Welcome to the

Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies

Areas of Study Offered
Our Lady of Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies offers training opportunities in various areas of Wholistic Health. Students may register for individual classes or for one of our comprehensive certification degree programs.

Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies in

Association with Camden County College

• Massage Therapy Certificate with Associates Degree in Applied Science

• Massage Therapy Certificate

LIWS Massage Programs

• Wholistic Massage Practitioner Certificate

• Massage Practitioner Certificate

Other LIWS Certificate Programs

• Reflexology Certificate

• Shiatsu Certificate

• Yoga Teacher Training (200 Hours)

• Yoga Teacher Training (500 Hours)

Continuing Education Courses

Students may choose from any of our courses to maintain their national certification status as well as to update and enhance their skills.  The National Certification Board approves Lourdes Institute for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Provider under Category A and B.

Individual Course Offerings

Select courses are also available for individuals who are interested in a specific healing modality for personal growth or self care.

*Students who complete Introduction to Shiatsu prior to beginning the Shiatsu certification program will receive a discount on the tuition for Shiatsu Level I.  Students graduating from our Shiatsu Certification will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Although this exam is not a requirement for students to practice in the State of New Jersey, it does serve as a measure of credibility for our graduates and we encourage this course of action.

Click here to view the curriculum for the Shiatsu Certification Program.


Reflexology Certification
For students interested in Reflexology, LIWS offers a new comprehensive two-tiered program, providing students with flexible options. Graduates of our Basic (128-hour) Reflexology Certification Program are eligible to sit for the National Reflexology Examination, given by the American Reflexology Certification Board. The Advanced Certification Program allows students to enhance their skills and knowledge via tax-deductible Continuing Education courses.

Click here to view the curriculum for the Reflexology Certification Program.

*In-House Certification Exams will be given for both courses.
Although the National Certification Examination is not a requirement for the practice of Reflexology in the State of New Jersey, LIWS encourages their graduates to take advantage of the measure of credibility such third-party testing affords to them.

Wholistic Yoga Teacher Training
Lourdes Institute is a Registered Yoga Alliance School offering a 200- hour Teacher Training Program. Applicants are required to have a minimum of six (6) months of Yoga training and practice experience prior to applying for admission into the program.
This unique program will assist the student in experiencing the true essence of Yoga…union and harmony for body, mind and spirit. Students will acquire the yogic knowledge and develop the skills & confidence necessary to successfully instruct beginner- level, wholistic Yoga Classes. The program will address:

• Philosophy of Yoga
• Intensive Posture Clinic
• Teaching Methodology
• Deep Breathing Exercises
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Nutrition
• Relaxation Training
• Personal Growth & Clearing
• Spirituality of Yoga
• Meditative Practices
• Visualization/Imagery/Affirmation
• Marketing Skills

Discover, with our experienced master teachers, new ways to access energy through breath and body awareness, effective warm-ups, basic postures, meditation, and deep relaxation.
Download Phase 1 of the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program

Yoga Transfer Option
Lourdes Institute is pleased to offer our Yoga Transfer Option to students who do not reside within convenient travel distance of LIWS.
To take advantage of Yoga Transfer Option, Yoga Techniques & Teaching Methodology and a two-day Yoga Sciences Workshop must be completed at the Institute. With pre- approval, students may transfer other Yoga-related approved electives (minimum of 42 contact hours required) and/or an Introductory Anatomy & Physiology course from their local Community College (minimum of 20 hours). Call Angel at (856) 869-3134 for details concerning our Yoga Transfer Option.

Christian Yoga Teacher Training Option
This 16-hour course can be an adjunct to Wholistic Yoga Teacher Training or an individual certification for yoga instructors. Students will learn how to use yoga as a sacred encounter with God: as a experience of the body at prayer.

Wholistic Living Intensive
This 26-hour experiential course is designed as a celebration of life . . . being fully alive in body, mind, and spirit. It is a journey of actualization that honors wholeness and holiness in relationship with self, others, God, and all of creation. This certification training/spiritual formation program presents a comprehensive exploration of the Lourdes' paradigm of wholistic health, with God at the center of all human activity. Experiential study areas of the Lourdes' model include:

• body awareness
• healthy diet
• physical exercise
• stress release
• mental well-being
• prayer and meditation
• healthy relationships
• creativity

Licensure of Massage and Bodywork
In the United States, licensure for Massage Therapy & Bodywork is regulated at the state level. New Jersey does not have a “State License”. However, a Title Protection Act governing the use of specific titles that can be used by NJ Certified Massage Therapists, Bodyworkers & Somatic Therapists was passed in 1999.  The Title Protection Act was adopted in the Fall of 2004. Students who successfully complete a minimum 500-hour training program may apply to become “Certified” in New Jersey. Those who have successfully completed the National Certification Exam may also apply to the Massage, Bodywork & Somatic Therapy Examining Committee (under the New Jersey Nursing Board) for certification.

Interested parties should contact the NJ Board of Nursing directly.
LIWS encourages those who wish to practice outside of New Jersey to investigate the licensure/certification requirements of the state, county and municipal jurisdictions of the area. Please also note that, Advanced Trainings, while part of the on-going growth and research-supported development of our Industry, may not be deemed to be within any given Massage, Bodywork or Somatic Therapy’s Scope of Practice in all jurisdictions. LIWS also encourages students to ensure they are practicing in a responsible manner and in compliance with their jurisdiction(s) definition of Scope of Practice, where applicable.
If you are planning to practice bodywork outside of New Jersey, investigate what licensure or certification requirements are in effect for your selected state.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
There are numerous professional associations and organizations for Massage Therapists, Bodyworkers & Somatic Therapists. These groups provide the practitioner with various benefits not limited to professional Insurance(s), Continuing Education & Networking opportunities, and Public Relations & Jurisprudence support. The major developments in our Industry have been birthed, developed & nurtured by these groups. LIWS encourages students & graduates to participate in this rewarding effort perpetuating the growth and stability of our Industry and our life’s work.

Students are required to obtain Student Liability Insurance for the period of their studies with Lourdes. Insurance information will be provided to the students at New Student Orientation. Cost to student will vary depending on group selected. Proof of Student Insurance coverage must be submitted to LIWS Administration prior to the first day of classes!