Student Clinic Course
Course Description:
In the Student Clinic Course, students put into practice what they have learned within their core program and some of their elective courses. The student clinic models a real-life setting. Sessions are performed on the general public allowing students to acquire a greater sense of confidence and proficiency, and become familiar with professional business standards and procedures.
Each student has the opportunity to work on a clinic instructor for detailed feedback on their unique and specific touch, applied pressure, and flow of performance.
At times the clinic instructor observes students during an official client session to assess how they apply technique, communication skills, standards, ethics, and other aspects of professional practice.
Students receive one-on-one feedback and instructions related to their hands-on performance, body mechanics, ability to develop effective session and client treatment plans, modify sessions to the client’s requests, proper draping, client record keeping, and display of growing professionalism to meet the school’s expectations and standards.
Emphasis is also placed on reliability, follow through, internal communication with school staff and fellow students, and co-operation with clinic logistics and management.
Of the total 128 required clinic course hours, at least 112 hours take place on-site in the student clinic, which is generally open 6 days a week - Monday though Friday 9:00 AM to 9 PM; and Saturday 10-5 PM - for student’s scheduling convenience. Up to 16 hours may be accumulated by taking part in school-supervised events and field trips with hands-on practice sessions.
Course Objectives:
• Refine skills of developing a safe, professional and effective initial client session and on-going treatment plan, based on client goals, assessment findings, and understanding of effects of given massage modalities. (1.7.i)
• Practice writing clear, concise and accurate notes of client treatment sessions (1.7.ii)
• Practice to define and demonstrate active listening, rapport, empathy and feedback.
• Practice professional and comprehensive client communication. This includes:
o effective pre-session interview, (2.1.i)
o presentation of treatment plan and rationale,
o obtaining informed consent of the client prior to starting the treatment, (2.1.ii)
o provide the client with directions as needed,
o check-in with the client during the treatment about comfort level, pressure, etc.
o keep all communication limited to and focused on necessary exchange to benefit the client session
o conflict resolution, such as following procedures in case of inappropriate client behavior, managing challenging clients
o avoid chatting and assist the client in directing their focus on receiving the bodywork
• Practice to modify a treatment plan and course and therapeutic approach within a session, catering to the client’s feedback and responses. (2.1.iii)
• Utilize and practice professional marketing and promotional skills if and when it may be appropriate in the clinic, such as client re-booking, or promoting the student clinic at a school supervised event,
• Manage time within a treatment session as well as the clinic booking schedule of the shift. (2.1.iv)
• Practice professionalism with clinic instructors, the clinic manager and all clinic staff in all interactions. Demonstrate professional reliability and responsibility with regard to, appearance, attitude, attendance, punctuality and appropriate, proactive, and responsive administrative communication.
• Students exercise application of practical skills taught, such as hands-on techniques, draping, professional communication and behavior and ethics while meeting the client’s expectations of a professional massage session, based on the standards and teachings of the Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School. Students learn to consistently approach each client with highest ethical and professional integrity, focusing on improving and serving the overall health and well-being of the client.