Windsong Frequently Asked Questions

We receive over 500 enquiries per year to enter our courses. There may be approximately 10 to 16 students per class. Waiting Lists build for each year, so start your Application process early! We have found that many times, even though the registered students have the best of intentions, many Life Situations can get in the way of attending therefore, there is a very good chance of still getting in even if you are on the Waiting List. We strongly recommend that you complete your entire Application, including having your funding in place when you are on the Waiting List so that you are prepared to come up to the last minute. Should you be unable to enter for the year you want, your seat will be assured for the following year based on your completed Application.

What does the $250.00 Application and Registration Fee Include?

Your application fee includes processing your acceptance and your School and Association registration costs. New to 2013/2014 School Year, all students will receive a student membership with Liability Insurance through the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association. The fee for this is included in your Application and Registration Fee.

Can I get financial assistance to take courses at Windsong School of Healing Ltd.?

Windsong School of Healing now offers Tuition Scholarships from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00 for students who qualify and show need. Applications MUST be in by April prior to the year of study in order to be valid for the June assessment. Students awarded Tuition Scholarships will receive 50% upon Registration and Enrolment and 50% mid year on continued enrolment and maintaining a 90% average. Students must meet general, mature, or international admission requirements to be eligible for award.

Those students needing Canada Student Loans be sure to check your Application forms on the government website of your province as early as May. Check deadlines to start your application early as the Provinces differ. Normally your Canada Student Loan is posted in June before your September commencement date of school. Speak to the Registrar about the intake date for your course.

Many of our students have successfully been sponsored through HRDC, EI funding programs, First Nations funding, government education loans. Some adult students may have RRSP's, GIC's, personal property and may have to go to their bank for an "education line of credit" which is similar in content to the Student Loan. Read your CSL Application form thoroughly to be sure you understand your suitability for this type of student loan.

How do I get a Student Loan Application form?

In British Columbia you can apply online by going to www.StudentAidBC.ca. Applications can be started in July. Apply early to confirm funding! Each Province has a different form, so be sure to get that form pertinent for your province even if you are attending a School outside your province. Go to www.canlearn.ca for other province information and Application dates or telephone 1-800-622-6232, or go to http://www.aett.gov.bc.ca/studentservices/ then "Student Loan Forms Request" requesting the form on behalf of student. All loan applications have a deadline so be sure to check that and have the School fill out the pertinent information as quickly as possible for you. It usually takes 6 weeks to find out the status of your loan once you send it in. Dates of courses, these are on your Student Contract forms.

How can I research the success rate of graduates in this field?

Windsong School suggests each applicant do a Market Research of your area when you apply so that you will know the feasibility of working in that area upon graduating your course. The success rate of our graduates for finding employment in their related skills is between 72 to 80 percent. Many of our students will take continuing education in those areas they are most interested in. You may access the School Feasibility Plans and Marketing Studies which former students have done in their business classes, showing feasibility and market research from various parts of Canada and the success of practicing in those locations. In 2007 the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, the Government of Canada (Human Resources Skills Development Canada) and the National Association of Career Colleges analyzed the data and findings of Windsong School of Healing as a private college against the National Average by program area. It shows favorable results for our program.

What is the benefit of obtaining a "Certified Holistic Health Practitioner Diploma" from Windsong School of Healing Ltd.?

Our CHHSP Diploma program is structured to give our graduates the best possible training in a short period of time that can be quickly applied to existing skills or, adapted to the workforce. By the end of your 11 months with us, you have skills that will enable you to set up your own practice with confidence, or work alongside other health care professionals. There is a high percentage of graduates that work in the field they are studying in! See below for the Associations our courses are recognized by and from which you can receive support and information on continuing education classes. Part of our 11 month CHHSP Diploma program includes Shiatsu skills. This oriental bodywork skill allows you to work with Destination Resorts, Spas, Fitness Studios, private practice and gives you an excellent competitive edge. Skills include Oriental Bodywork techniques such as Acupressure, Shiatsu, Shiatsu Spa, AcuChi, Oriental Diagnostic skills, analyses skills; Energy Medicine - Chakra balancing, healing with music and sound, crystal healing techniques with crystal lay-outs, advanced energy color healing techniques; Five Element Iridology and Nutrition skills; Auriculotherapy, Ethics of Touch and Business Mastery skills. The percentage of alternative, or holistic, health care workers is growing exponentially. Our graduates are able to confidently work in a variety of health care areas using some or all of their skills.

Is it necessary to attend at the school to complete your programs?

