800-530-8875

Frequently Asked Questions

Woman working on male client's arm

Do I need to have training as a Massage Therapist or other bodyworker to apply to the training?

It is not required to have a background in massage, science or healthcare to begin training at The Rolf Institute. Students with no previous background or training must begin with our Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration class. Students who have training or experience in massage or bodywork can take our Accelerated Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration course. All students from both courses will be required to pass our Life Sciences Exam and fulfill all other prerequisites before being accepted to continue training as a Rolfer. For more information, please contact our Admissions Advisor via email or at 800-803-1952.

Is financial aid available?

The Rolf Institute is now eligible to participate in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs under Title IV.
Speak with our Admissions Advisor at (800) 530-8875 x 106 for more information and details on how to see if you qualify.

What are the prerequisites to enter the training?

No prior bodywork experience or training is required for Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration. See Course of Study for more detail.

For Accelerated Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration, you will need a background in bodywork with at least 47 hours of Anatomy, 21 hours of Physiology, 45 hours of massage or other approved touch training, and 15 hours of Therapeutic Relationship. Experience of Rolfing Structural Intetgrations and Rolf Movement Integration is highly recommended but not required.

How long is the training?

The Rolfing training is offered in three phases. The format is designed to allow for flexibility in how long the entire training process takes, depending on your needs. Most students complete the training within 18 months. The program must be completed within 24 months. The intensity of the training, the necessity of integration between classes, financial considerations, and interim requirements should all be carefully considered when preparing a timetable for the training.

Students must wait at least 3 months between Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration and Embodiment of Rolfing Structural Integration and Rolf Movement Integration (no waiting period is required between Accelerated Foundations and Embodiment). Students must wait at least three months, but no more than a year, between Embodiment of Rolfing Structural Integration and Rolf Movement Integration and Clinical Application of Rolfing.

How much does the training cost?

Please see Tuition and Costs for more information.

What about housing?

We provide a list of housing possibilities for you to locate housing. The list contains classified type listings of those wishing to sublet space or rent a room in their home for the time of the training. The Rolf Institute is not affiliated with or responsible for any housing options on this list.

When do I need to pay my tuition?

Half of the tuition is due 2 weeks before each class begins and the remaining is due midway through class.

Where can I find a Rolfer in my area?

Go to Find a Rolfer on this site or call us at 800-530-8875 for any assitance.

What is the typical amount charge for a Rolfing session?

The average cost of a Rolfing session ranges between $75 - $125 for a one hour to one hour and 15 minute session.

As an experienced bodywork practitioner, is there an accelerated version of the Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration course that I can take?

We offer Accelerated Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration, an accelerated class specifically designed for body workers interested in refining their essential skills and transitioning into Rolfing SI. For more information, contact the Admissions Advisor or see Course of Study.

For the application, do my transcripts need to be official?

Yes, please have your transcripts mailed to: Admissions Advisor, The Rolf Institute, 5055 Chaparral Court, Suite 103, Boulder, CO 80301.

Can I take different courses in different locations?

Yes, it is possible to take any of the Phases in any location you choose. For example, you may take Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado; Embodiment of Rolfing Structural Integration and Rolf Movement Integration in Brazil; and Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory in Germany.

If you wish to practice in the United States, however, you may need proof of graduation from an accredited program. In order to graduate from an accredited program all three class of the program must be attended at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO. International school programs are not accredited by COMTA.

When do classes meet?

This depends on the location that you are taking the course and the discretion of the instructor, but generally classes meet as follows:

When do I need to have my Ten-Series Rolfing sessions completed?

All 10 sessions must be prior to being admitted to The Rolf Institute for training.

Do I need to have completed the 5 Rolf Movement Sessions before applying to the training?

All five sessions need to be completed before the beginning of Embodiment of Rolfing Structural Integration and Rolf Movement Integration course.

Are CPR and First Aid certification required?

Both certifications are recommended but not required. Check with your state regarding their requirements for CPR and First Aid. Many do require it for body workers.

Is there an age requirement to be accepted into the training?

The minimum age for acceptance is 18. There is no maximum age requirement.

Does my deposit guarantee me a space in the class?

A deposit without a completed application places you in a hold/pending status and does not guarantee a space in the class. To guarantee a place in the class, we require a completed application and a $300.00 deposit. This deposit is applied to your total tuition.

What if I am accepted into a class and need to transfer to another class or cancel completely?

Please see our Refund Policy.

Is the Rolf Institute accredited?

The Rolf Institute Rolf Program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). In order to graduate from an accredited program all three class of the program must be attended at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO. International school programs are not accredited by COMTA.