Frequently Asked Questions

DO I NEED TO HAVE TRAINING AS A MASSAGE THERAPIST OR OTHER BODY WORKER 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. Before studying Rolfing (Integrated Rolfing Studies), students must have an understanding of therapeutic touch and relationship, Anatomy, Kinesiology and Physiology. Students with no previous background or training must begin with our Unit I course: Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration. Students who have training or experience in massage or bodywork must take our Advanced Unit I course: Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration. All students from both courses will be required to pass our Life Sciences Exam and fulfill all other prerequisites before being accepted to train as a Rolfer.

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IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
Affordable student loans are available through the SLM Financial Corporation, a Sallie Mae company. For rate, terms and conditions of our loan programs, please contact Admissions at The Rolf Institute or go to www.slmfinancial.com. (Note: Do not apply on line - contact Admission for specific training and loan information.)

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WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES TO ENTER THE TRAINING?
No prior bodywork experience or training is required for FORSI (Unit I). See application for more detail.

For Advanced 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 and Rolfing Movement is highly recommended but not required.

For Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolfing Movement Integration (Unit II), you must complete the entrance requirements, have received the 10 - session Rolfing series from a Certified Rolfer, completed 6 months prior to the start date of this class. Students are also required to complete 5 Rolf Movement sessions with a certified Rolf Movement practitioner at any time before the start date of Unit II.

For Clinical Application of Rolfing, you must have successfully completed the Embodiment of Rolfing course. In addition, a written research paper must be submitted and accepted.

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HOW MUCH DOES THE TRAINING COST?
The training to become a Rolfer costs between and $14,755 and $16,800. The tuition for each individual course is as follows:

Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (Unit I) - $3,545

Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (Adv. Unit I) - $1,500

Embodiment of Rolfing and Rolf Movement Integration (Unit II) - $6,425

Clinical Application of Rolfing Theory (Unit III) - $6,830

Other expenses you should plan on are: housing, books and supplies ($250 - $500).

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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. Often this is shared housing and ranges in cost between $400 and $600 per month depending on local markets.

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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.

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WHERE CAN I FIND A ROLFER IN MY AREA?
Call us at 800-530-8875 to receive a list in the mail, or go to Find a Rolfer on this site.

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WHAT IS THE TYPICAL AMOUNT CHARGED 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. Go to Find a Rolfer.

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AS AN EXPERIENCED BODYWORK PRACTITIONER, IS THERE AN ACCELERATED VERSION OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF ROLFING STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION COURSE THAT I CAN TAKE?
We offer Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration, an accelerated class specifically designed for body workers interested in refining their essential skills and transitioning into Rolfing. For more information, contact Admissions.

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FOR THE APPLICATION, DO MY TRANSCRIPTS NEED TO BE OFFICIAL?
Yes, please have your transcripts mailed to: Admissions Counselor, The Rolf Institute, 5055 Chaparral Court, Suite 103, Boulder, CO 80301.

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CAN I TAKE DIFFERENT COURSES IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS?
Yes, it is possible to take any of the Units in any location you choose. For example, you may take Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado; Embodiment of Rolfing in Brazil; and Clinical Application in Germany.

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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:

  • Adv Unit I and Unit I - Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration and Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration meet M-F 8:30 am- 6:00 pm
  • Unit II - Embodiment of Rolfing M-TH 8:30 am - 6:00 pm (Note: First week of this class meets Monday - Friday).
  • Unit III - Clinical Application of Rolfing M-F 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

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WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE MY 10-SERIES ROLFING SESSIONS COMPLETED?
All 10 sessions must be completed 6 months prior to the start date of the Embodiment of Rolfing (Unit II) course. The 6 month requirement is for your well-being as it takes this amount of time to integrate the Rolfing work in your body before receiving the 10-series again in the Embodiment of Rolfing course.

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DO I NEED TO HAVE COMPLETED THE 5 ROLFING MOVEMENT SESSIONS BEFORE APPLYING TO THE TRAINING?
All five sessions need to be completed before the beginning of Unit II. Two of those sessions can be done in a group setting.

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IS 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.

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IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT TO BE ACCEPTED INTO THE TRAINING?
The minimum age for acceptance is 18. There is no maximum age requirement.

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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.

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WHAT IF I AM ACCEPTED INTO A CLASS AND NEED TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER CLASS OR CANCEL COMPLETELY?
You will receive full refund of your deposit if you cancel or transfer prior to 90 days before class start date for which you have been accepted. If you cancel or transfer out within 90 days of the class start date, you will be refunded $150.00 of the deposit.

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HOW LONG IS THE TRAINING?
The Rolfing training is offered in three units. 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 to 24 months. The intensity of the training, the necessity of integration between units, financial considerations, and interim requirements should all be carefully considered when preparing a timetable for the training.

In general, students should not consider taking less than 3 months between the Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (Unit I) course and the Embodiment of Rolfing (Unit II) course, 4 weeks between the Advanced Foundations of Rolfing Structural Integration (Adv. Unit I) course and the Embodiment of Rolfing (Unit II) course, and at least 3 months is required between Units II and Clinical Application of Rolfing (Unit III) course. No more than one year is allowed between Units II and III.

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Rolf Institute of Structural Integration
5055 Chaparral Ct., Ste. 103, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
tf: 800.530.8875 fx: 303.449.5978
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