Ojai School of Canine Massage: P.O. Box 1263, Ojai, California 93024 /Telephone: (805) 640 9798.
Catalog of Classes
Table of Contents:
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Mission and Objectives
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Small Animal/Canine Massage Program Onsite
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Small Animal/Canine Massage Distance Education Program
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Enrollment/Admission Requirements/Document of English language proficiency
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Location
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Student Services/Job Placement
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Facilities
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Office hours/Holidays
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Transferability Of Credits
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School Policies: Student Records, Financing, Emergency, Nondiscrimination, Housing, Attendance, Tardiness, Cancellation,/Withdrawal and Refund Policy, Dismissal Policy
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Student Questions or Complaints
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Staff & Faculty
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Standards for Student Achievement
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BPPE Document
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Contact Information
Mission and Objectives:
(Est. 1999) Our goal is to provide professional training of the highest quality in small animal massage therapy while enhancing each student’s and animal’s well-being. We are devoted to a holistic approach to healing. Our courses are designed to provide each student with a thorough and well-rounded education while providing the most current information available in the dog massage field. We successfully prepare our graduates to enter the workforce as professional canine massage therapists.
We are a private institution approved by the NBCAAM, IAAMB, and the BPPE (exempt institution) to provide professional training in canine massage therapy. Our 250-hour Online Small Animal/Canine massage certification program and 50-hour Onsite Canine Massage class teach you how to massage dogs (80% also applies to cats. Please inquire). Our programs include dog gait & conformation assessment education, professional documentation for a dog massage practice, TTouch, Swedish massage, Trigger point therapy, Myofascial release, and Acupressure.
Our ongoing distance/online course is a comprehensive distance learning program that helps our students save time and money while maintaining high educational standards. Our 250-hour canine massage program includes audio and video instruction and is designed for students who prefer the flexibility of learning a new skill from home at their own pace. Students learn all of the massage techniques taught in our onsite classes.
** Ojai School of Canine Massage is approved by the NBCAAM, IAAMB (International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork) as a Preferred Provider, BPPE (as an exempt institution), and the ACWT (Association of Canine Water Therapy) as an Approved Preferred Educational Provider.
Small Animal/Canine Massage Onsite Program:
(It is optional and not required for students to attend onsite classes. Full certification may be obtained by taking our Online Canine Massage Certification Course.)
-Our 5 1/2-day onsite class offers 50 hours of training-
This program focuses on therapeutic massage, which requires a working knowledge of the dog’s anatomy, physiology, common pathological conditions, gait/conformation, nutrition, and behavior; All covered in our Online Canine Massage Course. Topics covered onsite include TTouch, Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Gait Analysis, Myofascial Release, Passive Stretching, and Acupressure.
Onsite Course Instructor: Misti Soo Hoo, LVT, CMT
Onsite tuition cost: $800 (5 1/2-day onsite class) + $1,750 (online course) = $2,550 total tuition. For those students planning to come onsite, tuition is due in full by the first day of the onsite class. A daily rate of $150 will apply for those students attending only a portion of the onsite course.
Prerequisites: Incoming onsite students must complete online Lessons One through Four as a prerequisite to the onsite class and view our Holistic Dog Massage video (Please see the link below under Required Textbooks and Video). We recommend completing as much of the online course as possible before attending the hands-on/onsite course. You need no prior knowledge of massage to take this course and succeed in the canine massage field. The student must have previous experience in handling canines.
* Students may bring their own dog(s) to the 5 1/2-day onsite/hands-on class, or OSOCM can provide a dog for you. Your dog MUST get along with other dogs. For the safety of all pets, we require all dogs to be current with all shots, be free of fleas, and be spayed, neutered, or sterilized.
Schedule and Curriculum: The onsite Canine Massage program is offered once per year. Our five 1/2-day intensive program is held at a separate venue outside of our administrative office location. Please visit our website calendar or call us for more information.
