Admissions Information
The following outline covers our massage school admission procedures and policies.
1. Complete the Application For Admissions Form. FORMS (click here)
2. Send a non-refundable registration fee of $100.00 along with Application for Admissions Form to the school's Administrative Office.
3. Provide documentation of high school diploma, or general educational development diploma, or successful completion of a college degree program.
4. Submit three letters of character recommen-dation (from non-family members). (Insert button to Click on form be filled-out)
5. Submit a health examination form. The doctor is to complete the school's Doctor Certification Form or an equivalent form. (Insert button to Click on form to be filled-out)
6. Arrange to take a tour of the school.
7. Complete an interview with the Administrtor of Student relations.
8. Demonstrate serious vocational intent and a willingness to commit the time and effort necessary to complete an intense course of study.
9. Be able to finance their own education.
10. Sign the Enrollment Agreement (contract) and make initial tuition deposit.
Upon receipt of the completed Application for Admissions Form, registration fee, high school transcript or equivalent, Health Examination Form, and three character references, the applicant will be scheduled for a personal interview. California law requires that participants in vocational programs be able to benefit from the program. At the time of the interview, an ability to benefit test approved by the Department of Education, will be administered. All applicants are screened on an individual basis. If admission is denied, the applicant will receive a letter stating the reasons for non-admission.
Following notification of acceptance, the applicant will submit an advanced tuition deposit and the signed Enrollment Agreement. This payment applies to the tuition and is refundable according to the stated refund policy. Foreign students with limited English skills may be admitted on an individual basis. Such students must demonstrate ability to benefit. Admissions Requirements: Applicants to WIN Therapy must be at least 18 years of age and have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. They must be in sound mental and physical health and must be physically able to perform massage techniques inherent to the program. They must be of good character and free from drug and chemical dependency. Applicants are required to have experienced at least one professional massage prior to admission into the program.
Applicants who do not possess a high school diploma, or general educational development diploma, will be considered on an individual basis. The administration will review applicant’s academic suitability, review applicant’s history of successful completions in work, family and his or her participation in other massage or vocational programs.
Non-Discriminatory Policy:
The Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy admits students, without regard to gender, race, color, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, national and ethnic origin, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to the students of the school. The Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy does not discriminate against students, faculty, or clients on the basis of illness or HIV status. The school advises anyone with an infectious condition to consult with the school administration for purposes of clarifying personal risks and special precautions applicable to the student’s health and determination of ability to participate in the school environment. Respect for the individual’s privacy and confidentiality will be maintained.
Advanced Placement Process:
We highly recommend that you schedule a person meeting with a WIN Faculty member to discuss your options for advanced placement. The Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy recognizes that physical therapists, chiropractors, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainer, oriental medicine doctors, nurses and other physicians, experienced massage professionals, graduates and students from other approved programs around the country may be desirous of studying at this school. Additionally, many California cities are increasing their minimum hourly requirements and may not be providing grandfather clauses for currently practicing therapists, causing individuals to seek additional training.
Out-of-state applicants must assume responsibility for checking into their own state requirements with regards to reciprocity of formal massage training received from another state. It is our intention that an applicant entering our courses be placed at the level in which learning will be optimal and in the best interest of the student. Therefore, the Institute provides the incoming student who has had prior learning and experience, an opportunity to apply for advanced placement.
The Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy has established policies for advanced placement into the course in other than the first term. We ask that applicants be open-minded about suggestions for placement. Example: A student, with 500 hours from a school that teaches basic Swedish massage but has a central focus in Polarity and Shiatsu, wishes to transfer in to the program. That student may have insufficient background in Swedish Massage or Anatomy and Physiology to enter Terms 3 or 4 and might, after completing the advanced placement process may be placed in Term 2 where the program will be most beneficial to the student.
The following are the steps in the Advanced Placement Process:
1. The applicant must submit an Application for Advanced Placement form (copy included as part of this catalog), a $100 testing fee, and documentation of prior education and experience. This documentation should be in the form of certificates and/or transcripts, employers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. The $100 testing fee is non-refundable except in cases where the Director, Instructor, or member of the administrative staff stops the process (based on the interview) prior to the applicant taking the written exam.
2. Formal instruction and/or practical experience must have taken place within the three (3) years previous to the request for Advanced Placement. If an applicant has been employed in the massage field continuously since obtaining prior formal instruction, this provision may be extended to five (5) years. In cases where education took place 5 or more years prior to application, the Administration may accept the applicant for advanced placement if said applicant has 1) 500 hours or more from an approved training facility or possesses a medically related degree (e.g., MD, DC, DO, PT) and 2) is currently actively engaged in the medical or massage field.
3. Applicant will be interviewed by a member of the Administrative Staff.
4. Written Exam – A comprehensive, multiple-choice test will be given. The test will reflect anatomy, physiology and massage theory relevant to that covered during the term(s) of our courses. The applicant must achieve a score of 75% to continue with the advanced placement process and take the practical exam.
5. The clinical skill level of the applicant will be assessed by a practical exam. Whenever possible the evaluator will be the instructor of the term in which the applicant will be placed if he/she completes the Advanced Placement process successfully. The applicant may preview the evaluation form to note the critical elements that will be the subject of the evaluation. A passing score is 75%.
6. Upon successful completion of the advanced placement process, no grade or credit hours (for the terms the applicant is not required to take) will be issued or reflected on the student transcript. However, the applicant will be able to enter the course at a level other than Term 1.
Student Conduct Policy:
Positive ethical behavior is expected of all students while enrolled in any program. Students must follow all school policies, which include:
- Students must not remove school property without written permission of an Administrator.
- Students must adhere to the attendance policy.
- Students must maintain acceptable personal hygiene, sanitation and grooming and dress modestly. Guidelines provided by instructor on first day of each term.
- Students must adhere to draping and modesty standards as identified below.
- Students must not engage in any conduct deemed inappropriate or unethical by the Administration or Faculty.
- Students may not behave in a manner that may be harmful to the reputation of the school or to the profession of massage therapy.
- Students may not engage in any sexual activity on campus or improper behavior towards staff, students, or clients.
- Students may not engage in sexual advances or activity in a massage therapy setting regardless of location.
- Students may not be destructive in classrooms or engage in behaviors that disrupt class functioning and/or class learning.
- Students must be able to demonstrate the ability to relate to others (staff, students, clients) in a cooperative and professional manner.
- Sexual harassment is not allowed at any time at the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy.
- Students may not make verbal or physical threats, abuse or act violently toward a staff member, classmate, colleague, or client.
- Students may not cheat on exams, homework, or plagiarize papers. · Students are not to smoke inside of the school building.
- Students may not have possession, use, or distribute illicit drugs, alcohol, or firearms on school property or as part of any school activity.
- Students may be dismissed for a criminal record, behavior, or convictions.
- Students must demonstrate satisfactory progress in the acquisition of skills related to massage training.
- Students must abide by the ongoing behavioral expectations as presented in the syllabus as well as school policies.
Draping & Modesty Policy:
The Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy has standards regarding classroom conduct. The professional standards regarding draping and modesty are as follows:
1. Students are taught appropriate draping techniques. These techniques are practiced in class and students are asked to use them at all times.
2. Students must use appropriate touch as taught in class.
3. Classroom nudity is prohibited. The school provides accommodations for changing clothes.
4. Students are fully clothed when giving massage.
5. Only the body part on which techniques are being performed is exposed at any given time.
6. Genital areas are covered at all times.
7. Students are taught how to discuss draping issues and how to professionally respond to client requests.
8. Classroom behavior that could cause public comment that is detrimental to the massage profession is prohibited.
