Frequently Asked Questions
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ENROLL
Find answers about online and in-person courses, CE hours, course requirements,
materials, payment plans, cancellations, and more.
Are Open Pathways' courses approved by the National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork? Yes, all of our online courses are approved by NCBTMB for CE hours.
What if I miss a class? How do I make it up? All online classes are recorded. Once you are enrolled, you will have access to the recordings of the online classes to make up any missed course content for no additional charge. In-person classes in can be made-up during the next scheduled in-person offering of the missed course content, for no additional charge.
Are online courses pre-recorded and self-paced or live and interactive? All of our online courses are taught LIVE on Zoom, giving you the opportunity to interact with other students and to ask questions of the instructor. NCBTMB CE certificates will be issued for "live" participation in courses. If you choose to listen to the recordings, rather than participate "live," you can request an Open Pathways certificate of completion in lieu of an NCBTMB certificate.
Are there payment plans available for courses and programs? Payment plans are available for in-person multi-course programs.
Is there a homework requirement for Open Pathways' courses? There is no homework requirement for individual CE classes. There is a requirement, however, in our multi-course program, Integrating Chinese Medicine into Massage therapy, that you practice the material presented in class for 30 minutes each week.
Do I have to be a certified or licensed massage therapist to enroll? All of our classes include hands-on work. You must be licensed to touch people, or currently in school for licensing, in order to participate. This may be a license in massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, or any other hands-on modality.
For how long will I have access to the digital teaching materials, diagrams, handouts and videos used in the online courses? All of the online courses' teaching materials are available to you through a shared Google folder. You are welcome to download all the contents of the folder so you have access for an unlimited time.
Can I enroll in 1 course at a time, rather than an entire program? Yes, you can enroll in one course at a time. If there is a prerequisite listed, that must first be met. Our programs are carefully designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of Chinese Medicine principles applicable to massage therapy. Each course is like one piece of a "puzzle." When taken together, these classes create a comprehensive roadmap into integrative health care. For this reason, multi-course programs offer more benefit to both the client and practitioner.
Will I need to bring a "client" to each online class in order to participate? In most online classes, you can work on yourself using self-Acupressure techniques - with the option to work on someone else if you prefer. For the Meridian Massage Therapy 8-week course, you will need to invite someone to be your "client" for the 75-minute practicum each week.
What supplies do I need to participate in online courses or multi-course programs? Each online course (with the exception of Meridian Massage Therapy) requires one booklet. Both Aroma Acutouch Therapy courses also require a set of essential oils. Our comprehensive program, Integrating Chinese Medicine into Massage Therapy, requires a set of booklets and essential oils to use for Aroma Acutouch Therapy. All the booklets and oils are available on this website's store.
What is Open Pathways' individual course refund policy? If you cancel with more than 7 days notice before the start of a class, you may receive a refund or transfer your balance to another upcoming class. Within less than 7 days before the start of the class, no refunds are available.
What is Open Pathways' online multi-course program refund policy? Our comprehensive multi-course program is offered at the Therapeutic Training Center in Seattle and subject to the center's cancellation and refund policies.
Still have a question? Contact Open Pathways