Required texts:
Application of Tui-Na In Veterinary Medicine
Getting In TTouch With Your Dog
Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians
Dog Anatomy A Coloring Atlas
Video: Holistic Dog Massage by Nick Scott – Download Video
Total Cost of Books and Materials is approximately $240
*THERE IS NO CALIFORNIA STATE LICENSURE REQUIREMENT FOR THE SMALL ANIMAL MASSAGE PROGRAM.
Graduation-
Students completing all program requirements will receive a certificate of completion from the Ojai School of Canine Massage.
Small Animal/Canine Massage Distance Education Program:
Our online Canine Massage certification course allows you to learn a new profession from your home and at your own pace. Below is an outline of our 250-hour Online Canine Massage certification course which includes audio, video and Skype (as requested) instruction.
Instructor: Nick Scott, CMT/LMT
This course includes the following subjects: Massage, Anatomy, Physiology, Orthopedic conditions, Chinese medicine, Pathology, Hygiene, Contraindications, Business, Nutrition, Hydro & Thermal Therapy, and more.
Tuition: 250 hour Online Canine Massage program – $1,750 when paid in full.
Description– You will learn hands-on massage techniques that can greatly benefit your dog and help heal the animal as a whole when performed regularly. Students learn all of the massage techniques taught in our onsite course.
Required Textbooks/DVD-
Getting In TTouch With Your Dog
Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians
Dog Anatomy A Coloring Atlas
Video: Holistic Dog Massage by Nick Scott – Download Video
Total Cost of Books and Materials is approximately $160
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Organization:
This course has no prerequisites. The student must have previous experience handling canines and be physically able to do massage. This course includes twelve lessons (lesson 12 is optional) that may be completed at your own pace. Upon completing this course, students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the hands-on techniques learned. A Skype option may be chosen for those students who cannot attend the school for the onsite/hands-on demonstration. Please call us for more information.
Each lesson includes written instruction (with diagrams) explaining each hands-on massage technique, including its benefits and any contraindications for the massage stroke. Following the written lecture are hands-on video demonstrations of each massage technique and how to do it on a dog. Following each video demonstration are audio meditations designed to help you focus and relax in preparation for your next lesson. A homework assignment is included at the end of each lesson and is designed to help you learn each technique by practicing it outside of class. It is suggested that you take time to practice the information presented in each lesson. Students taking the 250-hour distance study program must demonstrate their knowledge of the hands-on massage techniques learned in the course.
A Skype or Video chat visit is required during or after the online course is completed. This hands-on assessment is intended to help you perfect the hands-on techniques learned and assure the animal’s safety. This is not required for those students opting to attend the entire five 1/2-day onsite course.
Course Objectives:
1. Provide students with deeply relaxing breath and meditation techniques to help promote you and your animal’s relaxation and prepare you for the hands-on healing journey.
2. Introduce specific massage techniques designed to ward off stress and illness, improve flexibility, and promote you and your animal companions overall health.
3. Gain a new skill or complement your current work with canines.
4. Experience the transformative effects of healing massage for both you and your canine friends and enhance the powerful bond between you.
5. Provide hands-on healing techniques to help your canine companion to live a balanced and healthful life and ensure their liveliness and longevity.
Course Syllabus: 250-hour Online Canine Massage certification course:
Lesson 1– Preparation for Touch/Starting the Journey
- Medical Charting, Contraindications, Animal Handling & Safety, Canine Gait Assessment, Hygiene.
- Silent Meditation Instruction and Hand Energizing video.
- Legal Issues.
** Following each lesson, 2-8 are hands-on video demonstrations of each massage technique and how to do it on the dog. Each video demonstration includes audio meditations designed to help you focus and relax in preparation for your next lesson.
Lesson 2– Canine Swedish Massage
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapters 1 and 2)
Quizzes- During the course, there are open book online quizzes for anatomy & physiology. All online quizzes require a minimum score of 75% to pass the class. They are not timed and can be taken more than once.
- Swedish stroke definitions and actions.
- Video demonstrations of Swedish massage strokes.
- Meditation preparation and audio.
