Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Student Retention, Employment, and Pass Rates

We have recently received statistics from The Ministry of Advanced Education (AE) and The Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS) concerning our student's retention, employment, and pass rates.

According to AEEI, we have a retention rate averaged at 90% and a graduate employment rate averaged at 91% from 2006 to 2012 (the 2013 statistics are not available yet).

The MTAS board exam is one of the challenges we mission to prepare our students for each year; this exam not only allows them membership with MTAS, but gives them recognition with the Massage Therapist Association of Canada and access to many continuing education opportunities throughout their career.  The following are the graduate pass rates for the written and practical exams for the 2006 - 2009 years (2010 rates are not yet available):

                         2006                   2007                     2008                 2009
Written               95%                    83%                      86%                  89%
Practical             89%                    77%                      93%                  89%

Our graduates also average at 88% who master the written exam and 87% who master the practical exam.

We are proud to say that our curriculum has prepared and is preparing our students for successful careers in Massage Therapy as alumni of the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

RMT Job Opportunity

Registered Massage Therapists in or moving to Lloydminster, AB:




The ad is also posted on the bulletin board at the Institute for PIMT Alumni.

November 22, 2010 Student Meeting Synopsis


Topic: Making class more integrative

First of all, I would like to thank the students who participated in the first student meeting.  The expectations set for the meeting were as follows:
  • ·         Student freedom to express opinions
  • ·         Students able to have a better understanding of staff goals throughout the year
  • ·         Possibly present changes to help make class time more meaningful
Administration and Staff had put together a list of items that we have been working to integrate into class time:
  1.  Include a more kinaesthetic approach to instructing where possible
  2.  Utilize more visual tools
  3.  Making sure to have an overview and summary for each class to assist student focus in class
  4.  In the works of a pilot program for the Systems Anatomy: Neurobiology class
    1.  Utilizing pre-received note packages to allow for more in-class discussion time
    2.  Also allows for more hands-on or group work and Q/A sessions with the Instructor
    3.  If successful, we will look into implementing this at various times in future classes
The student’s who attended also presented a number of ideas:
  1. Increasing follow-up on out of class readings and assignments
  2. Lesson planning that includes a wider variety of instructing types
    1. “tell us the information in other words/more than one way”
  3. Looking into more continuing education for our instructors
Although not all of these points can be addressed in one year, our instructional staff has met to discuss each of these topics and has come out with a plan of action.  As points 2 and 3 of staff items and 1 and 2 of student ideas can be accomplished congruently, the faculty will focus on these first.  Administration and faculty have been working very closely to update the curriculum to better instruct the widest variety of learning styles without compromising the integrity of the information; we are planning to continue delivering the most accurate and promising course we can provide.

Keep checking up on the progress of these additions to our educational dexterity.  As the year comes to the half-way point, we look forward to watching and helping our students mature and grow personally and in their pursuit of a career in Massage Therapy.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Stress and Studying - Some Helpful Hints

Exams are just over 2 weeks away and students are already starting to plan ahead.  Here are some hints to help while you are putting together your study material:
  1. Be Purposeful - work; intend to listen when you're learning
  2. Be Selective - figure out what you think is important
  3. Get it Right the First Time - if you're unsure, ask!
  4. Understand - if given info, put it into your words, develop your own short hand; try to explain it out lout, write it out, teach it
  5. Organize - make it easy to follow
  6. Recite - hearing it makes it easier to remember
  7. Small Practice Sessions - gives you a higher percentage of information recalled
Scheduling:
  • When you plan, you reduce stress
  • Review right away
  • Know material that will be called
  • Study when you're most awake
  • Study the hardest material when you're most alert
  • Take breaks
  • Increased fitness=increased learning

Friday, November 19, 2010

New Website

Happy Friday everyone!  Just a quick note to let you know that the new website is up and running.  Visit it at www.pimtmassage.com to take a look.  We will be adding more detail as we make the transition from the old website to the new.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan Opportunities


MTAS is an organization dedicated to the maintenance and improvement of the profession of massage therapy and to the protection of the public.  It is a registered non-profit corporation established in 1966.  Currently there are 815 members total, working in towns and cities from border to border in Saskatchewan, with several members also practicing in BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Yukon.

Our mission statement: “We exist to encourage and enhance the art, science and practice of massage therapy by maintaining a high standard of massage therapy; by establishing and maintaining the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan, Inc. as a leading health professional association; by promoting the health profession through education, accountability, communication and advocacy, and financial stability.”

Members of MTAS have an obligation to obtain competency credits to provide the public with up to date treatment techniques.  For the public’s safety, members follow a detailed code of ethics standard of practice and strict confidentiality policy.

