The Admissions Process
Before you apply, please make sure you have done the appropriate research. Attending a massage therapy school is a serious investment of time, energy, and money. Candidates need to explore the profession, consider their aptitude within the profession, tour the schools and ask the right questions.
If you decide that the Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy is your first choice, please know that the process for acceptance will take effort and time. We are standing by to answer your questions and help you navigate the whole process.
Before you apply
Before you apply to the Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy, it is strongly recommended that you do the following:
- Request a Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy Catalog and Calendar – Read the Catalog
- Read the Website
- Read the Reviews
- Research Jill Berkana
- Research the Profession
- Schedule a Tour of the Institute
- Receive a Massage at the Berkana Institute
- Check out the other schools and ask the RIGHT QUESTIONS:
- Colorado School of Healing Arts – Denver
- IBMC College – Fort Collins
- Boulder Massage Therapy Institute – Boulder
- Denver Integrative
Massage School – Denver - Healing Arts Institute-Fort Collins
- Healing Spirits Massage Training Program – Boulder
- Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy – Samara Beach Costa Rica – Founder Berkana
Questions to ask
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Will any classes be online?
How do they determine who will be accepted into the program, and is there a process to determine eligibility?
What is their attrition rate?
How much does it cost to attend the program?
What is their success rate on the U.S. National Board Exam (MBLEx)?
Who are the instructors, and what is the instructor vetting process?
Do they have any business training within the program?
Are they teaching body mechanics?
Is the Bodywork taught online?
Is the online training LIVE or Pre-recorded?
What is their philosophy?
How much do they think I should be earning right when I graduate?
Are they accredited, endorsed, or approved regionally?
What Professional Associations do they belong to?
What makes them special?
What is your gut reaction to the facility and the Staff?
Does the school present itself as a serious educational institution?
Entrance Requirements
The Institute does not discriminate based on race, sex, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
Prospective students must have a high school diploma or equivalency diploma to be accepted for enrollment.
If applicants are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in Colorado and do not possess a diploma or equivalency diploma, they may complete an ability-to-benefit test approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. The school does not administer the test but will provide information on availability when requested.
Students must be 18 years or older by the time your session begins.
Students must have a current CPR card or be able to acquire one before their start date.
Students must have received at least three professional massage therapy sessions.
Students must be physically capable of performing massages.
Students must submit and complete the application, including all requested inclusions.
Students must have the means to finance their education
Students must be able to maintain a reasonable lifestyle for the duration of the program.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
HOW TO APPLY
1. Fill out the electronic Berkana Institute Student Application online, and submit it. Once submitted, the Massage Therapy School Admissions Office will receive your application immediately, will confirm receipt via email, and will create your application file.
2. Pay the $200 non-refundable application fee via Venmo, or Zelle or deliver a check by mail or hand delivery to the Institute. This fee must be paid before your interview.
3. Collect all documentation requested to complete your application package.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION LIST
- Copy of High School Transcript or GED Certificate.
- Letter of Sound Physical Health from a Physician, Nurse practitioner, or Alternative Doctor.
- Letter expressing your intention and commitment to completion of the program.
- Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives.
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
4. Email, mail or hand deliver all requested materials to the Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy.
5. Once your application package has been received and reviewed, and if you have met the student criteria, you will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be via video conference or in person at the Institute, depending on your availability.
6. If accepted into the program, you will receive an Enrollment Package via Email within 2 days of your interview. This will include attachments that require your immediate attention and must be completed and promptly returned to the Berkana Institute’s Director of Admissions.
7. Depending on your financial plan, you will make the appropriate enrollment deposit to secure your space in the class.
Please keep in mind that there are only 16 student vacancies for each term. Apply as far in advance as possible to ensure your space. If there is no space available for the term you are applying for, you will be contacted by the Office of Admissions to discuss other options.
Transcript/Diploma/Certificate Financial Hold Exemption Policy
Date Adopted: 10/01/24
A. Purpose
This policy is in response to Colorado HB22-1049.
B. Scope
This policy applies to all current and former students, excluding foreign students as defined in C.R.S. 23-1-113.5., who have an outstanding debt for tuition, room and board, or other financial aid funds owed to the school and request a transcript, diploma, or certificate.
C. Policy
- Individuals may be subject to a transcript, diploma, or certificate hold when such individual owes certain debts to the School for tuition, room and board fees, or financial aid funds. Individuals will be subject to such a hold when the balance of all tuition and fees has not been paid in full by the date of official withdrawal or graduation. This hold will be released when the balance is paid in full or when the student has signed a payment plan agreement. If an individual is subject to such a hold, their transcripts, diplomas, or certificates will not be released unless an exemption applies as outlined in section 2 of this policy.
- Exemptions are granted for individuals who can demonstrate that the transcript/diploma/certificate request is required for one of the following reasons:
- Job application
- Transferring to another postsecondary institution
- Applying for state, federal, or institutional financial aid
- Pursuit of opportunities in the military or national guard
- Pursuit of other postsecondary opportunities
- Process and Procedure for Exemptions: Upon submission of a transcript/diploma/certificate request and documentation to verify an exemption, the School will review the request and make a determination regarding whether or not an exemption exists, as outlined in section 2, above. If it is determined that the individual has a valid exemption, the School will release the requested transcript/diploma/certificate. If the School determines that the individual does not meet the exemption criteria, the School will provide a written explanation of the denial of the request within seven business days.
- Individuals have the option to establish a payment plan for an outstanding debt. An individual who wishes to establish a payment plan for a debt owed to the School should contact: Admissions@berkanainstitute.com
- Complaints pertaining to HB22-1049 may be submitted to the Colorado Student Loan Ombudsperson via email to CSLSA@coag.gov.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Is the Massage Therapy Profession a good fit for you?
Take the Massage Therapy Career Assessment to find out!