Lesson 3– Canine Trigger Point Therapy
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapters 3 and 4)
- Definition and Description of how to apply trigger point therapy.
- Video demonstrations on humans and dogs of trigger point therapy application.
- Sound Meditation description and audio.
Lesson 4– Canine Acupressure
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapters 5 and 6)
- Description and diagrams of canine acupressure meridian and acupressure points.
- Video demonstration of Tui Na and canine acupressure techniques.
- Taoist Meditation descriptions and audio.
Lesson 5– Canine Myofascial Release
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapters 7 and 8)
- Definition and description of application of canine myofascial release.
- Video demonstrations of canine myofascial release techiques.
- Mirror Meditation.
Lesson 6– TTouch for Dogs One
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapters 9 and 10)
- Description of Tellington Touch methods.
- First 11 TTouch technique descriptions, definitions and video demonstrations.
- Breath cleansing instructional video.
Lesson 7– TTouch for Dogs Two
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapters 11 and 12)
- Description and uses for 8 additional TTouch techniques.
- Additional 8 TTouch technique descriptions, definitions and video demonstrations.
- Pranayama meditations and audio.
Lesson 8– Stretching
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapters 13 and 14)
- Passive Stretching, Post Isometric Relaxation and Active Isolated Stretching.
- Video demonstrations of Canine Stretching Routines.
- Candle and Dream Meditation.
Lesson 9– Orthopedic Pathologies
- Anatomy and Physiology (Chapter 15)
- Common canine Orthopedic Pathologies.
- Links to common Orthopedic surgical procedures.
- Videos of canine Orthopedic surgeries.
Lesson 10– Business as it relates to the field of Canine Massage.
- Establish a vision. Create a business and marketing plan.
- How to establish a successful Canine Massage business.
Lesson 11– Nutrition
- Learn proper nutritional guidelines for dogs and cats.
- Learn the relationship between pet food, health and disease.
- Learn about dog food ingredients.
Lesson 12 (Optional Lesson)- Hydro and Thermal therapy
Suggestions
** Please contact us if you require help or have questions or feedback regarding the course. Please send email correspondence to Nick Scott at osomhealth@gmail.com .
Enrollment:
Onsite class space is limited. To ensure a place in our onsite class, full tuition must be received 30 days before the first day of the onsite class, space permitting. We will accept students until the first day of the onsite course, space permitting. Please click here to enroll in any of our classes. If paying by check, please call us at +1-805-640-9798 or email the school.
Before enrolling, we encourage all prospective students to view our catalog (please see the “Catalog” option on the menu). Please review the refund policies (below) for the specific program you want to enroll in.
Admission Requirements:
To be eligible for our certificate courses, a student must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (prospective students under age 18 may be admitted with the approval of the students parent/guardian and with the submittal of a parental release form).
- Be socially and psychologically capable of performing massage.
- Be physically able to perform massage.
- Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Understand the English language (the Ojai School of Canine Massage does not offer ESL instruction). All instruction will occur in the English language. Incoming students must be proficient in English. Proficient means 75% or greater proficiency in the English language.
Documentation of English Language Proficiency:
English language proficiency is documented by either the admissions interview or receipt of prior education documentation.
**Please Note: The Ojai School of Canine Massage does not provide visa services to prospective students from other countries or English language services.
Location:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage’s main office is located in the town of Ojai, nestled at the southern border of the Los Padres National Forest, 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 35 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, and 14 miles from Ventura. The area surrounding the Ojai Valley has a multitude of campgrounds, hiking and bicycling trails, and free-running streams. The Lake Casitas recreational area alone offers 2,700 wooded acres for boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking.
Ojai (pronounced “Oh-hi”) is a Chumash Indian name now thought to mean “Valley of the Moon,” although many residents who favor a previous translation fondly call our mountain-ringed valley “The Nest.” The Ojai Valley is known worldwide as an artist colony, spiritual mecca, and the locale of several famous spas and healing centers. Ojai is also recognized for its annual tennis tournament, music festivals, and excellent private schools. At dusk, Ojai’s distinctive Topa Topa mountains are bathed in the rosy glow of the setting sun. This magical time of day is known locally as “The Pink Moment.” Enjoy the beauty, the serenity, and the exceptional quality of life in the Ojai Valley.
