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Small Animal Massage Practitioner Certification (SAMP)

 

For individuals wishing to enter the growing pet services industry, Brookdale Community College, in partnership with the Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM), offers a 200-hour program in small animal massage.

Dog groomers, veterinary technicians, professional dog sitters and walkers will also benefit by having this certification to expand their professional offerings. Instruction focuses on cats and dogs, while other small animals are discussed.

Watch the video to see part of the classroom study!

Learn what customers are saying about the Small Animal Massage Practitioner Certification program.

  

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The Small Animal Massage Practitioner (SAMP) Certification program is a two-part program. Part one is a two-to-three month self-paced online/distance education program. Part two is a week-long, hands-on instructor-led program (40 hours classroom; 10 hours home study) at the Lincroft campus.

Learn more about pet massage!

Part One: Online/Distance Learning (150 hours)

This portion is asynchronous, meaning it is self-paced and students complete the work whenever they want. It must be completed before the start of Part Two. On average, students take two to three months to complete. Students have ample time to complete content, assignments and assessments before the start of the instructor-led Part Two portion.

Part Two: Classroom (50 hours)

In addition to eight hours each day of classroom study, students are expected to complete two hours of homework each evening.  Students do not bring their pets to the training class. Suitable pets for training are provided and may involve a field trip to an off-site facility..

The syllabus includes six sections:

1. Animal behavior and handling
2. Anatomy and physiology
3. Kinesiology
4. Massage techniques and practices
5. First aid
6. Pathology

Each section includes a workbook chapter of 40-60 pages, with exercises and a quiz. Anatomy illustrations, flash cards, a 90-minute DVD, and access to activities and study aids are included. In each section, students perform exercises and submit an on-line quiz. A book report and hands-one practical final exam are also required.

ASSESSMENTS: During the online/distant learning portion, students must complete six proficiency quizzes and submit one book report. On the final day of the classroom portion, students perform a hands-on proficiency exam. To receive SAMP Certification, students must pass all assessments with a score of 80 percent. For students who do not pass, retesting arrangements, typically lasting between two and four hours) can be made with NWSAM for $60 per hour.

ATTAINING CERTIFICATION: Individuals who successfully complete the 200-hours of instruction, complete all assignments and exercises, and score 80 percent on quizzes and the final exam are awarded the SAMP (Small Animal Massage Practitioner) Certificate of Achievement from the Northwest School of Animal Massage.

FEE AND CODE: $2,020 ($2,000 fee plus $20 for shipment of materials). XBUSS 081 W

DATES AND TIMES:

Part One: (150 Hours) Online/Distance learning, May 7-Aug 23, 2013

Part Two: (50 Hours) Classroom, Mon-Fri, Aug 26-30, 2013, 8:30 am-5:30 pm

MATERIALS: After students register and minimum class size is met, materials are shipped directly to students and include textbooks, assignments, DVD and additional study tools.

INSTRUCTORS: Each distance learning student is assigned a NWSAM faculty member who is available via email or phone as needed. Instructors respond quickly, usually within the same day. The five-day classroom session is led by Lola Michelin, founder and director of education for NWSAM.

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Register online or call 732-224-2315 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

 

 

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Instructor Profile

Lola Michelin

Lola Michelin founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage in 2001 following years of successful practice in massage for horses, dogs and people. She has over 20 years experience in the veterinarian and zoological fields.

She speaks and writes regularly on the topic of animal massage and is active in promoting standards of practice for the industry at large. She developed and currently instructs the large animal, small animal and exotic species training programs at NWSAM. She has been featured in numerous magazines and has appeared on television and radio as an advocate for animal therapies.