AIMHA

The following outline represents the basic agreements and principles the staff of The Aloha Institute of Massage and Healing Arts has compiled for successful completion of the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Course. We ask that you contemplate them and commit to fulfilling them while you are in the program. Please ask any questions and share any comments you have. We are committed to guiding you through this course.

1. Maintain personal health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Our personal health is our calling card. How you look and how you act is noticed by your clients and your community. You become a role model for health and happiness. Please remember, everything we teach at AIMHA is offered to you to create excellent habits for a highly successful massage career. During the first week of school, we present "AIMHA Strategies: Essentials of Life". We discuss the breath, water, nutrition, rest & recreation, exercise, and intimacy. Throughout the course we continue to explore strategies for a nourishing lifestyle so you can be as close as possible to 100% present and focused in class and with your clients. We ask you to start noticing your relationship with each of the following nine areas and how they affect your daily life.

a. Breath
b. Water
c. Food
d. Sleep / rest
e. Handling addictions - tobacco, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, limiting thoughts and emotions
f. Professional clothing
g. Intimate relationships
h. Personal hygiene
i. Time

Start now to look ahead and adjust your commitments and daily schedule to accommodate Level 1: 13 classroom hours, 3 practice lab hours, 6-10 homework hours each week.

2. Attendance
a. Classes will begin on time. You may enter through the side door 15 minutes before each class begins. Partial attendance at 3 classes (come late or leave early) = 1 absence. 3 absences = dismissal with no refund.
b. Our program is approved by the Department of Education, therefore, you must complete the 600 hours that your diploma reflects
c. The curriculum is designed to build on the skills you learn from week to week.
d. We all notice a difference in the energy when someone is absent. We ask you to honor your instructor, your classmates and the group process with your presence and your focused attention.
e. You be asked to leave a class if you are too tired or too agitated to remain.
f. Call AIMHA, 263-2468 before the class begins to let your instructor know if you know you will be late or need to be excused.

3. Preparation for Classes
a. In order for class to begin on time, we very much appreciate your arriving 5-10 minutes before class time begins. Please use this time to breathe, relax and center yourself. Give yourself the opportunity to let go of the activities of the day, and become one with the sacredness of class time.
b. Read your homework assignments before coming to class. Use the weekly guide in your manual for assignments. Bring any questions to class. The whole class will benefit.

4. Missed class make-up sessions - Level 1
a. If you miss a class you are responsible for making up all information and classroom hours within one week.
b. Anatomy and physiology quizzes must be taken or retaken. Schedule quiz make-ups on Wednesday during lab.
c. Hands-on classes will be made up by scheduling with the instructor of the missed class or an alternate AIMHA instructor. The make-up fee for this instruction is $25.00 per hour.
d. Missed classroom hours. Students must compete the total hours missed by participating in an AIMHA community event, the student clinic or with an AIMHA volunteer therapist.
e. Complete the "Missed Class Make-up Form" included in your AIMHA Manual. All forms must be turned in with your midterm or final homework assignments.

5. Tuition
see tuition section
Cost for complete licensing program is $6500.

6. Cancellation & Refund Policy
BUYER’S RIGHT TO CANCEL:
The student has a right to cancel the enrollment agreement and obtain a refund. The student may cancel the enrollment agreement and receive a refund by providing a written notice to Elizabeth Reveley, Director, the Aloha Institute of Massage and Healing Arts, at the address on the front of the Enrollment Agreement signed by the student.

Cancellation:
The student has a right to cancel, within three (3) business days of signing the enrollment agreement, and receive a full refund of all monies paid by providing written notice to Elizabeth Reveley , Director, Aloha Institute of Massage and Healing Arts, at the address on the front of the Enrollment Agreement signed by the student.

The student has a right to cancel, after three (3) business days of the date the enrollment agreement was signed, and up to or on the first day of instruction, and receive a full refund of all monies paid less the Registration Fee of $100.00 and supply fee of $250.00..

Withdrawal or Termination after commencement of classes:
If the student withdraws or is terminated from a program after instruction has started and receive a pro rata refund for the unused portion of the tuition and other refundable charges for the program plus 10% of the exact prorate amount. For example, if the student withdraws or is terminated, after completing 100 hours of the 600 hour program, and has paid the total tuition charge of $ 6500.00 for the program the refund would be calculated as follows:

•

•

•

•

Withdrawal is effective the day the school receives a written notice of withdrawal from the student. If no written notice is given, the effective withdrawal date is defined as a date not later than the fifth (5Th) consecutive day of absence or no more than fifteen (15) following the student’s last actual day of attendance, which is defined as a day in which the student had academically related activity, i.e. actual class attendance, class projects, clinical experience or examination.