Student Services/Job Placement:
All school services and programs are responsive to students’ needs. The services offered by the Ojai School of Canine Massage support student success and enhance the overall educational experience of students. The following services are available, ongoing, for all students of the Ojai School of Canine Massage:
-Advising services designed to help students clarify their career goals and other student concerns.
-Student Support is available to assist students with their educational needs before, during, and after their course enrollment.
-Career Support is available to all students. Job opportunities are posted to our Alumni Facebook page when they arise.
Facilities:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage facilities and equipment fully comply with all federal, state, and local ordinances & regulations, including those pertaining to health, fire safety, and building safety. The equipment and materials used in our Small Animal massage course include and are not limited to, dog skeletons and anatomical dog charts.
Library and Other Learning Resources:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage maintains an online library for its students. Resources are accessible online.
Office Hours:
Our office is open seven days a week between 9 am and 7 pm. The Office Coordinator will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Our Office Coordinator also registers students for classes and talks to students about their educational goals.
Holidays:
Classes will not be held during the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.
Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits Earned at The Ojai School of Canine Massage:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other school. Previous credits are not accepted or may be transferred from another institution. In addition, the Ojai School of Canine Massage does not offer or award credit for prior experiential learning.
In addition, the transferability of credits you earn at the Ojai School of Canine Massage is at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the certificate you earn in our 250-hour Small Animal massage program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the certificate you earn at this institution is not accepted at the institution you seek to transfer to, you may be required to repeat some of your coursework. You should ensure that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer to determine if your credits or certificate will transfer after attending the Ojai School of Canine Massage.
Policies on the Retention of Student Records:
Ojai School of Canine Massage will maintain all academic and financial records. All student records are kept on file for ten years and are available upon request.
Financial Policies:
**The Ojai School of Canine Massage does not participate in federal and state financial aid programs.
- All fees for classes shall be due and payable by the first class session.
- Course prices are subject to change without notice.
- All students are responsible for providing their own notebooks and pens.
Emergency Policy:
In case of emergency, the Ojai School of Canine Massage reserves the right to cancel or postpone courses or change instructors.
Nondiscrimination Policy:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage does not discriminate with regard to race, gender, age, ethnicity, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.
Housing:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage does not have dormitory facilities. The Ojai School of Canine Massage does offer student housing assistance with local housing available through private parties. Please ask for our current “List of Student Accommodations.”
Attendance Policy:
1. In a certificate program, the attending of all classes is required.
2. Make-up work in a certificate program is the responsibility of each individual student. Missed classes may be made up in a future course at no additional cost.
3. Any student missing three total days of onsite classes without adequate and legitimate reason, or an approved leave of absence, will be excused from the course.
4. Credit for prior training may not be substituted for hours in a certificate program.
Tardiness, Withdrawal, and Leave-of-Absence Policies:
1. Students may arrive up to 10 minutes late to class without penalty.
2. Please see Cancellation, Withdrawal and Refund Policy below.
Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Refund Policy:
Onsite class space is limited. Our onsite courses are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. To ensure a place in our onsite class, full tuition must be received 30 days before the first day of the onsite class. We will accept students until the first day of class, space permitting. The onsite Canine Massage course fees shall be due and payable by the first onsite class session. Students must cancel their enrollment in the onsite canine massage program up to 60 days before the first day of class to receive a refund. If you have previously paid in full for the onsite course material, you will receive a refund of $750. There will be no refund for online course material once sent to you, by your request, after you have enrolled. With less than 60 days’ notice, students are responsible for 100% of the onsite tuition fee. Students canceling after the start date of the onsite program will be charged the full tuition fee. Once the onsite class is purchased, students have one year or the next onsite class (whichever comes first) to attend onsite classes, after which there will be no tuition refund.
