Become a Teaching Assistant

* Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor recommendation includes a successful "hand test". The evaluation/hand test should be arranged in advance with the teacher, or may be arranged on first morning of class based on instructor availability and/or class dynamics. Alternatively, a client appointment with the instructor may include a "hands test". Be sure to request when inquiring about an appointment.

The hand test will be about 15-30 minutes; related to the particular course you wish to TA; consist of a) Ability to find/palpate structures, b) Ability to perform techniques effectively, consistent with Jean Pierre's teaching, and at least one of the hands on testing is performed on the teacher.

VM1: Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshops.
  In certain situations, attending the VM1 for the second time may be substituted by attending a sanctioned VM1 study group or attending Listening Techniques.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop OR
• Successful attendance at one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

VM2: Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshops.
  In certain situations, attending the VM2 for the second time may be substituted by attending a sanctioned VM2 study group or attending Listening Techniques.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1 (VM1) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

VM3: Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshops.
  In certain situations, attending the VM3 for the second time may be substituted by attending a sanctioned VM3 study group or attending Listening Techniques.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

VM4: Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshops.
  In certain situations, attending the VM4 for the second time may be substituted by attending a sanctioned VM4 study group or attending Listening Techniques.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation Instructor.

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

• Successful attendance at one VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop OR
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation 5 Instructor.

VM6: VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) TA:

• Successful attendance at one VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop OR
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation 6 Instructor.

VAP: Visceral Manipulation: Applications for Pediatrics (VAP) TA:

• 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.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation VAP Instructor.

LT1: Listening Techniques 1 (LT1) TA:

• Be a recognized Manual Thermal Evaluation and Introduction to VisceroEmotional (VM5) TA
• Successful attendance at two Listening Techniques 1 (LT1) workshops.
• Recommendation from a LT Instructor.

LT2: Listening Techniques 2 (LT2):

• Successful attendance at two Listening Techniques 2 (LT2) workshops
• Satisfactory assistance at one Listening Techniques 1 (LT1) workshop.
• Recommendation from a LT Instructor.

VMD: Visceral Manipulation Dissection (VMD):

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Manipulation Dissection (VMD) workshops.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Strategic Visceral Manipulation Dissection (VMD) Instructor.

VMAP: Advanced Components of the Abdomen and Pelvis (VMAP):

• Successful attendance at two Advanced Components of the Abdomen and Pelvis (VMAP) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen1 (VM1).
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation VMAP Instructor.

VMAT: Advanced Visceral Components of the Neck and Thorax (VMAT):

• Successful attendance at two Advanced Visceral Components of the Neck and Thorax (VMAT) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation VMAT Instructor.

VNAC: Visceral, Neural and Articular Advanced Clinical Synthesis (VNAC):

• Successful attendance at two Visceral, Neural and Articular Advanced Clinical Synthesis (VNAC) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop. OR
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerves; Upper Body (NM2) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation VNAC Instructor.

NM1: Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NM1) TA:

• Successful attendance at two Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NM1) workshops.
• Successful attendance at one Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NM2) workshop OR
• Successful attendance at one Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NM3) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Neural Manipulation Instructor.

NM2: Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NM2) TA:
NM3: Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NM3) TA:

• Successful attendance at one Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NM2) workshop.
• Successful attendance at one Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NM3) workshop.
• Successful assistance at one Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NM1) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Neural Manipulation Instructor.

NM4: Neural Manipulation: Brain and Cranial Nerve Manipulation (NM4) TA:

• Successful attendance at one Neural Manipulation: Brain and Cranial Nerve Manipulation (NM4) workshops.
• Successful assistance at one Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation (NM1) workshop.
• Successful assistance at one Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Upper Body (NM2) workshop.
• Successful assistance at one Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Lower Body (NM3) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Neural Manipulation Instructor.

NVMTA: Neural Manipulation: Neuro-Visceral Manipulation of the Thorax and Abdomen (NVMTA):

• Successful attendance at two Visceral, Neural and Articular Advanced Clinical Synthesis (NVMTA) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3) workshop OR
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Neural Manipulation: Neuromeningeal Manipulation; An Integrative Approach to Trauma (NM1) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation NVMTA Instructor.

