Courts Rule "Imbalance of Power" in Recent Case

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatchewan-massage-therapist-allowed-to-practise-despite-sexually-assaulting-client-1.2784633 

By now, most massage therapist and a number of other health care, government, and other officials have heard, or at least know of what is going on with this controversial court case.  Laurie Thompson, a massage therapist in Kindersley and Eston, has been convicted of sexual assault on one of his clients.

For all of us in the Massage Therapy profession, this is a huge slap in the face.  We cannot even begin to express our disgust, disappointment, and dread at what this could do for the good standing we have gained in the many years of building a reputation as a professional and necessary health care practice.  As we were discussing this topic at the school, some expressed anger, others frustration, and even some sadness and confusion; "How could anyone think this was ok?" and "Why is he still allowed to practice, that's despicable!" were just some of the comments heard in class. 

We understand how easy it is to read this article and become negative, even to the point of being unprofessional in retaliation; but we would like to point out one very interesting, and under stated fact that has come out of this case: A Saskatchewan Court has now put it on the record that inside of the practice of Massage Therapy there is an Imbalance of Power.  Why is this important?  Because, in order to become a regulated profession (as the defense attorney pointed out we currently are not), this imbalance of power must be recognized by the government before they will put a regulating Massage Therapy Act in place to truly protect the public from the likes of Mr. Thompson.

We see this story, and we are fully against what this man did and are appalled at his clear disregard for the trust and vulnerability placed in his care.  We expect any person who has taken 2200 hours of education and has registered with a professional association to hold the same high standards of practice that we work so hard to uphold; but, let's be honest, there will always be a small percentage of people who make these kinds of mistakes, deliberately or not.  The only safety we can hope for, both for our clients and for the reputation of our profession, is to become regulated as a profession in EVERY province. 

The professional associations in each province do their best to raise awareness, hold to a high code of ethics, and provide disciplinary action where necessary; we commend them for it, and they do a really amazing job balancing the authority they have.  They can only go so far.  What this case has opened up is one simple statement that could change the profession of Massage Therapy in Saskatchewan: "Imbalance of Power"  Let us hope that the government is paying attention, and that Registered Massage Therapists across the province stand up and say, "We DO provide a necessary and beneficial health-care service; we KNOW that our clients choose to trust our education and skills for their betterment; we ARE creating positive changes akin to that of a chiropractor or physiotherapist; we NEED to be recognized by our government in order to keep the small percentage of people who would abuse that power OUT of practice for the sake of the public and the profession."

This may be the turning point for Saskatchewan, and indeed the other non-regulated provinces, if this information, this on-the-record Imbalance of Power, is pursued correctly.  So, yes, be upset, be disgusted and frustrated; also be ready to spread the word and help get our profession regulated so we can prevent this from happening again!

PIMT on Shaw TV's go! Saskatoon!!

We were pumped to hear from Shaw TV's go! Saskatoon host, Liz, about doing a segment on one of their episodes.  Their focus on relaxation and therapy in Saskatoon lead them to our Institute.  Please take some time to check out their YouTube channel or their Shaw channel.  Below is the link to our segment on YouTube.  Enjoy!

Thank you to the students and staff members who bravely spoke for PIMT!  And thanks to Liz and Shaw TV for choosing our school.

Independent Learing - On Campus program

Over the past number of months, we have been working with the Ministry of Education in building and approving a new program: Advanced 2200 Hour Advanced Massage Therapy Independent Learning - On Campus program.  This program has been created to provide the opportunity to become a Massage Therapist while allowing time during the week for other responsibilities.

The 2200 hours is split into two years - approximately 68 weeks -  of 1100 hours.  500 of those hours are completed with online studies and written material (textbooks, etc.) giving approximately 3 hours per weekday; this covers the purely theory classes such as Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Pathology, etc.  500 hours is then dedicated to in class learning of the practical classes (Massage, Hydrotherapy, etc.); these take place on campus on Friday evenings, all day Saturday, and Sunday Mornings.  The last 100 hours per year is the practicum portion, where students practice the techniques in our Teaching Clinic; this takes place on campus under supervision of a Registered Massage Therapist on Sunday afternoons/evenings. 

Each "year" comprises roughly 34 weeks of online and on campus study.  We plan to have a January and September start for the weekend programs, and have started accepting applications for January 2013.  If you are interested, apply online at www.pimtmassage.com to get the ball rolling.

Students interested in this program must have daily access to the internet and at least a basic knowledge of computer skills.  The practical instructor will be available to answer questions and create discussion for the online classes as well, so there is plenty of support for these students.

Tuition for the first year is $8150.00 and textbooks/supplies are approximately $875.00; tuition for the second year is $8100.00 and textbooks/supplies are approximately $600.00.  We have payment plans available as well, so we can fit the needs of our students.

We are also currently offering a tuition and academic credit for Kinesiology graduates for the January 2013 start.  Contact us at saskatoon@pimtmassage.com to learn more.  Nursing and Physiology graduates may also be considered for credit based on an evaluation of prior courses.

We are excited to be offering this option to help expand the field of Massage Therapy and give more opportunity for personal and professional growth to our students.  Contact us for more information.

AND THEY'RE OFF!

AND THEY'RE OFF!

It's the beginning of a fresh year and there is a buzz around campus about the wonder of this amazing profession.  It is always refreshing to start a new academic year; our second years are ready to delve into their final year and our first years are excited to get started.  The energy is charged with hope and expectation.

We ended our first week with an amazing potluck hosted by our second year students to welcome and usher in our newest class.  Congratulations on a meal well made!  Of course, we had the famous iced tea made by our primary second year instructor, along with her wonderful baking.  Such a treat!

This year promises to be an amazing and fulfilling year with classes full of bright students.  As this is our 20th year, we would like to extend an invitation to our graduates to nominate a student from their class to receive a plaque of distinction for their work in the field of Massage Therapy!  If you have an idea of who you would like to nominate, please email us at nominate@pimtmassage.com with a brief description as to why they stand out in their work.

Once again, we thank all the people who have supported us through the years, especially our students and their families.  We appreciate the opportunity to serve our communities with the highest standards of professionalism and conduct; we hope to continue for another 20+ years!

Summer Fun

Hello again world!  Well, the 2012 graduates are out there working and finding work, contracting their well-honed skills, meeting new people, and helping their clients live a healthier, happier life!  As the Director of the Institute, I feel a sense of awe and pride as I see each graduate start on the road to successful careers.  It always amazes me how dedicated they are to their goals and their client's goals.

This year, we have had a total of 23 graduates, of whom 18 have begun working as Registered Massage Therapists or will be starting within the next couple of weeks, 3 are taking a short break before jumping into work, 1 has decided to go back to school for nursing, and 1 plans to look for work within the next few months.  That means this year we'll have an approximate graduation rate of 91% by the end of the summer!  What a testament to the hard work and effort these graduates have given as well as the value they place on their careers, clients, and education!

I cannot tell you how honoured I am to have known these graduates as well as those of the past 4 years.  The commitment and focus our students must have to complete this program is intense; it creates a sense of confidence and self-worth that very few professions can boast.  As our main focus is the well-being of our clientele - ensuring our treatment is suited to their needs, our atmosphere is conducive to rest and quality of life, and our minds are focused on their personal health goals - our graduates take pride in the experience of communicating with and treating each new and return client with the utmost care and respect...and friendliness!  They will spend countless hours creating the best treatment plan and atmosphere for their clients and I am blessed to be even a small part of their journey.

In closing, I would like to say a massive CONGRATULATIONS to the Institute's graduates, old and new, for your success both inside and out of the Institute.  This is what PIMT Pride is all about!