Expert: Michael - 11/15/2004

Question
Hello Michael,
 I am a licensed acupuncturist thinking of taking training for foot/hand reflexology. I live in Nashville, TN. and talked with a gentleman today who has the only school in Tennessee that teaches reflexology that I am told is, "State Approved". This school is in Knoxville and a Massage school in Nashville has informed me that they heard that reflexology is certifiable with "licensure" now in this state. The man over the school in Knoxville has told me the same thing. The cost for the 200 hour school is $1500.00. Thirty hours can be done on campus with 170 hours completed at home. A student has one year to complete the course after enrollment. Does $1500.00 sound a bit high for this type of training? Does it sound like a ripoff? Is reflexology now becoming a "licensed" profession in some states? Would it be possible to practice reflexology here in Tennessee by just taking one of the internet courses?

Thank you for any information!

Mike Eidson, LAc.

Answer
Thank you for your inquiry, Mike.

IMHO, the "$1500" price is excessive when compared to what the International Institute of Reflexology in St. Petersburg, FL would charge: http://www.reflexology-usa.net/workinfo.htm .

Apparently, according to the following webpage link, http://www.foot-reflexologist.com/law2.htm#pgfId-247 licensing became law in Tennessee in 2003.  IMHO again, if you want to be legal about your reflexology practice, you would want a diploma or certificate from the International Institute of Reflexology.

Hope that helps you.
Michael, LMT