Course Dates

Monday, October 31, 2022 - Saturday, November 5, 2022

8:30AM - 4:30PM each day


REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 7, 2022

Program Description

Healwell's Hospital Massage Therapy Stewardship Program is an intensive continuing education course in hospital-based massage therapy practice. The program includes six days of hands-on clinical practice working with patients on multiple units at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

This training teaches therapists how to apply critical thinking skills and how to safely work with any patient, regardless of diagnosis.  Therapists also learn the many facets of professional and practical excellence in a clinical environment.

The Stewardship consists of online and in-person modules. All online modules must be completed before stewards can participate in the six-day in-person module.

*Please note: You must have a current flu shot and all available COVID vaccinations and boosters to participate in this program.

Tuition

At Healwell, we are continually working to make inequities visible and to change them. One of the ways we do this is by inviting people who engage with our programs to thoughtfully consider what they can and want to invest in the current and future state of our world and community. When you make the decision to benefit from content created by Healwell, we invite you to consider it as an investment.  

When you choose which level you’d like to pay, let it be an exploration of how you want to participate in the future. What can you afford to pay today? What is it worth to you to ensure that others can have this same experience you’re about to have while continuing to be able to meet their basic financial commitments? Can you offer a little more and invest in our collective future? Or is today a day when your heart wants to do that, but your wallet can’t?

Every day is different and every person is different. Be thoughtful. Think beyond yourself and choose a level that’s congruent with your financial life and your deepest values. We’ll all get there.

 

Pricing options

Cancellation Policy

Please read CAREFULLY.

Included in the course tuition is a non-refundable $100 registration fee.  If you cancel or withdraw from a course 30 days prior to the course start date you will be refunded your full tuition less the $100 registration fee.  If you cancel or withdraw from a course fewer than 30 days (but more than one week) prior to the course start date you will be refunded 50% of your tuition less the $100 registration fee.  If you cancel or withdraw from a course fewer than 7 days prior to the course start date your tuition will be non-refundable.

In the event of proper documentation of medical emergency, death in the immediate family, or weather prohibiting travel your entire tuition (including the registration fee) may be allowed to be rolled over to a workshop at a later date.  This special consideration will be allowed one time only at the discretion of the instructor.

If a course is cancelled due to low enrollment your tuition (including the registration fee) will be refunded in full.

Approved for Continuing Education

*Please note: In order to be eligible for CE credit, you must register with your full name (as it appears on your professional license) and your license state and number.

This course is listed with the FSMTB CE Registry for 35 CEUs for massage therapists.

Instructors

Instructor & Executive Director

Cal Cates

Cal has been teaching and developing curriculum for massage therapy courses focused on hospital-based practice, oncology massage and end of life care since 2007. Their experience in clinical practice in hospitals around the US has informed their teaching style greatly. Cal is clear that massage therapy is healthcare and feels a personal commitment to inviting students to consider themselves as integral to a whole person healing process. Their favorite thing about teaching healthcare providers is the ability to blend nerdiness and authenticity to create opportunities to be more effective, more human and more flexible.

Instructor & Service Director

Laura Bryant-Earner

Laura is Healwell's Service Director and a member of the curriculum development team. Before becoming a licensed massage therapist, Laura taught English in Japan for 19 years. Upon returning to America, she graduated from massage school in the spring of 2018. It was in school that she heard of something called “oncology massage” and felt drawn to it. Passionate about learning, Laura has continued her advanced training in the fields of oncology massage, scar tissue manipulation and manual lymph drainage. She has provided massage in a variety of settings including corporate, private practice and spas. Because of her own massage experiences, Laura appreciates how massage can play a supportive role in health care and the journey that is being human.

FAQs

When you have been accepted to the Stewardship Program you will receive an information packet with detailed instructions about travel, lodging, required reading, uniform, vaccinations, etc.

  • Who should apply?