A Refund of tuition is determined based on the scheduled hours of attendance of the student’s last day of attendance in class.

Refunds are made within thirty (30) days from the effective withdrawal date.

If the student is in arrears at the time of withdrawal, he/she is still liable foe the amount past due.

For the purpose of determining the amount you owe, you shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the course when any of the following occurs: (a) You notify the ALOHA INSTITUTE OF MASSAGE AND HEALING ARTS of your withdrawal or the actual date of withdrawal; (b) the ALOHA INSTITUTE OF MASSAGE AND HEALING ARTS terminates your enrollment; (c) You fail to attend classes per the School’s Attendance Policy; (d) You fail to return from a leave of absence. In this case, the date of withdrawal shall be deemed to be the last date of recorded attendance.

7. Homework - READ HOMEWORK and PREPARE BEFORE YOU COME TO CLASS
a. A/P assignments - including weekly quizzes on Wednesday labs.
b. A/P workbook assignments–including weekly checks on Wednesday labs.
c. Logged massage hours - 3 given and 1 received weekly, checked on Wednesday labs. We recommend that you create a budget so that you can receive massages from a variety of licensed therapists. Our Community Clinic also offers massage therapy for Level 1 students at a reduced rate. You will learn both what you like and what you don't like. Your own massages will improve with your experiences.
d. Tutorials - each student is required to complete two logged massages with a specific staff member (one each semester). The purpose of these tutorials is to maintain individual contact, share progress reports and explore personal direction with each student.

8. Classroom Atmoshpere
The atmosphere in the classroom is critical to maximize learning and to show respect to the teaching staff and the other students. This course is focused and concentrated. When you pay close attention in class you will learn more quickly and we will be able to teach you more.

a. Eat before class, not during and not in the classroom.
b. Keep conversation during class focused on client/therapist interaction. Create another time to chat. You will meet interesting people and you will want to get to know each other.
c. Reserve the telephone for emergencies. Keep cellular phones off.
d. Leave gum outside the classroom. It is not safe to lie on a table and relax with gum in your mouth. It does not look professional.
e. As you walk onto the campus at AIMHA, take a deep breath; leave everything and anything you do not need outside (such as your judgments, issues of the day, and FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real). Ground and center yourself. Smile. Expand your heart and your energy field.

9. Scope of Practice
If a student is in a situation beyond our scope of practice (either physical, emotional, mental or spiritual) we reserve the option to require the student to meet with appropriate professional guidance if they choose to remain in the AIMHA program. We require written feedback from this professional showing that it is safe and appropriate for the student to continue in the AIMHA program. We further reserve the option to consult with our team of qualified doctors and therapists for guidance.

10. Requirements for graduation
a. Attendance of 90%
b. Grades - 85 % on weekly quizzes, 90% on mid-term and final exams
c. Homework assignments completed
d. Tutorials passed
e. Tuition paid in full
f. Professionalism - see #20 below

11. Probation
Probation at AIMHA means that the student is not keeping his/her agreements in one or more of the following areas: up-to-date tuition payments, on time homework assignments, regular attendance, and professionalism. Probation means that the student has been addressed personally at least once and has not yet corrected the behavior. A student may receive a probation notice at anytime during their enrollment in the AIMHA program including at midterm or final reports. Probation could prevent the student from graduating on time or result in dismissal from the program.

Probation status will be addressed in person and in writing by a senior staff member. The student will have 1 week to correct the behavior and come into compliance with his/her agreements with AIMHA.

12. Dress Code
The objectives of AIMHA's dress code are to teach students appropriate attire for the Massage Professional and to instill a professional attitude and self-respect.

a. Wear comfortable, neat attire to classes: Clothing shall be non-binding and non-revealing. No tank tops no scoop necks. Clothing shall be clean, reflecting appropriate hygiene. Long sleeves are not appropriate for giving a massage. We encourage you to wear a polo-type shirt or a short sleeve blouse or shirt.
b. Dangling jewelry and jewelry on the hands and wrists must be removed before giving a massage. It is best to have all jewelry off when you receive a massage. Please do not wear expensive jewelry to class.
c. Hair must be pulled back and secured so that it will not fall into your face. It is not hygienic for you to have to push your hair back while giving a massage.
d. AIMHA uniform is required for those classes when the public joins us, for field trips, and sports massage events. AIMHA uniform means white or khaki long pants or long shorts and an AIMHA polo shirt. Shoes or slippers with cushioned soles are imperative at all times to avoid back and leg aches.
e. Gum chewing is not allowed. It is dangerous to lie down with gum in your mouth.

