Frequently Asked Questions
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 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, but NCBTMB certificates are not available for that.
Are there payment plans available for courses and programs? Yes, there is a payment plan option available for all online courses and programs that are offered by Open Pathways. Payment plans are also available for in-person multi-course programs.
Is there a homework requirement for Open Pathways' courses? There is a requirement that you practice the material presented in online courses for a minimum of 30 minutes per week. You will be asked to turn in a Practice Record Log at the end of each online course. That is also true of both online and in-person multi-course programs.
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 on a digital teaching platform called "Teachable." In Teachable, you will have unlimited access to lecture notes and handouts, acupressure point and sequence diagrams, video lessons, and class recordings, which you can listen to as many times as you want or need. As long as Open Pathways Institute is operable, there is no time limit on your access to these materials.
Can I enroll in 1 course at a time, rather than an entire program? 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. While it is possible to enroll in course at a time, there is a significant financial savings when enrolling in a program. The price per course within the program is less than the price per the stand-alone course.
Will I need to bring a "client" to each online class in order to participate? In most online classes, you will work on yourself using self-Acupressure techniques. 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. Each multi-course program, depending upon its length, requires 2-5 booklets. Two programs (Integrating Chinese Medicine into Massage Therapy and Journey into Harmony using the Chinese 5 Elements) require a set of essential oils to use for Aroma Acutouch Therapy. These oils can be purchased over time. All the booklets and oils are available on this website's store.
What is Open Pathways' online individual course refund policy? If, within the first 14 days after the start of the course, you discover that this course does not fulfill your expectations, then you may cancel your enrollment with a full refund. After the first 14 days of the course, there are no refunds given.
What is Open Pathways' in-person individual course refund policy? This policy applies to classes in Bellingham or Burlington. If you cancel more than 2 weeks prior to the start date of the course offered in Bellingham, you will be refunded the cost of the course minus an administrative fee of $25. If you cancel 2 weeks, or less than 2 weeks, prior to the start of the course, you can transfer your credit to another in-person or online course taught within the same year. There are no refunds given for course enrollment cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the course, or for courses partially completed. Cancellation Policy for In-Person Classes in Seattle are subject to the policies posted on the Therapeutic Training Center website.
What is Open Pathways' online multi-course program refund policy? All online multi-courses program enrollment cancellations will incur a $150 administrative fee. If you paid the program IN FULL upon enrollment: 1. If, within 14 days after the start of the program, you discover that this program does not fulfill your expectations, then you may cancel your enrollment with a full refund minus a $150 administrative fee. 2. If it is past 14 days after the start of the program, and you choose to cancel your enrollment, you are responsible for completing payment for any courses that you have already completed in the program, and that you are currently in the midst of, as well as the $150 administrative fee. You will be refunded for courses in the program that have not yet begun. If you chose the 12-month PAYMENT PLAN OPTION upon enrollment: 1. If, within 14 days after the start of the program, you discover that this program does not fulfill your expectations, then you may cancel your enrollment with a full refund minus a $150 administrative fee. 2. If it is past 14 days after the start of the program, and you choose to cancel your enrollment, you are responsible for completing payment for any courses that you have already completed in the program, and that you are currently in the midst of, as well as the $150 administrative fee. You will not be charged for courses in the program that have not yet begun. After your payment plan payments cover the cost of the courses already completed, the course you are in the midst of, and the $150 administrative fee, then your monthly payments to Teachable will stop.