If you do not find the questions or the answers you are looking for here, please contact anyone in the Administrative Offices by E-Mail or by phone at:
1-800-770-9893
1. What should I bring with me? We recommend that you pack light. When you register, we will provide a packing list that will help you determine what to bring.
2. What about security, is there theft in Costa Rica? Yes, like all other countries, there is theft. We will guide you regarding what you should leave at home, and what you should bring. Using good judgment, being careful, aware, and blending in minimizes the chance of theft. The school provides a lock box for passports, tickets, and other valuables. The CRSMT Campus has 24 hour security. Click here for more information on safety.
3. What if I get sick? There is a local Doctor and a pharmacy which is modern and carries most medications for simple ailments. If something of a serious nature were to occur, there is an airstrip only 10 minutes from the school and people can be transported to San Jose in 20 minutes. San Jose has up to date medical facilities staffed by Physicians and Surgeons who have been trained at the best colleges in the United States.
4. How will I become Nationally Certified? The school prepares the students to pass the National Board Exam, and the Board Preparation class prepares students to successfully apply to the take the exam. CRSMT is coded by the US National Board, so you will not have to submit a portfolio for review.
5. I’d like to do some traveling in Costa Rica while I am there, will there be time? Who can help me arrange travel? At the end of every Quarter, students will have 2-4 days for extended travel around Costa Rica. Samara has public bus transportation, and private shuttle services which can take you anywhere in the country you would like to go at reasonable costs. CRSMT is proud to partner with our good friends at the Samara Travel Center. David and Leslie are tour experts who are happy to assist you with any Costa Rica travel arrangements.
6. Do I have to be naked in front of people? No. Proper draping and respect for a client’s privacy is paramount in our industry and we will be practicing ethical massage in class.
7. Can my friend or family member come visit me? Certainly. There are many small hotels peppered along the beach. Students may not have guests who stay with them on Campus. Students are cautioned not to allow their guests visits to distract them from their studies, or disturb any other student.
8. Do you offer refunds if I have to leave? Can I pick up later if needed? This depends on the circumstance. We want to be reasonable, but as a small school, the loss of one student can affect the school adversely. This is due to the inclusive expenses and the need for an equal number of students for practicing purposes. We strongly encourage student applicants to seriously consider their level of commitment before applying to the school. Unforeseen things do happen, and we are fair and want to help. Please see the Policies and Procedures for more details.
9. Can I transfer credit? No, but if you have some other relevant knowledge on arrival, consider that you have an edge.
10. What if I don’t speak Spanish? You will probably be speaking some when you return home! This is not a problem as this is an English speaking school and there are enough Tico’s speaking English and enough Gringos speaking Spanish that you will be fine.
11. Will graduating from CRMST and passing the Board Exam insure that I can work anywhere in the United States? Most states recognize students who pass the NCETMB as qualified professionals. Each state has its own requirements for licensure. Some states don't require licensure, and there are a handful of states who require some additional hours and/or testing to be a licensed therapist. You will want to do this research prior to determining the school you will attend. CRSMT is happy to assist you with this research.
12. Are you guys for real? Absolutely! This is a very real and intense academic program in an out of this world place. We pride ourselves on integrity, professionalism and service to the students. We are Costa Rican experts and can provide a safety net for the student body. This program is NOT for everyone! You need to have a bit of an edge, and appetite for adventure. If you have that, and true desire to learn how to be an exceptional massage therapist, we welcome you! We are happy to provide references.
13. How many people will I be sharing a room with? The tuition package is based on double occupancy and students are paired with a class mate of the same gender. We do have rooms available for upgrade to single. If you are interested, please inquire with the Director of Operations.
14. Do you offer continuing educations classes ( CEUs). Can I take just one of your classes? We currently only offer the 540 hour comprehensive Massage Therapist Certification Program. Students must be enrolled in the entire program in order to participate. We will be offering workshops and individual classes in the future. Please sign up on our mailing list at the website www.crsmt.com in order to stay informed as classes are offered.
15. Do you offer Financial Aid? CRSMT is a unique program committed to providing the very best educational resources to a select group of dedicated students. We only accept 20 students per term in order to be able to offer each student individualized attention, giving them the very best opportunity to succeed. As a small international school CRSMT cannot provide assistance with financing the program. Other options prospective students may consider include: personal loans, bank loans and credit card loans.
16. Can I get a job in Samara? The four month program at CRSMT is extremely intensive and would make It very difficult to have a job. In addition, jobs in Samara are few, and most jobs are occupied by Costa Ricans who work for very low wages by western standards. Recognizing that we are guests in Costa Rica, CRSMT discourages students from working. We do not want to make it more difficult for a Costa Rican to get a job. Students may keep tips earned in the Student Clinic. All other proceeds from the Student Clinic are donated to the Sea Turtle Conservation project at Buena Vista Beach near Samara.
17. Are you accredited? No. Accreditation is not available internationally in Central America. CRSMT is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools and is an approved school of the United States National Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. CRSMT has a 100% NCBTMB success rate.
18. Can I bring my dog? No. The program is so intensive that your dog would spend a lot of time in the heat being tied up. We don't feel that is fair. It is better to have a friend or family member care for your dog while you are away.
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