MALE: Manual Articular Approach: Lower Extremity (MALE):

• Successful attendance at two Manual Articular Approach: Lower Extremity (MALE) workshops.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation MALE Instructor.

MAUE: Manual Articular Approach: Upper Extremity (MAUE):

• Successful attendance at two Manual Articular Approach: Upper Extremity (MAUE) workshops.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation MAUE Instructor.

MASP: Manual Articular Approach: Spine and Pelvis (MASP):

• Successful attendance at two Manual Articular Approach: Spine and Pelvis (MASP) workshops.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation MASP Instructor.

VVML: Visceral Vascular Manipulation: Lower Body (VVML):

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Vascular Manipulation: Lower Body (VVML) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation VVML Instructor.

VVMU: Visceral Vascular Manipulation: Upper Body (VVMU):

• Successful attendance at two Visceral Vascular Manipulation: Upper Body (VVMU) workshops.
• Satisfactory assistance in one Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2 (VM2) workshop.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Visceral Manipulation VVMU Instructor.

SCB1: Strategic Crossroads of the Body 1 (SCB1):

• Successful attendance at two Strategic Crossroads of the Body 1 (SCB1) workshops.
• * Recommendation from a Certified Strategic Crossroads of the Body 1 (SCB1) Instructor.

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.
• Successful assistance at 1 VisceroEmotional Relationships (VM6) workshop.

CERTIFIED Teaching Assistant

• Successful assistance at 3 Neuromeningeal Manipulation; An Integrative Approach to Trauma (NM1) Workshops.
• Successful assistance at 2 Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerves; Upper Body (NM2) Workshops.
• Successful assistance at 2 Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerves; Lower Body (NM3) Workshops.
• Successful assistance at 1 Neural Manipulation: Brain and Cranial Nerves (NM4) workshop.
• Successful attendance at 1 Visceral Manipulation: Listening Techniques; An Integrative Approach to Evaluation (LT) workshop.
• Successful attendance at 1 Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis (VM3)or 1 Visceral Manipulation: The Thorax (VM4) workshop.

CERTIFIED Teaching Assistant

• Successfully assist two Manual Articular Approach: Spine and Pelvis (MASP) classes
• Successfully assist two Manual Articular Approach: Upper Extremity (MAUE) classes
• Successfully assist two Manual Articular Approach: Lower Extremity (MALE) classes
• Successfully take one Manual Articular Approach: Advanced Joints (MAAAJ) class.

It is crucial that the information conveyed by Teachers 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.

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 Educational Staff Manager 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.

Teaching Assistants receive tuition discounts in appreciation for their support, which are valid from one year from the date they are received.

• Discounts may be applied toward most future participating BI Institute workshops. Discounts typically expire 12 months after issue - please see the documentation you receive at the class for specifics.
• Tuition discounts may be combined and applied toward one class.
• To receive a tuition discount you must attend the entire workshop.
• The number of TAs receiving tuition discounts per workshop will depend on the size of the class. For example, we will award tuition discounts 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)

Certified Teaching Assistants receive*:

• up to 25% discount on select educational materials at any time.
• $300 tuition voucher for assisting at a four-day workshop. ($75/day)
• $12.50 a day towards expenses.

*Tuition discounts are given and applicable on most but not all UII, BI and DAI seminars. Please call us at 561.622.4334 to inquire about a specific seminar you may be interested in. Tuition discounts are not redeemable for cash or product.

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

• For each referral registered in VM1 or NM1 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.

We would like to thank you for your generous help, and hope that your role as a Teaching Assistant will be a rewarding experience. The evaluations we receive from course participants repeatedly confirm how important your help is to their learning process - your time, energy and expertise, as representatives of the Barral Institute, are greatly appreciated.