All students taking the online course (lessons 1-12) may opt to attend our entire five 1/2-day onsite class or a portion thereof. The tuition cost is $800 to attend the whole five-1/2 day onsite class or $150 per day for less than five-1/2 days.
Student’s Right to Cancel OnSite Canine Massage Program:
You can cancel your enrollment in the onsite class by certified mail or email. If sent by mail, the written cancellation notice is effective when deposited in the mail and adequately addressed with prepaid postage. The written notice of cancellation need not take any particular form and, however, expressed, it is effective if it shows that you no longer wish to be bound by this Agreement. The Ojai School of Canine Massage can provide you with a cancellation form or use any written notice you want. Please email osom11@gmail.com or mail cancellations to:
Ojai School of Canine Massage
PO Box 1263
Ojai, CA 93024
To determine a refund under this section, a student shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the onsite program of instruction when any of the following occurs:
– The student notifies the institution of the student’s withdrawal or as of the date of the student’s departure, whichever is later.
– The institution terminates the student’s enrollment for failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution, absences over the maximum set forth by the institution, or failure to meet financial obligations to the School.
-The student has failed to attend the onsite class for three total days without adequate and legitimate reason or an approved leave of absence.
If any portion of the tuition was paid from the proceeds of a loan or third party, the refund shall be sent to the lender, third party, or (if appropriate) to the state or federal agency. Any amount of the refund in excess of the unpaid balance of the loan shall be paid to the student.
If the School has given you any equipment, including books or other materials, you shall return it to the School within 30 days following the date of your Notice of Cancellation. If you fail to return this equipment, including books or other materials, in good condition within 30 days, the School may deduct its documented cost for the equipment from any refund due to you. Once you pay for the equipment, it is yours to keep without further obligation.
If the School cancels or discontinues a course or educational program, the School will fully refund all charges for coursework not received by the student. Refunds will be paid within 30 days of cancellation or withdrawal. If you obtain equipment (as specified in the agreement as a separate charge) and return it in good condition within 30 days following your withdrawal, the School shall refund the payment for the equipment paid by you. If you fail to return the equipment in good condition, allowing for reasonable wear and tear (within these 30 days), the School may offset against the refund the documented cost to the School of that equipment. You shall be liable for the amount. IF THE AMOUNT THAT YOU PAID IS MORE THAN THE AMOUNT YOU OWE FOR THE TIME YOU ATTENDED, A REFUND WILL BE MADE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF WITHDRAWAL. IF THE AMOUNT THAT YOU OWE IS MORE THAN THE AMOUNT THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID, THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PAY IT.
*Remember, you must cancel in writing. You do not have the right to cancel by just telephoning the school or by not coming to class.
Dismissal Policy:
A student may be dismissed for:
1. Unexplained or unauthorized absence from three total days of onsite classes. Please see Leave-of-Absence Policies above.
2. Conduct deemed disruptive or disrespectful to staff, students, clients, or faculty members.
3. Being under the influence of any drug or controlled or illegal substance on campus or on official school business.
(Please see section “Student Services and Student Rights” for more information on student Withdrawal)
Student Questions or Complaints:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage is dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and thriving school environment that effectively allows students to voice informal concerns, complaints, or grievances. Different procedures must be followed for specific types of complaints. Informal complaints related to the classroom should be directed to the teacher. Informal complaints related to the school must be directed to the school Director. The teacher or school Director will determine if the student complaint requires a verbal response, written response, or further action to resolve the specific complaint. For future reference, all informal complaints or grievances are documented in the Ojai School of Canine Massage Complaint Logbook and are kept on file indefinitely.
