Rolfing SI Certification- Transfer Students

Program Description

The Rolfing® SI Certification Program is the core learning program for the discipline of Rolfing Structural Integration, based on the foundational teachings of Dr. Ida Rolf. This comprehensive program delivers the fundamental knowledge and skills to those wishing to become Certified Rolfers™ and sets the benchmark for the high standards we hold to, for Rolfing practitioners worldwide.

As a licensed and/or trained bodywork professional, the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® offers certification in Rolfing SI with transfer credit hours for a reduced study period, to duly recognize your valuable prior education and industry experience.

At a glance:

  • designed for bodywork professionals who are licensed or have extensive training in complementary therapies
  • regional training program taught through in-person modules, which may include some online self-study
  • 600 hours over 3 tuition phases
  • 19 weeks duration with a 3-week break between phases
    • training that occurs outside of the Boulder, CO campus may take 1-2 years to complete
  • faculty to student ratio limited to 1:10
  • 131-hour certification credit for 250 hours of bodywork training + 50 hours of post-graduate massage experience (or comparable clinical experience)

Note: Training scheduled outside of the Boulder, CO campus is NOT included in COMTA accreditation and is NOT ELIGIBLE for Federal Student Aid.

You will learn:

  • The principles of Rolfing Structural Integration
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology from the perspective of Rolfing® SI
  • How to conduct a complete Rolfing Ten-Series™ and Rolf Movement® session
  • How to recognize structural and functional patterns
  • The ability to differentiate through touch
  • Practice building techniques
  • Professional ethics

Before You Apply, You Need:

  • A High School diploma or recognized equivalent.
  • One of the following:

a. An official academic transcript, equivalent to an AA degree or occupational certificate, showing at least 60 credit hours at an institution of adult or higher education.
OR
b. Documentation of a minimum of four years of equivalent career experiences and professional accomplishments.
A federal- or state-issued ID and passport-sized solo headshot photograph (for identification purposes).

  • A resume of professional experience.
  • Three professional reference letters (1-2 pages maximum length).
  • Completion of a minimum 250-hour bodywork program. Students must submit an official transcript that shows at least:
    • 47 hours of Anatomy
    • 21 hours of Physiology
    • 45 hours of Massage or other approved touch training
    • 15 hours of Therapeutic Relationship.
  • 50 documented hours of post-graduate massage practice experience or comparable clinical experience (either paid or unpaid).
International Students: Please indicate the need for an I-20/M-1 Visa and submit your completed application, including a copy of your passport ID page and official TOEFL scores, no later than 60 days prior to the class start date.


Note: Only International students accepted into the training in Boulder, Colorado are eligible to receive an I-20 for M-1 Visa purposes.

Admission Requirements:

  • Non-refundable $50 Enrollment Application fee. (Fee will be refunded if the student is not admitted or has not signed an enrollment agreement.)
  • Verification of having received a complete Rolfing Ten-Series from a Certified Rolfer. DIRI reserves the right to require a physician's release for any student.
  • Three Rolf Movement® sessions, from a Certified Rolf Movement Practitioner, must be received by the end of Phase II. One session is due before the start of Phase II of the training.
  • For a complete list of Rolf Movement Practitioners, please contact the Director of Admissions at 303-449-5903, ext 106, or admissions@rolf.org.
  • Approval of an application and required enrollment forms.
  • A written 2-3 page personal life experience essay.

Pre-Phase I written assignments are due 4-weeks before training begins. All submissions are made through the Online Admissions Application Process.

Please Note: An interview may be required to complete some applications.

*Students with relevant existing medical conditions must consult with and have permission from their physician prior to starting Phase II. Additionally, it is recommended that students with relevant medical conditions complete their Ten-Series Admissions Prerequisite several months prior to starting the program, in order to avoid overstimulation when participating in student clinics during Phase II, where they will receive the Ten Series again.