To make the courses successful and enjoyable for all concerned, we kindly request that all TAs observe the following instructions carefully. The objective is always to create a safe, supportive environment for each student's growth and education. Respecting and supporting the students’ learning experience, other teaching assistants and all seminar staff while maintaining clear and professional boundaries is paramount. Remember, we are working as a team. The better the assistants and teacher work as a unit, the better the class will run.

1. Please be ready to meet with the course instructor and course facilitator before class starts on the first morning of the course for any necessary instructions. Bear in mind that the instructor is in charge of the class itself whereas the facilitator is responsible for the overall organization of the course. In addition, it would be valuable to mingle with course participants during registration on the first morning. TAs should be available to meet with the instructor at the end of the day, as needed.
2. Be on time each day - it is disturbing for the instructor and students to have people enter the room after the lecture has begun.
   1. Please do not carry on side conversations during lectures or labs - it is too distracting for everyone.
   2. Avoid treating other TAs (or any other person) at the back of the room any time during the course.
   3. Although there is no strict dress code, please keep in mind that you are representing the Barral Institute - dress comfortably and professionally.
   4. Be aware of personal hygiene. Occasionally, participants have commented on offensive body odors (it might be a good idea to have mints handy, especially after lunch).
   5. If you need to go out of the room, please do so either during breaks or when the instructor is giving lectures, this way you will be available during labs, when students may need your help.
3. Observe and circulate as much as possible during class in order to meet students’ needs as they arise - TAs should be able to anticipate and respond to students' requests. Please refrain from standing in a group at the back of the room, talking or treating each other.
   1. Please be prepared at the end of the day to give feedback in a brief group meeting with the instructor.
   2. Kindly take note during class of exceptional students or students who are lagging behind with regards to general concepts or palpations skills.
4. When working with students, make sure to use the same hand positions which were demonstrated by the instructor - variations tend to confuse rather than help. If you have a different opinion from the instructor, please discuss this privately during a break as it is disruptive to debate techniques during a lecture or in front of the class.
   1. You may use analogies to demonstrate techniques but remembers that the function of the TA is not to repeat the instructor’s lecture; rather your role is to clarify and assist with palpation skills.
   2. You may demonstrate with your hands over their hands, with your hands on their body, or with your hands in the air.
   3. Actions speak louder than words - sometimes too many words are a distraction from actually getting on with the lab itself.
   4. There is seldom the need to spend more than a few minutes at each table at any time. It is important to remind yourself that you are there to assist, not to treat.
   5. Be aware of the goal of the lab and its length - students will need to take turns practicing palpation skills on each other within the time allocated for each lab.
5. The most important thing to remember is that if you have your hands on a student during a practice session for more than a couple of minutes, you are TREATING, not TRAINING. This ends up being a disservice to the students at that table. Remember that positive reinforcement is essential: PRAISE is the best learning motivator. Emphasize what students are doing correctly and when they have got it right.
   1. We must request that you DO NOT TREAT participants at any time during the course. You MUST abide by this rule for liability reasons.
   2. At all times during a course, we ask that you keep techniques to those being taught.
6. If you find yourself answering the same question repeatedly, please tell the instructor so it can be addressed with the whole class. This also applies when you see several participants having difficulty with a particular technique.
7. When there is an odd number of students in the class, you may be called upon by the instructor to act as a "partner" for one of the participants - kindly do so when needed but make sure to alternate with other TAs.
8. If you have suggestions about the venue, or ideas about books, audiovisuals or other products and materials, please let the facilitator know.
9. We appreciate having written evaluations from you after each class - please kindly fill in the forms provided and hand them in to the course facilitator.
10. You are entitled to a 15% discount on most products bout from the facilitator’s table.
11. You will also be evaluated by the teacher, 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 teacher, 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 teacher, TA and facilitator evaluations from each TA assignment. TA certification status will be reviewed annually.

1. If you would like to qualify to assist additional levels in the curriculum, please inform the instructor so that you may be evaluated during the course.
2. If you would like to start a study group in your area, please inform the instructor so that he or she can review your skills and provide feedback.

Thank you once again for helping us ensure that every course from the Barral Institute provides the best quality of learning experience for all participants.