Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Body Therapy Institute
How long has BTI been in business?
BTI was founded in 1983 by Rick Rosen, and was the very first school of massage therapy in the Carolinas. You can get a perspective on the evolution of BTI over the years on the History page. The school has been co-owned and directed by Rick Rosen and Carey Smith since 1993.
What makes your school special?
Our “secret” for success is straightforward: we offer educational programs of exceptional quality, taught by some of the most highly trained faculty members in the country, and it all happens in a spectacular natural setting for learning and healing. You can read more about this in The BTI Difference, but the best way to experience it is in person.
Do you have other locations or plans to open branch campuses?
We operate in just one place – our campus at South Wind Farm in Chatham County. In keeping with our commitment to quality, we choose to focus our attention on a single location where we can deliver personalized attention to every student.
How can I get a massage in your Student Clinic?
The BTI Student Massage Clinic operates four times per year. You can receive a one-hour massage session for just $25 (or $15 for Seniors). Just go to the Student Massage Clinic page, where you’ll see the upcoming schedule of clinic days. You’ll need to download and read the Orientation Booklet, and then call the BTI Office at 919-663-3111 to book your appointment.
Can I come out and visit the school and see the campus?
We are happy to have visitors. Please call the BTI Office to schedule an appointment at least a week in advance of when you’d like to see the school, and we’ll be happy to arrange a tour for you. With prior arrangement, it is also possible to observe one of our massage classes in session.
I’m interested in being a “guinea pig” for one of your massage students – how do I sign up for that?
Students in the Massage Therapy Diploma Program find their own subjects for the out-of-class massage practice sessions they are required to complete each week. The school does not participate in these arrangements. Our Student Massage Clinic is the place where you can get a great massage therapy session at a reasonable price.
Can you send your students over to my event or workplace to do provide free massage?
No. We have replaced the on-site massage practicums with the Student Massage Clinic that is based at the school. Students in our Diploma Program are still required to complete a Community Service Externship Project. If you represent a non-profit organization that would like to be considered as an externship site, please contact the school. You may also submit a listing for a Volunteer Massage Opportunity through our Alumni Resources section.
Massage Therapy Diploma Program
Why do people come to study massage therapy at BTI?
There are a lot of reasons, but here are some of the more common themes our students have shared with us:
- “I want more freedom, flexibility and creative control in my professional life.”
- “I’m ready to have work with greater meaning and personal fulfillment.”
- “I’m seeking to help others and make a difference in the world.”
- “I have an interest in natural healing and holistic living.”
- “I’m interested in combining massage therapy with my existing career or interests.”
- “I want a career I can call my own.”
How can I get a catalog for the Massage Therapy Diploma Program?
Go to the Request a Catalog page on this website. Once you complete the form, you can immediately download a copy of our 20-page School Catalog.
What’s the makeup of your student body?
Students at the Body Therapy Institute comprise a very diverse group. Their ages range from 18 to the mid-60’s with the average around 34 years old. The educational background ranges from a G.E.D. to a Ph.D., with the average being a bachelor’s degree. The female-to-male ratio is around 80%-20%. Our students come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and life experiences.
Is the Diploma Program offered in modules, where I can enroll at any time?
Our 650-hour curriculum is based on a sequential structure, where every course is built upon what came before it. There is no “mixing and matching” or taking individual courses out of sequence. Over the years, this has produced consistently excellent results for our students. In addition, we begin a class together, and that group of students tracks through the entire Diploma Program together. This approach facilitates the development of a highly supportive learning community.
What is the pass rate of your graduates on national board exams?
For many years, BTI grads maintained a pass rate on the National Certification Exam that was 20 percentage points over the national average, as reported by NCBTMB. Over the past two years, our grads achieved a 96% pass rate! This is a full 30 percentage points higher than the current national average pass rate of 66%. This is a tribute to the diligent work of our students and faculty.
What percentage of your students complete the Program?
Over the past 20 years, an average of 92% of our students have completed the Diploma Program. This statistic, combined with our graduates’ pass rate on the National Certification Exam is a reflection of the quality of the Program itself, along with the dedication of our students.
If the state only requires 500 hours of training to get licensed, why is your program 650 hours?
BTI has designed the curriculum to be a complete entry-level training. It will prepare you to work at a high level of skill in a wide variety of treatment settings. As a rule, we go beyond minimum requirements to assist our students in achieving success in their professional endeavors. Our graduates are always in demand!
Admissions
What do I have to do to enroll in your school?
Admission into the Diploma Program requires coming to BTI for a Campus Tour and Exploration Session, submitting an Application Form (with required documentation and $25 fee), attending the BTI Discovery Event, and having a personal interview with the Admissions Staff. Once these steps are complete, the school’s Admissions Committee will review your application and make its decision.
Can I apply online?
We’re a bit “old-school” in this way – your application must be completed in writing and either mailed or brought to the BTI Office.
How much does your school cost?
Our Admissions Advisors will be happy to provide you with complete information on tuition and other costs for the Diploma Program when you visit BTI for your Campus Tour and Exploration Session.
Do you offer financial aid, grants or scholarships?
BTI does not participate in Title IV Federal financial aid programs. As a small private institution, we do not offer scholarships. However, many of our students obtain Career Training Loans through SLM Financial Corporation. Contact our Admissions Department for information on this private-sector program. BTI is approved for the enrollment of persons eligible for education assistance benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
When does your next class start?
Our Diploma Program begins twice a year. In the beginning of March, we start our two-semester daytime schedule that takes eight months to complete. Our three-semester, evening/weekend schedule starts around Labor Day, and takes just under 12 months to complete. Both Programs deliver the identical 650-hour curriculum.