Apply Now


Overview of Program Phases

For Transfer Students with credit hours

(3 weeks = 87 hours)
*up to 131 credit hours applied

  • For the Certified Bodyworker with transferable credit hours
  • *3 week intensive course = 87 hours
  • *5 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • *Schedules for training outside of Boulder, CO may vary.
  • Admissions process applies.

Description:

Phase I offers an integrated and innovative approach to learning about the human body and the essential skills and academic knowledge required to practice Rolfing Structural Integration. Designed for students with no formal training in massage or bodywork, or those with some base-level training, we emphasize individual learning by providing each student with support for his/her specific learning needs.

Taught through well-illustrated lectures, experiential exercises, and guided palpation, classes are designed to provide the optimal learning experience. Students study the foundation subjects as well as develop skills and knowledge in perceptual acuity, efficient body use, and quality of touch.

What you’ll achieve:

  • understand Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Physiology from the distinct perspective of Rolfing SI
  • learn guided palpation and touch through training in Skillful Touch, which is the proprietary form of clinical practice bodywork at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute®
  • train in the essential dynamics and professional skills needed to cultivate and maintain professional therapeutic relationships with clients
  • prepare for the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute's Life Sciences Exam, which all students must pass prior to Phase II

Cost of Attendance

  • For students preparing to become Certified Rolfers®
  • *8 week intensive course = 244 hours
  • *5 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • *Schedules for training outside of Boulder, CO may vary.
  • Prerequisites apply - All students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, receive a final grade of 70% of higher for Phase I, and pass the DIRI Life Sciences Exam (Anatomy, Kinesiology & Physiology) with a score of 70% of higher prior to beginning Phase II.

Description

In Phase II, students learn the skills required to recognize simple structural patterns, to see structure in relation to gravity, and to develop a working knowledge of the basics of Rolfing® Structural Integration and Rolf Movement® principles and theories.

There is a required study interval between completing Phase II and Phase III during which time students work on integrating and assimilating the skills and information from Phase II. It is highly recommended that students participate in a mentorship with a Rolfer® during this time to gain a level of practical knowledge to assist with the transition to Phase III.


What you’ll achieve:

  • Focus on your individual personal embodiment and understanding of the Principles of Rolfing SI
  • recognize simple structural patterns in the body's form and in its function, to see structure in relation to gravity
  • establish a working knowledge of the basic principles and theories of Rolfing SI and Rolf Movement Integration
  • For students who have completed Phase II in preparation to become Certified Rolfers®
  • *8 week intensive course = 269 hours
  • *5 days a week from 8:30 a.m. up to 7:30 p.m (per student clinic schedule)
    • *Schedules for training outside of Boulder, CO may vary.
  • Prerequisites apply - All students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and must pass Phases I and II with a cumulative score of 70% or higher prior to beginning Phase III.

Description

This is the clinical phase of training where students deepen their understanding of the Ten-Series and Rolf Movement sessions, by practicing on clients from the community under instructor supervision. The educational focus shifts from the student's personal process and experience to that of the client.

This is conducted in both the classroom and in the Community Client Clinic, further preparing them for the diverse needs of a "real world" clientele. lectures, demos, and practicums designed to deepen the understanding and ability to perform each session according to the individual client’s needs.

What you’ll achieve:

  • develop efficient body use and self-care whilst working
  • build client-practitioner relationship skills (the therapeutic relationship)
  • develop quality of touch and body-reading
  • develop essential business and practice-building skills
  • understand professional ethics and public education practices

Accreditation: Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)

This Rolfing® Certification Program is accredited by The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. In order to graduate from an accredited program, all three phases of the program must be attended at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO. International, and regional school programs are not accredited by COMTA.

State Approval

DIRI is approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools. It is also approved by the State of Georgia, Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, as well as several other regional states where the program is taught.

The Rolfing Certification Program offered at the main campus in Boulder, CO is accredited through COMTA. Training offered outside of the main campus is NOT included in DIRI's accreditation and is NOT ELIGIBLE for federal student aid.