Admission Requirements for The Soma Institute
Those considering massage therapy as a profession should be of good character and
display sufficient motivation and commitment to succeed in a program aimed at
producing clinical massage therapy professionals.
Massage therapists must demonstrate a high degree of functionality in many areas,
such as:
- Physical stamina and fine motor coordination;
- Good communication and interpersonal skills;
- Trustworthiness and professionalism.
Candidates for the clinical massage therapy diploma program must be (1) at least 18
years of age and (2) minimally show satisfactory completion of secondary education
or the General Education Development (GED) examination by providing an official
transcript, a copy of the GED certificate or a signed statement by the applicant that
attests to graduation and includes the date, graduate name, address, and telephone
number of the high school last attended.
The Soma Institute reserves the right to deny admission to an applicant who has
been convicted of any felony. Failure to fully disclose all felony convictions as
required by The Soma Institute application for admission constitutes grounds for the
denial of admission. Note: Some Soma clinical education externships require
criminal background checks and drug screening.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color,
creed, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or physical or mental
handicap unrelated to ability. For the qualified handicapped student, facility and
academic needs will be addressed on an individual basis by the Director of
Admissions.
Admission Requirements for International Students
International students must have a completed I-20M/N form to enter the country and/or attend classes. To obtain the I-20M/N form, international students must meet the following conditions:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English during the admissions
interview and by written documentation, such as a passing score
of 500 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL).
- Provide proof of completion of the equivalent of a high school
education in the United States. English translations of transcripts,
certificates, or other evidence of completion of high school
or a more advanced program are acceptable. These documents must
be in a student's file before classes begin.
- Show proof of the availability of funds for tuition and fees,
as well as living expenses for the duration of the time the
student will reside in the United States. Bank statements from
the student or sponsor and statements of scholarship may be
used to demonstrate financial ability.