Staff and Faculty:
Nick Scott, CMT, Founder, Instructor, and Associate Director of the Ojai School of Canine Massage, Nick is our online course instructor. He is an authority in holistic healing and the creator of the IAAMB and NBCAAM-approved Small Animal massage certification programs at OSOCM. He has trained hundreds of people in canine and feline Massage Therapy over the past 25 years. Nick has been presenting workshops and teaching massage therapy classes since 1989 and has taught advanced massage classes at Educating Hands School of Massage. Nick graduated in 1986 from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, one of the premier massage schools in the nation. In 1988, he graduated from Educating Hands School of Massage with additional training in Hydrotherapy. He then studied Chinese Acupressure and Dit Dar treatments with Augustine Fong and went on to study Attentive Physical Transformation with Gregory Johnson.
Nick produced and is featured in his top-selling video, Holistic Dog Massage. This educational video covers many techniques in his classes and other highly effective therapies. In addition, Nick’s Holistic Dog Massage video comes highly recommended by top-selling author and dog trainer Tamar Geller, a personal dog trainer for Oprah Winfrey.
Nick Scott is a dedicated leader, teacher, and gifted healer who believes in touch as a powerful healing tool for humans and animals. Nick loves sharing his knowledge with others and with the world. We hope you and your animal companions will benefit significantly from the information in his classes.
“The power of love is the most effective force for healing. Through a peaceful mind, the clear light of joy can shine impartially on all who suffer. I hope to pass on the knowledge of compassionate action that my teachers so kindly shared with me. “
– Nick J. Scott
Misti Soo Hoo, LVT, is our onsite class instructor. Misti Soo Hoo is a licensed Veterinary Technician in California, a certified Canine/Feline Massage Therapist, and a Co-Instructor of the Ojai School of Canine Massage. Misti has worked in the animal field, assisting Veterinarians in treating and caring for all species of animals, from small rodents to large camelids, for almost 20 years. Having graduated from the Ojai School of Canine Massage in 2019, Misti has implemented her training into her general practice within her workspace, utilizing her training in massage therapy to calm and create a space of peace to ensure patients receive quality care. She strives to give all animals the care they deserve while training and educating their owners on how to help their fur babies be comfortable and pain-free!
Jamie L. Roth, B.Sc., a Founder and Director of the Ojai School of Canine Massage. Jamie studied pre-physical therapy at Georgia State University and received her bachelor’s degree in 1985. Jamie went on to earn her massage therapy certification in 1991 and practiced massage therapy for eight years. While integrating her vision of holistic health into her massage practice, she is dedicated to furthering her knowledge of the healing arts for body, mind, and spirit. In 1999, Jamie opened the Ojai School of Canine Massage along with Nick Scott. In taking on the administrative duties of this school, Jamie has focused her energies on enriching the curriculum and assisting students in discovering and actualizing their life work.
“I gratefully acknowledge all of you who have recognized the unique healing potential of massage. I am also grateful for our main instructors, Nick Scott and Misti Soo Hoo, who superbly convey the school’s message through their depth of wisdom. We hope to share the fulfilling gifts of health, healing, and vitality with you and your canine companions. We look forward to providing you with a nurturing environment where you may acquire in-depth knowledge and a balanced and peaceful spirit of healing.”
–Jamie L. Roth
Standards for Student Achievement:
At the Ojai School of Canine Massage, we provide a thorough and well-rounded education and strive to set an example for excellence by assuring that our students leave prepared to enter their chosen field of canine massage therapy as well-trained professionals. Students receive a more personalized education. Smaller classes create an environment where students receive one-on-one interaction with the instructor. While in a chosen program, students’ progress is measured by asking them to demonstrate their understanding of what they have learned and their ability to apply it. Students’ feedback during and following a course of study is evaluated and used to modify and improve our programming to ensure students’ future success. Students leave this school as confident and well-trained leaders in canine massage therapy, prepared to provide a valuable and much-needed service; designed to help humans, animals, and the world.
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BPPE Document:
The Ojai School of Canine Massage is approved by the BPPE as an exempt institution. The degree programs offered by the Ojai School of Canine Massage are not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) and, therefore, students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid programs.
Contact Us:
Ojai School of Canine Massage
P.O. Box 1263
Ojai, CA 93024
Telephone: (805) 640-9798
Email: osom11@gmail.com
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