Comments on: Is distance education appropriate for the field of massage therapy? http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/ Share your thoughts on Distance Education in the massage therapy/bodywork profession Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:47:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: John Lambert http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-146 John Lambert Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:49:35 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-146 This is a very broad topic, and in the end it relies on the student to be accountable for their growth. Each of us has to personally assess our skills when deciding what continuing education options we choose. If you are a competent professional and do not need to have your hand held through a course then distance education is for you. If you know you need someone to guide you through the moves, and feel the techniques, face to face is better suited for your learning style. Individually we all learn in different ways, in that train of thought all options for education should be available for our choosing. This is a very broad topic, and in the end it relies on the student to be accountable for their growth. Each of us has to personally assess our skills when deciding what continuing education options we choose. If you are a competent professional and do not need to have your hand held through a course then distance education is for you. If you know you need someone to guide you through the moves, and feel the techniques, face to face is better suited for your learning style.

Individually we all learn in different ways, in that train of thought all options for education should be available for our choosing.

]]> By: michelebaker http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-142 michelebaker Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:31:19 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-142 I think there is definitely a place for Distance Ed. Some classes (Intro to Massage, Ethics, Business...) would be easily done online, at home, at night, in your pajamas. Obviously there are classes that must be face to face (F2F), and where an experienced teacher to show you what you are doing right (or wrong) --> hands-on modalities, palpatory anatomy, etc. A combination of both is probably the way to go in this fast-paced culture. I think there is definitely a place for Distance Ed. Some classes (Intro to Massage, Ethics, Business…) would be easily done online, at home, at night, in your pajamas. Obviously there are classes that must be face to face (F2F), and where an experienced teacher to show you what you are doing right (or wrong) –> hands-on modalities, palpatory anatomy, etc. A combination of both is probably the way to go in this fast-paced culture.

]]> By: Pam K. http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-141 Pam K. Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:33:36 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-141 I'm recent graduate of massage and awaiting my board. I'm concerned as well... Hands on training is vital in learning the body!! In school we rotated massages so everyone massaged everyone, allowing us to work on different body types, different personalities, all with different problems. We were also required (by school and state) to have 90 hours in the supervised student clinic practicing different modalities such as accupressure, sports, myo, and so on. This prepared us for the real world. You don't get that with DE. I think it would be hard to find a rythm and a flow to your massage. I certainly agree with those mentioning the benefits of DE for core classes such as pathology and A&P. However, the hands on classes need to remain just that. There's no substitute. I’m recent graduate of massage and awaiting my board. I’m concerned as well… Hands on training is vital in learning the body!! In school we rotated massages so everyone massaged everyone, allowing us to work on different body types, different personalities, all with different problems. We were also required (by school and state) to have 90 hours in the supervised student clinic practicing different modalities such as accupressure, sports, myo, and so on. This prepared us for the real world. You don’t get that with DE. I think it would be hard to find a rythm and a flow to your massage.

I certainly agree with those mentioning the benefits of DE for core classes such as pathology and A&P. However, the hands on classes need to remain just that. There’s no substitute.

]]> By: Victoria http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-126 Victoria Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:13:29 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-126 As a new Certified Practitioner, I can speak from experience the value of being in a classroom setting. Touch Therapy is a majority in massage. Getting a clear understanding of the term is invaluable. We strive to be the experts in this field. From the beginning of massage in ancient times, the healing promoted thru massage was a hands on experience. How can we begin to learn to connect the body, mind, and spirit from a distance? That is our core belief is it not? Trying to bring balance to the body thru means of touch? As a new Certified Practitioner, I can speak from experience the value of being in a classroom setting. Touch Therapy is a majority in massage. Getting a clear understanding of the term is invaluable. We strive to be the experts in this field. From the beginning of massage in ancient times, the healing promoted thru massage was a hands on experience. How can we begin to learn to connect the body, mind, and spirit from a distance? That is our core belief is it not? Trying to bring balance to the body thru means of touch?

