All instructors of a REP Org agree to maintain their Preferred Practitioner (PP) status, thereby committing to the Standards Of Practice For Preferred Practitioners.
A S4OM Foundational Course instructs massage therapists about the basics of providing massage therapy in a safe, ethical, and appropriate manner for those living with cancer. Each REP Org develops a unique curriculum which must include:
- understanding the disease of cancer
- basic knowledge of common medical treatments
- appropriately adapting massage therapy as a result of treatment and disease side effects
- clinical learning opportunities that allow for hands-on practice and supervision
In addition to Foundational Courses, many REP Organizations teach Supplemental Courses. These Supplemental Courses can be used to satisfy the 100-hour education requirement needed to qualify for the Oncology Massage Specialty Certificate exam given by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Benefits include:
- Approval and recognition of Foundational Course curriculum by S4OM which meets the Education Standards for S4OM Foundational Courses
- Membership in S4OM, an international organization that adheres to standards of oncology massage education based on clinical knowledge, practical experience, and evidence-based research
- Inclusion in an international community of oncology massage educators
- Enhanced visibility of Foundational and Supplemental courses through the S4OM website
- Access to S4OM resources, which include:
- Marketing resources
- Dedicated communication platforms
- Educator Forums