Members of MTAS are the only massage therapists in Saskatchewan who are legally permitted to use the designations RMT and Registered Massage Therapist.  MTAS members are recognized across the country as professional practioners, and are members of the Massage Therapy Alliance of Canada (MTAC).

MTAS undertakes many activities on behalf of our membership - directed toward Government agencies, other health professionals, and the general public, intended to increase the awareness of Registered Massage Therapists.  MTAS also provides benefits through programs and services for those who choose to belong to our Association
We encourage PIMT students to become a member of MTAS and help to collectively protect your profession.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

November Schedule

Academic Calendar for November

A Look into the Present

(an article from the October 2009 issue of Massage Post)
by Joshua Peters - 2010 Alumni


Hippocrates once stated (and I’m paraphrasing here) that healing can be communicably spread through touch.  He went on to compare that ability of healing touch to communicable diseases, but I don’t hold that against him…he was just using what information he had.  The point is, there is healing in mere human contact, and if the world 2500 years ago understood that then I didn’t need much more encouragement to pursue an education thusly focused.
                As a 24 year old, not having been in anything resembling a school for six and a half years, the prospect of returning to one (to pursue an education of all things) was a little daunting.  I wasn’t sure if I could handle this new environment, a) because it had been so long since I tried learning anything new, and b) what if all the cool kids teased me?  Are there still cool kids in school?  Only one way to find out, I told myself. 
                What I found was pleasantly surprising.  After the first 10 minutes of an intense swallowing regimen I practice when I’m nervous, the edge wore off and I recognized that these people, the students, the teachers, the administration, are just as scared of me as I am of them!  Kidding.  But what I did find was that everyone was putting forth their best efforts to make the people around them feel comforted and welcomed.  I cannot think of a better atmosphere where one can put down his worries, place his faith in the people around him, and simply focus on the task ahead of him: higher education.  And a host of friends numbering in the hundreds doesn’t hurt at all either (although it may be more like dozens…or, if you’re like me, two or three people who can tolerate you longer than 5 minutes).  Still, the spirit of the school and the people it encompasses warm my heart, and I can scarcely think of a better way to learn than surrounded by people whom you care about…and who return the favour.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Students and Study Techniques

Four Distinguishing Characteristics of a Successful Student:

1. The successful student has a clear educational goal
2. The successful student recognizes that education offers a unique opportunity for intellectual development, and they are willing to subordinate their other concerns to take advantage of that opportunity
3. The successful student has good study skills
4. The successful student has the will to succeed

Helpful Study Techniques
  • Preview material before it is taught; even if you just familiarize yourself with the day's material before class, you will be surprised how much more you understand
  • If you have a series of exams, study for them in reverse order; this way you give adequate time to each exam, not five days for the first, a day for the second, half a day for the third, etc.
  • guess at possible exam questions; sit down and write out answers
  • Form a study group to decide what upcoming exam questions might be; everyone takes a question and prepares an answer: you can then swap answers for studying
  • Do not get behind; if you relax and let things slide for a while, it is usually too late and too difficult to get back on top of things
  • Do an immediate review after class; write things down and make your own notes
DID YOU KNOW?? Two or three hours of efficient study in quiet surroundings does more than ten hours in noisy conditions

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Campus Staff - Supervisors

Lindsy Ortman (Lead Supervisor) is a thoughtful and genuine individual.  She graduated from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy in 2011.  Soon after, she began her work as a Registered Massage Therapistc.  Haley's work as the Lead Supervisor at the Institute has encouraged challenge and growth over the past year, not only for our students, but for our Teaching Clinic as well.

Cora Jabour (Supervisor and Guest Lecturer) is a pleasant and welcoming addition to the staff at the Institute.  She graduated in 2009 and began working as a Registered Massage Therapist.  Cora began her work with us and has brought a positive attitude and diligent work ethic to the Institute.  She also guest lecturers in the area of Myofascial Release and Anatomy.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Campus Staff - Instructors

Tia Schneider is a structured, detailed individual with a love of massage.  She is a Registered Massage Therapist who received her training in Red Deer, AB.  Tia also has her certificate in Stone Massage and has been working diligently at re-working our hydrotherapy program. She brings to the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy a fresh and informative view of human anatomy and physiology, a well-rounded instructional style, and contributes to the positive atmosphere at the Institute.

Becki French is an enthusiastic, cheerful person with an incredible sense of creativity.  She completed the 2200 hour Massage Therapy Diploma Program at PIMT (receiving high honors and attendance awards).  She has also completed the Sports Training and Therapy program, garnering the title Fitness Consultant.  Her diverse education presents a new dynamic to the Institute that has increased our educational standing.  She brings an original approach to the theory and practical aspects of her classes that is appreciated.