    The stewardship is designed for practicing, licensed/certified massage therapists with at least one year of experience* who want to cultivate greater presence, confidence and clinical skill providing massage therapy in the hospital setting. This is an advanced course for massage therapists who want to challenge themselves in a uniquely supportive educational environment. (*If you are interested in applying to the Stewardship, but have less than one year of experience practicing massage therapy, contact us for details.)

  • What does Healwell look for in a steward?

    We expect our stewards to possess outstanding professionalism, integrity and communication as well as uncommon compassion. It is our responsibility to our profession to challenge massage therapists to achieve unparalleled clinical excellence and also to ensure that only practitioners with strong intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities touch patients, families and staff as part of this program. Practitioners will need clear boundaries, compassion, strong communication skills and clinical judgment, physical and emotional stability and adaptability. You must be able to perform the essential functions of a massage therapist including standing for as long as three hours at a time without additional support. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about accommodations or modifications that might be necessary in order for you to participate fully.

  • As a steward, what do I have to do?

    Stewards are expected to act in a professional, responsible and safe manner at all times. It is also essential that you come prepared to have fun and to be surprised. Bring your hands, your love, your brain and your curiosity. At the end of our nine days together you will have made new friends and participated in an experience that is likely to transform you practice, whether you dive into hospital massage with both feet or return to private practice.

  • Are there other requirements that I need to meet?

    Applicants offered admission to Healwell’s Hospital Massage Therapy Stewardship Program must comply with the hospital’s policies and procedures for staff who will come into direct contact with patients regarding: 1) immunization (Healwell’s program administrators will review the specifics with you as the start date of your cohort approaches), 2) background check, 3) proof of professional liability/malpractice insurance. Questions about these requirements can be directed to [email protected]. Failure to comply or to provide requested documentation is grounds for rescinding an admission offer or terminating admission. PLEASE NOTE: You must have an up-to-date flu shot and all available COVID vaccinations and boosters to participate in this program. There can be no exceptions.

  • Do I need to get a flu shot?

    Yes. Healwell Stewards must comply with the hospital’s standard human resources policies and procedures for staff who come into direct contact with patients. The policies include up-to-date flue shots, COVID vaccinations, and immunizations.

  • Do I really need to get a flu shot?

    Yes. You really need to get a flu shot. You must have an up-to-date flu shot to participate in this program. There are no exceptions.

  • What should I wear?

    Stewards are required to purchase two sets of scrubs* (two pants; two tops). The tops must be powder or ceil blue. The pants should be citron/sunflower/sunshine/daisy/lemon yellow. (Look at the pictures of past Stewards on this website. Please no neon or yellow/green.) You will also need closed-toe shoes that would resist a puncture from a falling needle and that will be comfortable during hours of standing. Vibram “Five Fingers” and the like are not acceptable. Clogs, hospital Crocs and other options are available for purchase through the websites where you will find your scrubs. If you already own acceptable shoes, there is no need to purchase shoes specifically for the course. *NOTE: It is important that you purchase the correct color scrubs as these colors distinguish us within the hospital from other members of the healthcare team. You will find many brands with a yellow option. You may purchase these, but please no neon. Sunflower, sunlight, daisy, lemon are all acceptable. Again, you will also find a variety of blue options. You may also find it helpful to choose pants and tops that have multiple pockets. Many standard, cheaper scrubs will have only one pocket or even no pockets. You will be glad you spent an extra $5 for options with more pockets. Be sure to check sizing charts as each company has its own style and sizing. You’ll be living in these scrubs for 6 days, so you want them to be comfortable and useful.

  • Are there tests or evaluations?

    Healwell measures Stewards’ assimilation and integration of the experience and material through a variety of avenues. The Stewardship experience is highly interactive. Stewards work closely with instructors and have an ongoing opportunity to receive feedback and participate actively in the learning process. This openness and the tools mentioned above allow faculty to provide the appropriate support, resources and mentorship to Stewards, as needed. You will receive a certificate of attendance at the end of the course. There are no written tests.

Healwell’s programs are funded in part by generous people like you. Donate today and choose love, compassion, and evidence-based care that acknowledges that humans are important.