What's New
MASSAGE MAGAZINE PUBLISHES GUEST EDITORIAL BY
BTI CO-DIRECTOR RICK ROSEN
The April 2008 issue of
Massage Magazine contains an important editorial by Rick Rosen, BTI founder and co-director. It's entitled,
On Becoming a Profession: The Challenges and Choices that will Determine Our Future. This editorial is a condensed version of a 16-page white paper that provides a systems-level analysis of the field of massage therapy and bodywork. He also offers specific recommendations for policy changes that are needed at both state and national levels to address serious problems that have emerged as the result of rapid expansion without coordinated planning. As part of this effort, Rick sent advance copies of the white paper to the leaders of the major stakeholder organizations in our field, including AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB, FSMTB and COMTA.
You can download the complete PDF version of the white paper from the
Massage Magazine website. Just click the cover image to the right. A number of educators and leaders in the field have offered comments... this one from Tim Herbert at
Books of Discovery sums it up: "Remarkably well-written, reasoned and obviously deeply felt, the paper lays out a clear vision that is balanced, practical and hopeful."
BTI GRADUATES CONTINUE TO EXCEL ON NATIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAMS
Since the inception of the National Certification Examination in 1992, BTI graduates have achieved a pass rate that consistently beats the National average by about 20 percentage points. This has been a strong measure of the quality of training delivered at BTI, and the level of commitment of our students.
More recently, our graduates have pulled even further away from the pack. The official score report from NCBTMB for calendar year 2007 indicates that
96.5% of BTI grads passed the National Certification Exam on the first try. This compares with an average pass rate of 75% for all North Carolina massage schools, and a National average of just 67.25% for the same period. That's a difference of nearly 30 points.
Out of a total of 57 BTI graduates who tested last year, 43 out of 45 passed the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork on the first attempt (95.5%); in addition, all 12 who took the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage passed on their first try (100%). Way to go BTI grads!
ABMP CHAIRMAN BOB BENSON VISITS BTI
On April 1-2, BTI was pleased and honored to host Bob Benson for an official visit. Benson is Chairman of
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (better known as ABMP), the largest professional membership organization in our field. Bob gave a presentation to our students about trends in the field and the importance of maintaining high standards of ethical behavior. He also spent time meeting with our faculty and staff. The visit gave Bob an opportunity to discuss a number of the recommendations made by Rick Rosen in his recent white paper (see above).
Bob shared with our students, "Of the more than 1500 massage schools in the country, there are a small number that I consider to be very special -- and BTI is certainly one of that group."
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
In 1983, Body Therapy Institute offered the first professional massage therapy training program in the Carolinas. 25 years later, it has become one of the most respected massage schools in the country.
From the original class of 12 brave and curious souls who came to study the healing art of massage therapy, BTI has offered
Learning that Changes Lives to thousands of people over this quarter-century. Co-directors Rick Rosen and Carey Smith share their perspectives on the past and future journey of this institution in a
special anniversary message.
DR. RICHARD STROZZI-HECKLER PRESENTS CERTIFICATION
IN SOMATIC COACHING TO BTI FACULTY & STAFF
Richard Strozzi-Heckler, PhD is an internationally-recognized pioneer of body-based approaches in education, therapy, and organizational development. He recently presented his five-day seminar on Somatic Bodywork at BTI for 32 students who came from all across the country. At the completion of this course, Dr. Strozzi-Heckler awarded diplomas to nine students who had completed the Strozzi Institute program in Somatic Coaching. Of this group, five are members of the BTI staff and faculty. In addition, BTI Co-director Carey Smith earned her designation as a Certified Somatic Coach in December 2007 at Strozzi Institute.
Pictured left to right in the photo above are: Patricia Barner, student advisor; Carol Verner, lead instructor; Wendy Marsh, continuing ed instructor; Richard Strozzi-Heckler; Carey Smith; Barbara Moore, admissions director; and Ivonne Eiseman, lead instructor.
ONGOING LEADERSHIP TRAINING at BTI
Strozzi Institute is based in Northern California and is regarded as the nation's premier training center for Embodied Leadership. With a mission "to produce leaders who embody pragmatic wisdom, skillful action and grounded compassion," courses from Strozzi Institute will allow you to become more effective and successful in any professional venue. Their two foundation courses of Leadership in Action were first presented at BTI in Spring 2007 by Master Somatic Coach Mark Mooney. He will again be offering these dynamic courses at BTI in Fall 2008.