]]> By: jane http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-121 jane Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:55:59 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-121 How many of us have attended a crowded seminar? Your 20 tables deep to the back of the room. The only real hands on direction you receoive is when a teaching assistant reaches you hours after the workshop has begun. You spend your entire time looking for some direction as you muttle through the hands on segement. When you do get that one on one with the teaching assistant it is only for that portion of the workshop that is being taught at that moment. A few days later you leave the workdhop with your 16 CE's and no real clue as to how your suppose to proceed once you have that client on the table. Imagine you can have an educational experince in your own home while watching a video that you can rewind as many times as needed while you practice on another therpaist. You tell me which is more benificial. How many of us have attended a crowded seminar? Your 20 tables deep to the back of the room. The only real hands on direction you receoive is when a teaching assistant reaches you hours after the workshop has begun. You spend your entire time looking for some direction as you muttle through the hands on segement. When you do get that one on one with the teaching assistant it is only for that portion of the workshop that is being taught at that moment. A few days later you leave the workdhop with your 16 CE’s and no real clue as to how your suppose to proceed once you have that client on the table. Imagine you can have an educational experince in your own home while watching a video that you can rewind as many times as needed while you practice on another therpaist. You tell me which is more benificial.

]]> By: Joy http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-107 Joy Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:53:19 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-107 I don't agree with DE for preliminary/basic education. You can't learn the basics of massage therapy without the experience of working hands on with people of all different shapes, sizes, and medical histories. Once you've achieved status as a massage therapist, DE's are a wonderful way to continue your education without the inconveniance of having to be in a classroom all of the time. I don’t agree with DE for preliminary/basic education. You can’t learn the basics of massage therapy without the experience of working hands on with people of all different shapes, sizes, and medical histories. Once you’ve achieved status as a massage therapist, DE’s are a wonderful way to continue your education without the inconveniance of having to be in a classroom all of the time.

]]> By: Tammy Brodie http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-81 Tammy Brodie Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:40:39 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-81 I have been a practicing therapist for eight years as well as a Massage Therapy Program Director and Lead Instructor. In my opinion, hands-on modalities means just that, hands-on. This is very important for initial Massage Therapy Education as well as for some CEU's. I agree that DE is a great quick and inexpensive form of obtaining ethics, business and other interests in bodywork that does not benefit from actual hands-on instruction and learning. I enjoy the benefits of taking some of these types of CEU's myself for recertification purposes, but love the hands-on aspects of learning new modalities or improving my hans-on skills of previous courses taught by another instructor. I work on people all the time who comment that they have never received the detailed work and relief from previous massage experiences. I believe that comes from MT's who either did not receive superb initial hands-on instruction or are lazy in thier work! Either way, these experiences from people who pay for our expertise should get expert work. I, as well as others, have expectations when booking massage appointments and have been disappointed more often then not. I have gotten to the point where I am tired of paying "therapists" who lack the knowledge and hands-on abilities to address the aches and pains that drive me and others to make the appointment in the first place. I believe these ineffective services are having a negative impact on bodywork and bodyworkers. Our profession is all about the combination of knowledge and skill! I have been a practicing therapist for eight years as well as a Massage Therapy Program Director and Lead Instructor. In my opinion, hands-on modalities means just that, hands-on. This is very important for initial Massage Therapy Education as well as for some CEU’s. I agree that DE is a great quick and inexpensive form of obtaining ethics, business and other interests in bodywork that does not benefit from actual hands-on instruction and learning. I enjoy the benefits of taking some of these types of CEU’s myself for recertification purposes, but love the hands-on aspects of learning new modalities or improving my hans-on skills of previous courses taught by another instructor. I work on people all the time who comment that they have never received the detailed work and relief from previous massage experiences. I believe that comes from MT’s who either did not receive superb initial hands-on instruction or are lazy in thier work! Either way, these experiences from people who pay for our expertise should get expert work. I, as well as others, have expectations when booking massage appointments and have been disappointed more often then not. I have gotten to the point where I am tired of paying “therapists” who lack the knowledge and hands-on abilities to address the aches and pains that drive me and others to make the appointment in the first place. I believe these ineffective services are having a negative impact on bodywork and bodyworkers. Our profession is all about the combination of knowledge and skill!