13. Intern Program
There will be several Level 2 students who assist the instructors during level 1 class hours. They are in class to continue to learn and to support you. Plus, they enjoy receiving massages from you in exchange for offering you feedback on your technique.

14. Volunteer Therapists' Program
Many therapists who enjoy practicing with AIMHA students, and who do not want teaching positions, are available to work with you. They WANT you to call them. They do not expect you to be an expert immediately! In return, they receive more massages -- which they appreciate. Each person will give you different feedback. As you practice on different people you will develop your style, improve your technique, and gain more confidence.

15. Massage Equipment
You are required to provide your own linens and oils. AIMHA supplies massage tables. You are encouraged, not required, to buy your own table. You will practice more frequently and more efficiently when you practice on a table. Both massage tables and massage chairs may be rented from AIMHA for $3.00 per usage (from 1 class to the next class).

Beginning on THE SECOND TUESDAY of class you will need to start to bring your “massage supplies”: linens (one bottom sheet and one top sheet or one large light weight towel or large pareau (for draping your client), face cradle cover or pillow case, two hand towels, holster with bottle of Biotone oil or lotion and a plastic spritz bottle with a 50 - 50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water to every class. We require you to use Biotone products and you may purchase them at wholesale cost at school. They are hypoallergenic.

16. Parking
The parking spaces along side the school are off limits to everyone (except the instructor for the day). Parking is available on all the side streets in the area. Parking is free on the meters after 6 PM and all day Sundays.

17. Professional Journals
The following journals are excellent. “Massage & Bodywork”, the journal of the American Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP); “Massage Magazine”; and “Massage Journal”, the journal of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

18. Suggested Reading
Choose at least one of the following books to read during Level 1.
The Heart’s Code, Paul Pearsal, Ph.D.
Anatomy of Spirit, Caroline M. Myss, PhD
The Power of Now, Eckart Tolle
The Divine Matrix, Gregg Braden

19. Confidentiality
Confidentiality, which is an ethical concern for health care providers, assures that all information regarding models and clients, fellow students, and faculty, etc. remains within the Aloha Institute of Massage and Healing Arts. Confidentiality is a trust agreement that exists for the protection of all parties involved in a relationship. It is important to recognize that it is not always appropriate to discuss one person's situation with others with whom you have relationships. We ask you to abide by the following guidelines for assuring confidentiality.

a. Any information you gather from models or clients in the course of your practical exchanges, including health history forms, is to be kept strictly confidential. Do not discuss a model or client's condition or share his/her health history, using his/her name, with anyone except your instructor.
b. Any information that is shared between you and another student shall be kept in confidence. If you have questions regarding the safety of working with a student, discuss your concerns with an instructor.

20. Professionalism and Business Ethics
Massage therapy is increasingly recognized and valued as an adjunct medical treatment. Respect for the benefits of massage therapy has been won for you by years of competent work and the willingness to educate the public and the medical profession.
Part of your education at AIMHA includes developing the attitudes and perspectives that will encourage you to support professionalism and honest business practices for yourself and your colleagues where ever you practice.

In alignment with this, the use of any kind of drugs or alcohol is not permitted. Cigarettes are harmful for the practitioner and distasteful to the client. Smoking is not permitted during class time or on the premises.
A therapeutic atmosphere is essential to a healing environment. Touching with sexual overtones or intent is not permitted. Any abuse will be given only one warning, before expulsion.

Professionalism is projected in our vocabulary and how we talk about ourselves and others. Judgment and sarcasm are harmful to our health. They come from covert anger. Do not gossip.

You will find professionalism start to permeate every aspect of your life. Professionalism includes showing up on time, dressed professionally, with a professional outlook (a clear mind and an open heart). It means holding yourself in high esteem and speaking without judgment about others.

PLEDGE
I, , am ready, willing and able to participate fully in the current massage therapy licensing program at The Aloha Institute of Massage and Healing Arts. I recognize that I am the creator of my experience. I understand that I am responsible for myself and I am an important cell in a greater whole.
1. I am responsible for my comfort and safety during class
2. I agree to look for my growth and learnings in every interaction.
3. I desire and am responsible for open, honest communication within the AIMHA community.
4. I agree to give honest, clear feedback in the moment while giving and receiving massage during practice sessions.
5. I am open to receiving honest, clear feedback from my fellow students and from the instructors.
6. I am drug-free and agree to remain drug-free. I agree to random drug testing.
7. I agree to maintain professional conduct and confidentiality.
I have read the preceding agreements and principles. I choose to fulfill them. To facilitate my evolution, I agree to Love more and judge less (especially in relating to myself!). In addition, I have 3 (or more) personal commitments I would like to add.
1.

2.

3.

signature____________________________ date________

Aloha Institute of Massage and Healing Arts
Back to Top