Jean-Pierre Barral, D.O., MRO(F)

Become a Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are important and valued components of TBI teaching team. As a TA, you work closely with class Instructors and Facilitators to portray therapeutic concepts and techniques that are growing ever more critical to the good health of people from all walks of life.

If, after reading the material contained on this site you have additional questions, or if you are ready to schedule an assignment, please contact us.

Click below for curriculum qualifications:
Visceral Manipulation
Nervous System

Click below for program details:
Maintaining TA Status
Scheduling an Assignment
Compensation
Registration Incentive Program
Performance Guidelines

Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshops.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis VM3) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Written recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Written recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Written recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Written recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5) TA:

• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Written recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) TA:

• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5) workshop.
• Written recommendation from a Visceral Manipulation Program Director.

Visceral Manipulation: Applications for Pediatrics (VAP) TA:

• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis VM3) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Applications for Pediatrics (VAP) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• Experience working with pediatrics.
• Written recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

Listening Techniques (LT) TA:

• Be a Certified VM Teaching Assistant (see below).
• Successful attendance at one Listening Techniques 1 (LT1) workshop.
• Written recommendation from Gail Wetzler, RPT, Visceral Manipulation Curriculum Director.

NS TA requirements THESE HAVE ALL CHANGED, AS WELL AS THE NAMES FOR NS2, NS3, and NS4.

Nervous System: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NS1) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Nervous System: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NS1) workshops. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NS2) workshop. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NS3) workshop. City and Date:
• Formal recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.
• Instructor's Name:

Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NS2) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NS2) workshops. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NS1) workshop. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NS3) workshop. City and Date:
• Formal recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.
• Instructor's Name:

Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NS3) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NS3) workshops. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NS1) workshop. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NS2) workshop. City and Date:
• Formal recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.
• Instructor's Name:

Nervous System: Brain and Cranial Nerve Manipulation (NS4) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Nervous System: Brain and Cranial Nerve Manipulation (NS4) workshops. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NS1) workshop. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NS2) workshop. City and Date:
• Successful attendance at one Nervous System: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NS3) workshop. City and Date:
• Formal recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.
• Instructor's Name:

Note: A person does not have to become an NS1 TA before becoming a TA in an upper level. A person may become a TA for the first four levels in the NS curriculum in any order.

All Other VM and NS Courses:

• Subject to Instructor recommendation.

CERTIFIED Teaching Assistant:

• Successful assistance at 4 Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshops.
• Successful assistance at 2 Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshops.
• Successful assistance at 2 Visceral Manipulation: Pelvis and Uropelvic System (VM3) workshops.
• Successful assistance at 2 Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshops.
• Successful assistance at 1 Manual Thermal Evaluation and VisceroEmotional 1 (VM5) workshop.

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Maintaining TA Status

It is crucial that the information conveyed by Instructors and TAs be timely and consistent. To ensure this level of quality information, you must TA at least once every 3 years. If there is a lapse of three or more years, you may be required to review or attend another course before assisting again.

Maintaining Certified TA Status
TA certification status is reviewed annually. You must assist at least once each year with satisfactory scores to maintain certification.

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Scheduling an Assignment

TA assignments are given primarily on a first come, first served basis.

• To schedule an assignment, contact BI at (866) 522-7725 and request the Registration Department or contact us.
• If you are unable to keep your scheduled assignment, notify us at least 60 days in advance of the class.
• Three cancellations of confirmed assignments with less than 60 days notice, within a 12-month period, may subject you to a suspension of up to one year. During that time you will not be assigned to assist any classes, permitted to schedule a TA assignment, nor be listed as a TA in any BI publication. Following this period you will be required to reapply to the TA program.

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Compensation

TA compensation is made through tuition vouchers which are valid for one year from the date they are received.

• Vouchers may be applied toward any future participating BI Institute workshops.
• Tuition vouchers are treated like cash and may be combined and applied toward one class.
• To receive a voucher you must attend the entire workshop.
• The number of compensated TAs per workshop will depend on the size of the class. For example, we will award tuition vouchers to the first four TAs to sign up for a typical Visceral Manipulation 1 workshop.

Teaching Assistants Receive:

• up to 15% discount on select educational materials purchased at the workshop you are assisting.
• $100 tuition voucher for assisting at a four-day workshop. ($25/day for other workshops.)