]]> By: nancy matthews http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-80 nancy matthews Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:12:12 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-80 I have been in the massage education field for 20 years. I am very dismayed by DE for basic training. An education in Massage & Bodywork is much more then a technical training or memorization of information. It entails working with the development of the therapist and for hands on training & feedback. I have read the comments & understand some people have had a good experience doing their training on line. I can only say, they don't know what their missing...they have nothing to compare it to. A wholistic education in a classroom, working with a group dynamic, working with awareness and communication skills and, being touched everyday, provides an opportunity for personal growth and embodyment that you can't get through a computer. I have been in the massage education field for 20 years. I am very dismayed by DE for basic training. An education in Massage & Bodywork is much more then a technical training or memorization of information. It entails working with the development of the therapist and for hands on training & feedback. I have read the comments & understand some people have had a good experience doing their training on line. I can only say, they don’t know what their missing…they have nothing to compare it to. A wholistic education in a classroom, working with a group dynamic, working with awareness and communication skills and, being touched everyday, provides an opportunity for personal growth and embodyment that you can’t get through a computer.

]]> By: Teresa http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-77 Teresa Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:13:35 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-77 After reading all the comments...I have to say that Continued Ed that is available on line is VERY valuable! I currently live out of the country and I can not axcess a hands on course, so online is the way for me to go. Don't get me wrong, education is hugely important to me. I can't bring myself to see a therapist where I live because of the lack of education the therapists have. I DO NOT think that the initial course work should be available online or by distance education. This is not a feild that can be put on paper, and understood with out proper hands on experience. I will never endorse distance education for initial course work. However, I AM glad to the heart I can keep my credentials current with the continued ed courses. I wouldn't mind seeing all the schools across the country increase the hourly requirements either. We could weed out the nonsence and provide the public with a more professional community of therapists. I am passionate about my knowledge and I hope to teach one day. After reading all the comments…I have to say that Continued Ed that is available on line is VERY valuable! I currently live out of the country and I can not axcess a hands on course, so online is the way for me to go. Don’t get me wrong, education is hugely important to me. I can’t bring myself to see a therapist where I live because of the lack of education the therapists have. I DO NOT think that the initial course work should be available online or by distance education. This is not a feild that can be put on paper, and understood with out proper hands on experience. I will never endorse distance education for initial course work. However, I AM glad to the heart I can keep my credentials current with the continued ed courses. I wouldn’t mind seeing all the schools across the country increase the hourly requirements either. We could weed out the nonsence and provide the public with a more professional community of therapists. I am passionate about my knowledge and I hope to teach one day.

]]> By: Sara Firman http://www.ncbtmb.org/blog/2008/05/is-distance-education-appropriate-for-the-field-of-massage-therapy/#comment-76 Sara Firman Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:06:14 +0000 http://www.ncbtmb.org/deblog/?p=5#comment-76 Here is an instance where distance learning is most certainly valid. If anyone knows of a course that can provide this, please let me know! I am a massage practitioner of 14 years standing. I trained mostly in the UK and then did advanced aquatic bodywork in CA, USA. I moved to CA where I was licenced. However, when I relocated to MO I was unable to meet the licencing board requirements because I could not produce an official school transcript that fit their requirements. Some years later I have finally been informed that I may obtain licensing by providing a transcript from a massage school, college or university showing: An additional fifty (50) hours of anatomy and physiology, fifty (50) hours of business/practices/ethics/massage law and to pass the National exam. I believe that I cannot enter for the exam without a School's backing? (Advice form NCBTMT appreciated.) Here is an instance where distance learning is most certainly valid. If anyone knows of a course that can provide this, please let me know!

I am a massage practitioner of 14 years standing. I trained mostly in the UK and then did advanced aquatic bodywork in CA, USA. I moved to CA where I was licenced.

However, when I relocated to MO I was unable to meet the licencing board requirements because I could not produce an official school transcript that fit their requirements.

Some years later I have finally been informed that I may obtain licensing by providing a transcript from a massage school, college or university showing:

An additional fifty (50) hours of anatomy and physiology, fifty (50) hours of business/practices/ethics/massage law and to pass the National exam.

I believe that I cannot enter for the exam without a School’s backing? (Advice form NCBTMT appreciated.)

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