It is necessary to attend at the premises to receive full credentials for the 11 month Certified Holistic Health & Shiatsu Practitioner program. Some students may be accepted as Distance Learning students for Energy Medicine and Iridology if they are able to attend the Oriental Bodywork and Shiatsu courses first or upon completion of the Distance Learning Portions. Please check with the Admissions Office if this is your interest.

How valid are our courses?

Windsong School of Healing Ltd. is an accredited and registered school with PCTIA ~ Private Career Training Institutions Agency of B.C. You may research our standing with PCTIA by going to their website www.pctia.bc.ca and keying in either "Windsong School of Healing" or Institution No. 2056. The School is a member in good standing with the National Association of Career Colleges and B.C. Career Colleges Association. Our courses are recognized by the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada and the Shiatsu Therapy Association of BC.

Within the Certified Holistic Health & Shiatsu Practitioner Diploma, Graduates receive Certificates that are recognized by the following Associations:

a Certificate in Oriental Bodywork recognized by Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.
a Certificate meeting the standards of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of BC for Registered Shiatsu Therapist status and the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, other Shiatsu teachers, and Shiatsu Associations for continuing education purposes.
a Certificate in Reiki Level III recognized by the Universal Reiki Association and the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.
a Certificate in Five Element Iridology and Energy Medicine recognized by the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.
A CHHP™ designation recognized by the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada

Some of our instructors are Certified Provincial Instructors in addition to teaching qualifications in their fields; all are qualified teachers in their field. All of your instructors have extensive background and practical hands on knowledge of their field. Check the Faculty page to see which Associations, and what experience, your Faculty member has.

What about Anatomy, physiology and pathology?

You receive 204 hours of Anatomy, physiology and pathology in the overall course. Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology are woven throughout the courses offered in direct relation to the modalities taught.

What can I expect to learn from each program?

See the CHHSP section of the website to obtain a description of the CHHSP program and its courses. It is published on this website for in depth information. Also check out our "Yearbook" in this website for testimonials from graduates!

Does Windsong School of Healing keep track of how many graduates work successfully in this field?

Yes, Windsong School of Healing Ltd. keeps track of Alumni (former graduates) and has surveys showing success rates available at the School. The success rate statistics are high in the holistic field as the skills acquired can lead to many positions. For example the graduate may decide to work full-time in a professional office, or sharing a professional office space, as a therapist being their own boss. Or, they may decide to work part-time or full time for fitness centers, spas, beauty salons, cruise companies, destination resorts, hotels, with long term care, community healing co-ops; or simply in a home office while raising their children. Due to the variety of skills the graduates can attain in any of the courses, the employment rate shows a successful and growing percentage of positions and industry expansion. All students are taught Business planning and marketing in order to assist in achieving their desired career goals.

Check government statistics: www.jobfutures.ca and www.workfutures.bc.ca and Stats Canada Statistics to check "Other Health and Social Services"; "Alternative Medicine" and NOC code 3232 Midwives and Holistic Practitioners- these all show extremely favorable growth in the health sciences field!

Can I make a good living in the complimentary and alternative health field upon graduation?

Graduates can command $30 to $110 per hour, depending on your working area. You are taught in marketing how to break down your skills and how to price each skill according to your market. It is up to the individual how many hours you chose to work, whether you work for yourself, or for someone else, as to how much you earn.

Professional Offices, Home businesses, Health Spas, Destination Resorts, Adventure Tour Companies, as private body-workers for personalities, Chair Massage Companies, Pocket Cruise Ships, Beauty Salons, Fitness Gyms, Chiropractor and Physiotherapy offices are some places that graduates may work. It is possible to earn between $10,000 and $70,000 per year and is based upon your effort and employment opportunities. This is discussed in your Business Mastery portion of your program.

What are the living accommodations like?

Windsong School has a housing registry of rooms available throughout Port Alberni. Rooms include a variety of styles, prices, and locations with both Shared Accommodation and Room and Board. Please contact the Housing Administrator, Todd MacLeod, at the school address, telephone, or email Housing.

Office Contact: admissions@windsonghealing.com
General Enquiries: generalinquiry@windsonghealing.com
Lori-Ann MacLeod: Administration, Admissions, Dean of Studies, Lead Instructor
Leah Ursic: Student Educational Services Administrator
Todd MacLeod: Housing Administrator, Grounds and Maintenance Manager
Financial Aid Officer Lori-Ann MacLeod FAO, Todd Macleod FAO

Mail to: WINDSONG SCHOOL OF HEALING LTD. 6199 Smith Road Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 8M1 Phone/Fax: 250-723-3307