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A Word From Our Director...Since the San Francisco School of Massage (SFSM) first opened its doors in California in 1970, the field of therapeutic massage has come to be recognized as an integral part of the complimentary care profession. Massage therapists are increasingly involved in adjunct medical fields, such as chiropractic care and physical therapy, and can often be found in hospitals, convalescent homes and hospices. In addition, they are employed by sports teams and athletes in training; work in health clubs and spas; and serve the general public providing pain relief, stress reduction and health maintenance. It is an exciting time to be involved in massage therapy. Today’s practitioners are challenged to compete in a market overflowing with prospective clients, and as more people recognize the value of massage, more schools are offering professional training. The programs offered at the San Francisco School of Massage continue to provide the highest quality training in California and in the field, upon which graduates can build personally and professionally rewarding careers. The past few years have been a period of change at SFSM. We have responded to the proposed introduction of new California massage therapy regulations by further developing our programs to meet pending regulatory requirements. But we have also responded to the growing needs of our students. Training at SFSM is now offered in six programs that total over 700 certification hours, and a workshop series is offered year round for those looking to add skills to their repertoire or who need to obtain continuing education credits. The San Francisco School of Massage has always been committed to offering programs that train massage professionals of the highest caliber, and we are proud of our achievements in this area. Though we are consistently rated as one of the best massage schools in California, the coming year will see improvements in the form of two new 100-hour certification courses: The Professional Practitioner program introduces the student to myofascial release techniques and other clinical bodywork therapies, and helps them develop the communication skills for building trust and understanding with their clients; and the Zen Shiatsu II program will provide graduates of the basic Zen Shiatsu program with assessment skills and treatment strategies. The student always comes first at SFSM. Endeavoring to meet the needs of students juggling a variety of personal and professional responsibilities, we have designed flexible programs they can easily integrate into their daily lives. Courses are offered afternoons, evenings and on weekends in a variety of formats, and the block system gives students the opportunity to begin working upon completion of a basic certification course, adding to their training as their lives permit. To learn more about classes at SFSM, call today and speak with a member of our office staff. You may then arrange to take a free class in one of our basic certification courses and experience for yourself the professional and supportive teaching style of our instructors, talk with other students, and participate in a typical class.
Paulette Bergess 1325 Chestnut Street Email : info@sfschoolofmassage.com
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Choosing The Right School: The San Francisco School of Massage:
Note to Prospective Students: The State of California currently requires a minimum of 100 hours of certified training to practice massage therapy in California, though this number is higher in some municipalities where local ordinances predominate. Pending legislation at the state level will certainly increase this number to a minimum of 250 hours in the next few years, superceding local ordinances. The City and County of San Francisco requires 100 hours of certified training to work in a spa, out of one’s home, and in chiropractic, doctors’ offices and other medical establishments, and 200 hours to open one’s own place of business outside of the home. To learn about massage therapy regulations in your community, please contact your local Department of Health. Educating yourself on local ordinances is only the first step. Next, you want to find a school that meets those requirements, and that is recognized by the state as a licensed provider of postsecondary and vocational education. The San Francisco School of Massage meets these requirements for the State of California and many other states as well. It is also important to choose a school that meets your scheduling needs. The San Francisco School of Massage offers courses in a variety of formats to accommodate those who work full time, as well as those with more flexible schedules. Finally, ask to sit in on a class in order get a feel for its educational environment. At SFSM, prospective students are welcome to sit in on a class in either the Swedish Massage or Zen Shiatsu beginning courses. To schedule a free class, please contact the school at (415) 474-4600.
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