Jenn Barnstable is a passionate, intellectual leader who instructs wholeheartedly.  She graduated from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy, joining the instructing staff in the early 2000's and again in 2012.  Jenn brings an innovative approach to instructing and serves as a leader in the faculty and staff team.   Her unique style serves as an example for the staff and students at the Institute.

Danielle Kennedy has an attitude of success and progress.  After graduation from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy in 2008, she went on to work as a Registered Massage Therapist in Prince Albert.  She joined the Faculty at the Institute in 2013, commuting each weekend to instruct our independent learning class; she continues to offer sound instruction to the students.  She is not only a good instructor, but is an example for students looking to be entrepreneurs.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Campus Staff - Administration

Chelsea Ruth Lee (Director of Administration and Admissions) is a dynamic and innovative leader.  Her desire to see the Massage Therapy profession grow is the motivation behind the work she does as the Director of the Institute.  An Alumni of the Institute, Chelsea has been working in Administration and as a Faculty member since the summer of 2008.  She spend the first year as the administrative assistant; during the first two years, she instructed Systems Anatomy: Neurobiology and Business/Professional Development.  Along side her work at the Campus, she ran a mobile massage therapy business.

Since September 2009, Chelsea has worked alongside PIMT Calgary, the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan, the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, and The Ministry of Advanced Education to ensure the best education and opportunity for the students of the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Campus Staff

There are many questions posed to the Institute about what standards we have in areas such as curriculum, safety, and accreditation. The one inquiry that seems to rank the highest is the qualifications of our staff.  Most would like to know that they can rely on the knowledge and experience of their Instructors, the authority and presence of administration, and the understanding of the supervisors.

As an introduction to the next number of posts, we would like to tell you a little about the process in which we decide whether or not an individual is qualified to be a part of our team.  There are two areas that we focus on: educational background and experience.

The first aspect of this process is looking into their educational background.  For all of our practical courses (Massage Theory and Practical, Remedial Exercise, and Hydrotherapy), an instructor must have graduated from a reputable Institute with a minimum of 2200 hours of study (2000 in class and 200 in a practical setting).  If an applicant does not meet this standard, they will not be considered for a position.  For the theory courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Business, etc.) there are two possibilities: (1) graduation from a 2200 hour Massage Therapy course where the core curriculum meets our own; or (2) graduation from a University with a degree in the area of study for which they will be instructing (with preference given to a Master's Degree).

The second aspect has everything to do with their experience in the field of study (either massage or their degree).  As a minimum standard, we require each instructor to have at lease 1 years worth experience working either as a Massage Therapist or as a Specialist in the area of their degree.  For Massage Therapists, we look at the continuing education they have been through in that year as well as listen to referrals from past employers and references.  We will give preference to applicants who have been employed for more than two years and/or have experience in an instructional position.  For applicants with a University Degree, we take into consideration research papers, presentations, awards, and references as well, again giving preference to those who have instructional experience.

The following number of posts will hopefully give you a better understanding of the people who positively affect the lives of the students who attend this Institute.  Although the staff changes from time to time, the quality of the staff continues to meet and exceed the standards of education in the Private Institutional Field.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy (PIMT) - Saskatoon Blog.  Administration and Staff at the Institute consider it a privilege to be able to inform, discuss, and converse with you.

At PIMT, we employ the highest academically trained staff to support our curriculum.  Our staff have specialized training in their field of expertise.  In addition, our massage instructors have no less than 2200 hours of full-time massage therapy education.

Our course consists of academic and practical applications.  In conjunction with Massage, we offer classes in Physiology, Pathology, Anatomy, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Remedial Exercise, Professional Development, and Business.  These classes enable students to graduate with the appropriate knowledge to succeed in the massage therapy profession.



Our curriculum contains specialized classes in Hydrotherapy, Cadaver Workshops, First Aid/CPR-C, Sports First Aid, and Sports Taping & Bandaging as part of the total curriculum.  These classes will broaden your scope of massage therapy training.

Our policies and procedures continue to develop as the Institute grows.  Each year we gather as a staff to re-develop polices to meet the needs of our students to ensure that they reflect fair and reasonable commitments to the Institute by both staff and students.

We also offer bi-monthly workshops.  The workshop is designed to provide a better understanding of our course and is a very rewarding experience.  Please take the opportunity to ask questions and assimilate as much information as possible with your comments to the posts.

Whether you are a student, staff member, alumni, or someone looking for more information about the ever-expanding field of Massage Therapy, we hope this blog helps you decide if massage therapy is the best option for you and if PIMT can offer both information and services to provide for your individual needs.  We look forward to the possibility of educating, informing, or treating you in the future.