How selective are you in the admissions process?
BTI is committed to admitting only those students who have the physical, mental and emotional resources to succeed in the Diploma Program, and to excel as a massage therapist in practice. Our policy stands in contrast to community colleges and many career colleges that have “open admission” policies. We are fortunate to work with highly motivated students – and their track record speaks for itself.
South Wind Farm
Why is your school out in the country?
Quite simply, we believe in the healing and transformative power of nature. Over the years, we have observed that the learning process of our students is greatly enhanced by the natural environment of South Wind Farm. It is our intention to provide an oasis of relaxation, replenishment and beauty for all who come here.
Where is your campus?
South Wind Farm is located in Chatham County in the heart of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. We are about halfway between the Raleigh | Durham | Chapel Hill TRIANGLE, and the Greensboro | Winston-Salem | High Point TRIAD. To our East lies the Atlantic Ocean, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are to our West.
Can I use an Internet-based mapping site or my GPS to find my way there?
We strongly recommend that you use the Driving Directions we have on the BTI Website. From experience, we have found that Internet resources such as Mapquest, Google Maps or Yahoo Maps – as well as GPS devices – frequently show very circuitous and lengthy routes to get to our rural location. We’ve mapped out and described the shortest and easiest routes from all directions, and put it on our site.
Is your place a working farm?
Our 150-acre property was a working farm in years past, and is part of the historic Chatham County farming community called Silk Hope that was founded more than 260 years ago by Quakers. Today, a local family cuts hay from our meadow to supply feed for livestock.
Do you offer camping?
Camping is available for those who are taking classes at BTI. This includes our Diploma Program students, as well as those who are here for continuing education workshops, advanced trainings and introductory workshops. It is primitive tent camping (no improved sites); no RV’s or camping trailers are permitted. Call the BTI Office for information and reservations.
Is there housing available on your campus?
We don’t offer housing at South Wind Farm. We do maintain a listing of available rentals in the area, and will assist students who are relocating to come to school here.
Your Career in Massage Therapy
Is the demand for massage therapy increasing or decreasing?
The number of Americans who have received massage in the past year has tripled over the past decade – according to research surveys conducted by AMTA and ABMP. In 2007, approximately 52 million Americans received 318 million massage treatments! Massage has certainly become a part of the mainstream. A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows steadily increasing usage of complementary and alternative medicine in our country (CAM), which includes massage therapy.
How many massage therapists are there in the country?
AMTA estimates that there are more than 265,000 massage therapists in practice (2007). This is an increase of 71% over the past decade. They are distributed throughout every state, in urban, suburban and rural areas alike. Approximately 85% of massage therapists are women.
What’s the job market like for massage therapists? Can I make a living at this?
About two-thirds of massage therapists are self-employed, either working in their own private practices, or as independent contractors in other businesses. This option allows the greatest amount of freedom and flexibility. The other third work as employees in settings ranging from day spas, destination resorts and massage franchise locations – to chiropractic offices, medi-spas, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.
What do massage therapists charge for their work?
The typical cost of an hour of massage therapy ranges from $50-$100, depending on the type of therapy delivered, the treatment setting, and the experience of the practitioner.
Is this a full-time or part-time career?
The practice of massage therapy lends itself to either configuration, depending on your particular needs and career goals. You can readily combine a part-time career in massage therapy with other work you may want to continue doing, or blending it with the responsibilities of raising a family. You can also make massage therapy your full-time career, as so many have successfully done.
What can I expect to earn as a massage therapist?
According to a 2006 survey from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10% of therapists made more than $71,000/year; 50% made between $23,000-$50,000/year; and 10% made less than $16,000/year.
Are employment opportunities increasing or decreasing?
The US Department of Labor reports predicts a 20% increase in overall massage employment over the next decade. Their report states: “Employment growth for massage therapists is expected to be faster than average for all occupations with very good job prospects.”
Massage Therapy Regulation
Do I have to be licensed to practice massage in North Carolina?
Yes. The NC Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act became law in 1998, which requires licensure. The General Assembly passed this law “to ensure the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this State receiving massage and bodywork therapy services.“
How do I get a license?
Licensure is granted by the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy, with offices in Raleigh. For applicants within North Carolina, you have to graduate from a Board-approved massage school, and pass a national examination accepted by the Board. Visit the Board’s website at www.bmbt.org for complete information on licensure requirements and application process, or to download a copy of the Board's laws and rules.
Do I have to be Nationally Certified to get licensed in NC?
No. Amendments to the Practice Act made in 2008 removed this requirement. Applicants for licensure need to have passed either the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (given by FSMTB) or the National Certification Exam, given by NCBTMB.
Is continuing education required for license renewal?
Yes. The Board requires a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years. BTI is an Approved Continuing Education Provider, and offers an extensive schedule of workshops and advanced training programs each year.
I’m a licensed massage therapist from another state and want to relocate to North Carolina – what do I have to do to get a license?
There is a provision in the Practice Act for Licensure by Endorsement, designed to accommodate out-of-state practitioners who want licensure in North Carolina. Visit the Board’s website at www.bmbt.org to get the specific requirements.
I have a NC massage license and plan to go to another state – can I get a license through reciprocity without having to take another test?
Because of the differences among each state’s license laws, there is little actual reciprocity in the massage profession today. All licensure states require at least 500 hours of massage education, and most require passage of a national board exam. You’ll need to review the exact criteria of a particular state to see if you meet its licensure requirements.
Who regulates massage schools in North Carolina?
Private (or proprietary) schools such as BTI are approved by the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy. In addition, BTI is accredited by COMTA - the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. Fewer than 100 massage schools have earned this status. NC Community Colleges that offer massage programs are exempt from all regulation.