In-person Training Info

Palliative Touch for People at the End of Life is a 3-day, 20-hour program designed to prepare massage therapists and other medical professionals and body workers to work with people at the end of life. Rather than a specific technique, we focus on adapting what you already know to meet the needs of people with advanced illness.

Encompassing both skillset and mindset, this course will support those who wish to expand their practices to include hospice and palliative care and/or desire to support loved ones as they face advanced illness.

The peer practice clinic provides opportunities for learners to develop and practice appropriate treatment plans to address various symptoms at every stage of the dying process.

• • • Learn how to modify your current massage skills for clients and loved ones with advanced illness.
    • Develop awareness of healing agendas and why these may be inappropriate in end-of-life care.
    • Learn about common terminal conditions, including heart disease, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s and others.
    • Learn about the stages of dying, including common symptoms and how to address them.
    • Learn how propping with pillows, blankets and other items can be used to reduce pain scores.
    • Acquire an understanding of infection control and complications that can hasten or prolong the dying process.
    • Self-care will be emphasized with guided meditations and a supportive learning experience.

This course is open to all massage therapists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, Reiki practitioners, EOL doulas and other healthcare professionals.

This course provides 20 CE Hours (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Students must be present for all sessions; no partial credits will be given.

All Final Touch Training courses are approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) for continuing education hours for massage therapists. Approved Provider #1146. In addition, our courses are approved for continuing education credit provided by the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois in collaboration with the University of Illinois Department of Family Medicine for the following professions:

• • • Acupuncturists
    • Athletic Trainers
    • Counselors (Clinical/Professional)
    • Dietitians/Nutritionists
    • Marriage and Family Therapists
    • Nurse Practitioners
    • Nurses (RNs/LPNs)
    • Nursing Home Administrators
    • Occupational Therapists and COTA’s
    • Physical Therapists and PTAs
    • Psychologists
    • Respiratory Care Therapists
    • Social Workers

To find out if your licensing state and profession are included, please email susan@finaltouchtraining.com.

Friday 9-5; Saturday 9-5; Sunday 9-3:30

T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center
12477 Merit Drive
Dallas, TX 75251

$520 for massage therapy CE Hours
$540 for nursing CE Hours*
*CE Hours for nursing and other professions are provided through the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois at an additional cost ($20.00). Be sure to select the correct option for CE Hours when registering.

If the course is cancelled due to instructor illness or emergency, students will be refunded 100% of tuition. We urge you to protect your investment with trip insurance, as we cannot be responsible for costs related to airfare and lodging.

Students who must drop the class will receive a partial refund (tuition minus a $150 processing fee). Student must notify instructor prior to the start of class in order to receive partial refund.

Based on current local infection rates for COVID-19, influenza and other communicable diseases, masking will be optional during class. This policy is subject to change in accordance with mandates from our teaching facility.  We will advise participants prior to class of any changes to these guidelines.

We ask that you do not attend class if you have symptoms of an upper respiratory infection or other illness.

Throughout the class we will refer to Palliative Touch: Massage for People at the End of Life, available at Handspring Publishing and Amazon.

We strongly encourage students who are not licensed massage therapists to complete the 3-hour online training A Guide for Caregivers: How to Provide Gentle-Touch Massage for Your Loved One. This program will ensure that you are familiar with the basic massage strokes that will be used in class.

• • • Pen
    • Pocket folder and paper or notebook, if desired
    • Unscented lotion or cream
    • 1 set of sheets for massage table (one flat and one fitted, no face cradle cover needed)
    • 1 blanket or throw
    • 1 bath towel, 2 hand towels and 2 washcloths
    • 2 pillows and 2 pillow cases
    • Your copy of Palliative Touch: Massage for People at the End of Life.
    • Massage table if you are able to bring one. We will not use face cradles or bolsters.

The following lodging options are within a half mile of the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center:

• • • Extended Stay Dallas Coit Road at 12121 Coit Road, 972-663-1800
    • Westin Park Central Dallas at 12720 Merit Drive, 972-385-3000
    • Hyatt Park Dallas Park Central at 12411 N. Central Expressway, 972-458-1224

Dallas has two major airports, DFW International (large airport) and Love Field (small airport). They are roughly the same distance from the training center, about 20 minutes’ drive. Pick the airport with the best fares and departure times to suit your needs.