UpClose & Personal - School of Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork

Boulder College of Massage Therapy, who celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2000, is recognized around the world as a premiere provider of massage therapy education.

Located at the foot of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, their modern 29,000 sq. ft. facility is an opportunity worth exploring

They believe that that an optimal learning environment includes committed and caring faculty and staff, an academic tutorial program, and quality education. Their aim is to support individual, professional, and personal development. And it shows. Over 99% of their graduates pass the National Certification Examination and go on to establish successful and rewarding careers.

Program length varies greatly in the massage therapy profession. At Boulder College of Massage Therapy (BCMT), they know that 1000 hours of academic instruction are the minimum necessary to be competent as a massage therapist. Many states now require 1000 hours of professional training for licensure. They offer a powerful combination of educational excellence and balance among classic Western massage; bodywork in the Eastern tradition; clinical massage specialization; and bodywork focusing on the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

In their 1000 Hour Massage Therapy Certificate Program (CMT), students learn four core hands-on modalities: Zen Shiatsu, Swedish Therapeutic Massage, Normalization of Soft Tissue, and Integrative Therapeutic Massage. These are supported by course work in human sciences, psychology, ethics, and career development. They also offer electives in other popular massage modalities and techniques.

BCMT is one of the first Massage Therapy programs in the nation to offer a program leading to an Associate of Occupational Studies in Massage Therapy Degree (AOS). CMT graduates have the opportunity to continue their education by pursuing this dynamic postgraduate training. The program allows the student to choose a focused track of specialization while developing a professional massage therapy practice. The AOS format is very achievable and involves six months of part-time evening courses, with classes meeting two nights per week. Students select three Advanced Bodywork Studies electives, scheduled Fridays through Sundays.

BCMT’s Advanced Bodywork Studies Certificate Programs (ABS) is a 200-Hour Premier Continuing Education Programs and Courses for Practicing Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers. Subjects include Orthopedic & Sports Massage, Zen Shiatsu, Energy Medicine (Healing Touch, Polarity Therapy, Energy Movement, Yoga, Qi Gong, Clinical Experience, and Case Studies), Advanced Bodywork Studies Courses, plus Canine Massage—more on that below!

BCMT is very active in the local community. On October 19, they initiated a massage therapy fundraiser for the New York Times 9/11 Neediest Fund to benefit the rescue workers and their families in the wake of the September 11 disaster. One hundred nine students, 52 alumni donated massage therapy, Zen Shiatsu, and chair massage sessions to the community and raised $7500., “The spirit of volunteerism was electric and reminded all of us of the value of positive human interaction and goodwill,” SAID Christopher Quinn, D.C., College President.

Educating the public and service are critical components of the BCMT philosophy and curriculum. The Student Clinic at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy is an important component of the 1000 Massage Therapy Certificate Program. The 13-room clinic enables students to gain valuable hands-on experience in an instructional, clinical environment while providing over 6,000 massages each year to the general public.

Another opportunity BCMT provides is field placement in the Boulder community. These include internship programs at local hospitals, athletic centers, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation clinics, as well as corporations, private practitioners and chiropractors

BCMT students and faculty are on-hand for Complimentary free massages after the Memorial Day Bolder Boulder 10k Road Race. Bolder Boulder is one of the largest road races in the world. The race attracts more than 44,000 runners and walkers and draws professional athletes from all over the world to compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing. In 2001, about 100 students and 22 instructors worked on 100 massage tables and provided over 1300 massages to race participants. This year's race will be 24th in the event's history and the 15th year that BCMT has participated.

Steve Jacques of Aurora gets his from Boulder College of Massage Therapy student Sue Seiler in the University of Colorado recreation center after his race.

BCMT has been able to offer Federal Financial Aid to those who qualify since 1990. Over 60 percent of their student body have taken advantage of the opportunity. They offer Title IV Federal Financial Aid, including: Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and PLUS Loans. Veterans Administration benefits are also available to those qualifying.

We wouldn’t want you to go away from this article without taking a look at BCMT’s fascinating Canine Massage certification course. Instructor Rhonda Reich started as a student in 1982 and joined the faculty in 1984. Her passion for dog massage began for her one day as she was grooming a dog, and she realized that she had been unknowingly massaging the dogs while she was washing them in the tub. She became interested in the muscle structure and began massaging the dogs in her grooming practice.

When she researched the field of canine massage, she found that a few people in the country were doing it, but there was very little available in the way of training, and certainly no certification programs. Her idea to teach canine massage at BCMT was positively received, and the program has grown from a one-day class to a six-day certification course.

Currently Rhonda is developing a partnership through BCMT with two orthopedic doctors from Japan, who want her to assist them in teaching a Canine Massage Certification Program.

The Boulder College of Massage Therapy currently offers the following benefits to members:
• Advanced Bodywork Studies course discounts
• Referral Service – they refer your name and number to potential clients who call them asking for massage therapists
• Career Connections – over 60 listings nationally, updated bi-monthly.
• Massage Table Purchase Discount of 5%
• Massage Therapy Session Discount in the Student Clinic
• Membership is $30 for one year

All graduates receive the “BCMT Buzz,” the official alumni newsletter published semi annually. Has over 45 highly qualified devoted, enthusiastic members who have practices as professionals and possess extensive experience as skilled instructors.

For more information, visit the home page of the Boulder College of Massage Therapy.

Or contact them at:

Boulder College of Massage Therapy
6255 Longbow Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
Toll-Free: (800) 442-5131(outside Colorado)
303-530-2100