctions. An expanded handbook (included in tuition), rich in graphics and supplemental handouts, facilitates and extends demonstration and practice sessions. With her new textbook as preparatory reading, hands-on demonstrations and practice are now the dominant mode of instruction. More emphasis is placed on women's emotional issues and on a wider range of techniques that are specific to childbearing issues and immediately applicable in all professional settings. Bodywork for the Childbearing YearŽ, as it was taught from 1984-1996 was the creative expression of a partnership. The current course titled Bodywork for the Childbearing YearŽ is intrinsically different from the former course since Carole is no longer involved.

Q: What about other pregnancy massage courses?

A: Prospective students are encouraged to fully investigate all courses offered to make their own comparisons and find a program that best meets their needs.

Q: What are the prerequisites?

A: Recommended minimum educational prerequisite: 500 hours massage therapy training. You should be a practicing massage therapist with good anatomical knowledge and with skill and experience in Swedish massage and at least one of the following: deep tissue/myofascial release, structural balancing, trigger point/neuromuscular therapy, or passive movement. Advanced students of massage therapy, doulas, nurses, nurse-midwives, or midwives, are usually welcome, but please contact instructor for approval.

Q: What else is included in my tuition?

A: At the class you will receive a student handbook with in-depth procedural instruction in techniques taught. Other materials are included featuring numerous pamphlets, marketing examples, and supplemental articles.

Q: What equipment do I need to bring?

A: An exact list of materials will be sent when you register. Generally 4-6 bed pillows are needed (or a Contoured bodyCushion), and bring linens.

Q: What are the requirements to receive a certificate?

A: Attendance and participation in 32 hours of class, 80% accuracy on the written test, and satisfactory performance on hands-on techniques. Students who do not qualify at the end of the workshop may do additional studies after the workshop to complete requirements. Upon completion you will receive a display quality, professional certificate from the instructor's organization, Body Therapy Associates, San Diego, California.

Q: What about Continuing Education Credits?

A: Carole Osborne-Sheets, her workshops, and all of her primary instructors are approved the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider (Category A). CEUs from the State of California Board of Registered Nursing, Doulas of North America (DONA), International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA), and for AMTA & ABMP members are available through Body Therapy Associates/Carole Osborne-Sheets. Carole Osborne-Sheets is also authorized to provide CEUs to massage therapists licensed in the states of Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Pre- & Perinatal Massage Therapy has been awarded 20 credits under the Guild of Complementary Practitioners (UK), course number C200.