CAMDEN, N.J.-- The Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies ranks among the top schools of its kind in the state and in the top percentile of such schools nationwide, according to student examination scores recently released by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)®.

Data compiled for the first six months of 2009 indicates that all students from the Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies who took NCBTMB's national certification exam passed. This 100 percent pass rate compares to an average pass rate of 68 percent statewide and 56 percent nationwide. In addition, Institute students received perfect scores on the professional ethics, business and legal practices, pathology, therapeutic massage/bodywork assessment and general knowledge of body systems sections of the test. This is the third consecutive year that Institute students taking the exam have achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

"While the exam is not a requirement for graduates to practice massage in New Jersey, it does serve as a measure of credibility," said Frank Pileggi, Ph.D., RHP, director of the Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies, which averages 40 graduates annually. "We make sure that each student upon graduation is at a level where they can be immediately considered not only to practice massage but also to teach as well. Most of our faculty members are Institute graduates."

Founded 15 years ago, the Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies is a comprehensive, spirituality-based program housed in the Lourdes Wellness Center in Collingswood, N.J. More than 120 students are currently enrolled. Partnering with Camden County College, the Institute offers students the opportunity to complete an associate degree in applied science in massage therapy or to earn a massage therapy certificate of achievement. In-house certification programs for wholistic massage practitioners, reflexology, shiatsu and yoga teacher training also are offered.

"At Lourdes, we understand that the healing process encompasses the mind, body and spirit," said Sister Helen Owens, OSF, Lourdes vice president of mission. "Our program is based not only on sound teaching practices but also on spirituality, enabling our students to learn to restore harmony through physical, mental and spiritual healing."

The Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies and the Lourdes Wellness Center are part of Lourdes Health System, which also includes Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden and Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County in Willingboro. Lourdes Health System is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, N.Y., and is a member of Catholic Health East (CHE), a health system with 34 hospitals in 11 eastern states. More information about Lourdes and CHE is available at www.lourdesnet.org and at www.che.org. Information about the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork is available at www.ncbtmb.org.

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