Certified Teaching Assistants Receive:

• up to 25% discount on select educational materials at any time.
• $200 tuition voucher for assisting at a four-day workshop. ($50/day for other workshops.)
• $12.50 a day towards expenses.

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Registration Incentive Program

We value your help in referring other healthcare practitioners to our continuing-education classes.

• For each referral registered in VM1 or NS1 workshop you will receive a $10 tuition voucher.
• If you are responsible for referring five or more registered applicants in one class, you will receive an additional sponsor compensation, which is equivalent for up to 12% of tuitions paid by those students.
• Tuition vouchers are sent out after the completion of the class, and a record is maintained in your computer file.

In order to receive credit for a referral, the applicant MUST mention your name when registering for the class.

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Performance Guidelines

To help make each workshop successful and enjoyable for all involved, the following TA guidelines have been developed based on evaluations received over the years from participants, instructors and facilitators. The objective is always to create a safe, supportive environment for each student's growth and education. Remember, we are working as a team. The better the assistants and instructor work as a unit, the better the class will run.

• Instructors are in charge of the course, and Facilitators are in charge of the overall seminar.
• Meet with your workshop Instructor prior to the beginning of the first day of class.
• On the first day, be a little early to meet the Facilitator and socialize with participants during registration.
• Before class begins, make sure you know how the lights and temperature controls work, and where the bathrooms and pay phones are located. The following days, be on time.
• Avoid side conversations during lectures.
• Very important: Do not treat anyone, especially another TA, at any time during class days. You must abide by this rule for liability reasons. If you have your hands on a participant during a practice session for more than a couple of minutes, you are treating, not assisting. This is a disservice to all participants.
• Although there is no strict dress code, keep in mind that you are representing The Barral Institute. Dress comfortably yet professionally, and please avoid wearing dangling necklaces and bracelets while assisting participants.
• When assisting, use the same hand positions that are used by the Instructor. Variations tend to confuse participants. If you have a differing opinion, discuss it privately with the Instructor during a break, as it is very disruptive to debate techniques in front of class participants.
• Be aware of your personal hygiene and avoid disturbing others with strong or offensive odors. Breath mints are recommended, especially after lunch or if you smoke. Remember many people are highly allergic to perfumes (even essential oils) and while we ask that you wear deodorant, refrain from those that are heavily scented.
• Make yourself available - the most frequent complaint we hear is that it's difficult to get a TA's attention. Divide the room up and circulate as much as possible, attempting to anticipate problems. Do not spend more than a few minutes at a table at any one time.
• You may be requested to act as a table partner if there are an odd number of people in attendance. Please do so when needed and alternate with the other TAs.
• If you find you are answering the same question repeatedly, or you see several participants having difficulty applying a certain technique, please tell the instructor so that the issue can be addressed with the whole class. Also, if a student is asking an important or interesting question, you may suggest that he/she ask the instructor so that the entire class can benefit from the answer.
• Positive reinforcement is very important. Tell participants what they are doing correctly and when they've got it right. Praise is the best learning motivator.
• If you have advanced questions, see the instructor at the break or after class.
• If you have any suggestions about these guidelines, the class, the meeting site, or products, please give a note to the facilitator. You're our experts in the field and we value your input.
• Please refrain from selling your own inventory items when assisting.
• At the end of the class, you will be asked to fill out a form that globally evaluates student skills. You only need to evaluate "extreme" students: those who are really good, or those who are really having trouble.
• You will also be evaluated by the instructor, participants, facilitator and fellow TAs. These evaluations will be used to determine your progression as a TA.

The score scale is:
5=excellent; 4=very good; 3=good; 2=fair; 1=poor.

Evaluation scores are averaged. To progress as an assistant, you need an average score of 4.0 or better from the instructor, participant and facilitator evaluations. To become a certified teaching assistant, you will need average scores of 4.5 or better from the participant evaluations and 4.0 or better from the instructor, TA and facilitator evaluations from each TA assignment. TA certification status will be reviewed annually.

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"The best things about this class were the intention of making sure that we learned how to feel the work and the quality of the instruction. It was an amazing class. Thank you for getting me off on the right start in visceral work."
B. W., Durham, NC

"The pace of the class was perfect. A nice balance between theory and listening. The gentle personalities of the instructor and teaching assistants made it a pleasure to be here, not to mention their incredible expertise and knowledge."
P. P., Carrboro, NC