BTI CO-DIRECTORS CONTRIBUTE
TO NEW TEACHER TRAINING BOOK
Rick Rosen and Carey Smith are both contributing authors to a forthcoming book entitled, Teaching Massage: Fundamental Principles in Adult Education for Massage Program Instructors. This is a joint publication of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and Associated Bodyworkers & Massage Professionals, to be released in August 2008.
It is the first textbook of its kind in the field, and it will be complimented by online training resources. Carey's chapter is on Motivating and Inspiring Students, while Rick wrote a chapter on Massage Students and Body-Centered Education.
CHECK OUT OUR 2008 CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHEDULE
We have another fabulous line-up of continuing education workshops and advanced trainings in massage therapy, bodywork and somatic practices. Go to the Programs page to find the learning experience that will meet your specific needs. Workshops are listed by month, and by category.
FREE SEMINAR ON PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
FOR NC LICENSED MASSAGE & BODYWORK THERAPISTS
In May, BTI Co-director Rick Rosen will again be conducting a free 3-hour ethics seminar on Standards of Professional Conduct: Your Roles and Legal Responsibilitites. This is offered as a public service, and is open to North Carolina Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapists. It's a great way to fulfill your ethics education requirement, and stay current on the laws and rules that influence your professional practice. NOTE: Limited enrollment -- please visit the page for description and registration details.
CURIOUS ABOUT MEDICAL MASSAGE?
Therapist and author Ralph Stephens is offering his acclaimed Medical Massage Certification Program again at BTI in 2008. You can learn about this rapidly-growing approach to the treatment of pain and musculoskeletal problems in his four-page article entitled Medical Massage and More. Just click the link to download.
KINESIS MYOFASCIAL INTEGRATION GRADUATES A CLASS AT BTI
Tom Myers is founder and director of Kinesis, Inc. and one of the most respected authors, educators and clinicians in our field. BTI sponsored his 500-hour professional certification training in Kinesis Myofascial Integration; a class of 19 students graduated from this rigorous program on January 25, 2008. The popular Anatomy Trains workshop will be offered in October by Carrie Gaynor, a member of the KMI teaching staff.
ITEMS of ONGOING INTEREST
HEALING ART SHOW TOUCHES PEOPLE'S HEARTS
On July 21 & 22, 2007, the classroom building at the Body Therapy Institute was transformed into a gallery space for the reprise of a special art show by co-director Carey Smith, entitled AWAKENING WISDOM - Exploring the Confluence between Learning, Healing and Creativity. More than 400 people attended the event this year, which included Carey's original works, nature installations and poetry. Click the image link to visit a page where you can order copies of the 52-page documentary book on this project, along with fine art reproductions of many of the pieces.
NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING COMPLETED AT SOUTH WIND FARM
2007 brought a major upgrade to our campus -- a beautiful building that serves as the administrative center for the Body Therapy Institute. It features five offices, a meeting/break room, copy room, and a welcoming country-style front porch. Each of the spacious rooms are light-filled and enjoy panoramic views of the Farm. It's also highly energy-efficient, using a "green" building system known as Structural Insulated Panels.
BTI co-directors Rick Rosen and Carey Smith designed the office, and Rick served as General Contractor for the project. For staff, faculty and students alike, this new addition is the perfect compliment to the Classroom Building, and makes everyone's work more enjoyable!
BTI EARNS FIVE-YEAR REACCREDITATION FROM COMTA
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation voted to renew the accreditation of BTI for a full five-year term. BTI is the first massage school in the Carolinas to be accredited by COMTA -- and is one of just 80 schools in the country to have achieved this status. This voluntary process requires a school to demonstrate its ongoing compliance with rigorous standards that represent a high level of accountability.
As an accrediting agency dedicated to the massage therapy field, COMTA has developed competency-based curriculum requirements that assure students receive quality education and the public receives quality services.
INTRODUCTORY MASSAGE WORKSHOP IS A HIT
Our one-day BTI Introductory Massage Workshop has been a great success! This workshop is designed for those who are interested in exploring professional massage education at BTI -- or those who want to learn some effective relaxation and stress reduction techniques. The classes are held monthly, with a cost of just $25.00.
