Student FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions on Becoming a Rolfer®

About the Program

The Rolfing® Structural Integration Certification Program in Boulder, CO takes 22 weeks, plus two three-week study intervals, to complete. The Regional Rolfing Certification takes 1-2 years to complete.
If you are already a practicing bodyworker, you may be eligible to take the Regional Basic Rolfing Certification Program or transfer in to the Rolfing SI Program. Please view the prerequisites and contact the Admissions Department with any questions.

The complete accredited Rolfing Certification Program must be taken in Boulder, CO. The complete Regional Rolfing Certification Program must be taken in the location set by the instructor. Students cannot switch between these programs.

Class meeting times depend on the location and the discretion of the instructor.

The Rolfing Certification Program in Boulder, CO is the only program accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). Regional, Advanced, Continuing Education, and International school programs are not accredited by COMTA.

Applying to the Program

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 take the Rolfing Certification Program in Boulder, CO. Students who are trained professional massage therapists also have the option to take the Regional Rolfing Certification Program, offered throughout the U.S. For more information, please contact us at 303-449-5903.
While age is not specified, students applying for the training program must have completed the following:
  • A High School diploma or recognized equivalent.
  • One of the following:
  1. An official academic transcript, equivalent to an AA degree or occupational certificate, showing at least 60 credit hours at an institution of adult or higher education.
    OR
  2. Documentation of a minimum of four years of equivalent career experiences and professional accomplishments.
Yes, please have your official transcripts mailed to: Admissions Department, Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, 5055 Chaparral Court, Suite 103, Boulder, CO 80301.
All ten sessions, performed by a Certified Rolfer ®, must be completed prior to the start of the program.
Prior to starting Phase II of training at The Rolf Institute®, students must have received one Rolf Movement® session with a Certified Rolf Movement® Practitioner.
The remaining two sessions are due by the end of Phase II.
Go to Find a Rolfer and search by name or location.
The cost for a Rolfing SI session can vary based on the location of the practice, years of experience, how many hours the Rolfer works each week, and other factors. Consulting with local Rolfers can provide an indication.
Please see our Refund Policy.
Both certifications are recommended but not required. Check with your state regarding their requirements for CPR and First Aid. Many do require it for bodyworkers.

Costs

The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute participates in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs under Title IV. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid page.
Please see Tuition and Costs for more information.
For Rolfing Training in Boulder, CO, a deposit of $300 is required to enroll in each phase of the program ($900 total). You are not considered fully admitted to the program until all three deposits have been paid. Half of the tuition for each phase is due two weeks before the class begins. The remaining balance is due two weeks after the class has started. Students will be emailed an invoice six weeks prior to the start date which allows them to pay through the online billing system.

For Regional Training, Advanced Training, and Rolf Movement Training, a deposit of $300 is required to enroll in the program. Payment will be made over several installments, the first being two weeks prior to the start date of the class. Students will be invoiced a month before the due date which allows them to pay through the online billing system.
The deposit, plus the completion of all other requirements, holds your space in the class. The deposit is applied to your total tuition.

Logistics

You do NOT have to move to Boulder. The training takes place in intensive phases. The first phase is six weeks long. The second and third phases are eight weeks long.
We provide a list of short-term rental housing possibilities for you to locate housing near our campus. The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute is not affiliated with or responsible for any housing options on this list.