Training at The Rolf Institute

Becoming a Certified Rolfer™ is an exciting and challenging exploration of the human body and its relationship to gravity.

The course of study at The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (RISI) is a blend of experiential learning, academic rigor, and personal growth. Classes are small to maximize individual attention. The program has a flexible timetable that accommodates students' diverse needs. Completion of RISI's program opens the door to a respected profession where career options range from private practice to employment in diverse healthcare settings.

Basic Rolfing® Training

The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration defines an instructional hour as 60 minutes. Depending on one's choice of Unit I class (see Course Descriptions below), The Rolf Institute graduates must complete a total of 600 or 731 instructional hours in the program in order to earn certification as a Rolfer and all the rights and obligations thereof.

The Rolfing Training is offered in three units. There are two options for Unit I from which to choose, depending upon your background: Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (FORSI), for individuals without previous bodywork experience or Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (AFORSI), for individuals with massage training or previous bodywork experience.

In general, FORSI students must allow a three month interval between Unit I and Unit II. This interval is not required of AFORSI students. Students may choose a longer interval and schedule their entry into Unit II to meet their individual needs. A three month interval is required for all students between Unit II and Unit III. (Note: Regional trainings are presented periodically, in an extended format, and usually take longer to complete).

To discuss which prerequisite class is appropriate for you, contact RISI's Admissions Counselor at or 1-800-803-1952.

Course Descriptions

Unit I: Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (FORSI)
Prerequisite course option
Format: 218 Hours, six-week intensive
Designed for students who have not had formal training in massage or bodywork or who have had some training but would benefit from taking this comprehensive course. There is a required three month interval for FOSP students between completing Unit I and starting Unit II during which time students work on integrating and assimilating the skills and information from Unit I.

Advanced Unit I:
Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (AFORSI)
Prerequisite course option
Format: 87 hour, two-week intensive
Accelerated course designed for trained massage therapists and body workers, both to refine essential skills and to develop new skills required for the Rolfing Training.

Students are admitted into Unit II upon successful completion of their Unit I prerequisite course, the Life Sciences Exam, and all other prerequisite requirements.

For more detailed information, check out our catalog

Unit II:
Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration
Format: 244 hour, eight-week intensive
Students learn necessary skills to recognize simple structural patterns, to see structure in relation to gravity, and to have a working knowledge of the basics of Rolfing and Rolf Movement principles and theories.

There is a required three-month interval between Unit II and Unit III during which time students work on integrating and assimilating the skills and information from Unit II.

Unit III:
Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory
Format: 269 hour, eight-week intensive
Students work on actual clients under instructor supervision. Upon successful completion of this course students become Certified Rolfers.

Flexibility

RISI's learning program is designed both to provide students with maximum flexibility and to enhance learning through knowledge integration during required intervals between units. In the course of each unit, every student, in consultation with his or her instructor, prepares an individual timetable and study plan for this interval, taking many factors into account. Experience has taught us the value and importance of these intervals, given the intensity of the training and the need for time to embody the new skills. These intervals are among the many elements that makeup the successful professional training, development and certification of a Rolfer.

Class Size

Unit I: FORSI and AFORSI classes are a maximum of 20, with a student/teacher ratio no greater than 10:1.

Unit II & Unit III: Rolfing classes are a maximum of 16, with a student/teacher ratio no greater than 8:1.

Calendar and Class Schedules

Current class schedules, information, and dates for all RISI courses, regional courses and international trainings are posted on RISI's website or call us at 1-800-803-1952.

Costs

The basic Rolfing Certification Program typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete. Tuition costs are between $14,755 and $16,800. The costs of regional extended trainings are slightly higher.

Continuing Education Requirements

Following completion of the basic Rolfing certification, Rolfers are expected to pursue further specialization in Rolf Movement Integration or Advanced Rolfer Training. The latter requires at least three years of professional Rolfing practice plus completion of the Advanced Training Program. Rolf Movement Integration is available for certification also. Continuing Education and Advanced Rolfer training is required in order to maintain one's certification.

Financial Loans

For those who qualify, affordable student loans are available through SLM Financial Corporation, a Sallie Mae company. Contact RISI's Admissions Counselor for up-to-date information about loan programs.

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