Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions are listed below. If there is anything you do not see here, please do not hesitate to contact us directly with any further questions.

Q: Is there a specific order the core courses should be taken in?
A: The core courses of Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Spine do not have to be taken in any specific order. Some of our providers choose the course they feel would benefit their clinic the most, or the course that is the quickest to get to and start learning. The Spine course has the least number of protocols to learn, followed by Lower Extremity, and Upper Extremity with the most. Regardless of what order the courses are taken, a good working knowledge of anatomy is key.

Q: How early should I sign up for a course?
A: We recommend signing up at least 4-6 weeks before a course starts. This allows plenty of time to receive the course materials and study before the course.

Q: How many Continuing Education Credits/Units are available for each course? What boards are you approved through?
A: We offer 24 CE’s for the Upper Extremity Course, 24 CE’s for the Lower Extremity Course, and 21CE’s for the Spine Course. These courses are approved for CEU’s through the New York Chiropractic College for DC’s. Not all states are approved for all courses. If you have specific questions about your state and the course location, please contact NYCC at 800-434-3955 x132 or x113. We are also an approved provider through the BOC for ATC’s. We are not currently approved through any other boards.

Q: What does “Recert” mean and how many hours do I need to attend a course?
A: The term “recert” pertains to anyone who is taking a particular course again. Recerts must attend at least 16 hours of the course to maintain their status as an ART® Certified Provider. The 16 hours is the equivalent to 2 FULL DAYS of the course. Please keep in mind when attending a Spine course, that Thursday is only a half day.

Q: How close together can I take the courses?
A: The courses can be taken as closely together as a provider feels they can handle. Please keep in mind that the ART® courses are intense and plenty of study and preparation time should be taken.

Q: What is your re-certification process?
A: ART® requires our providers to take course once every 24 months to maintain their status as an ART® Certified Provider. We ask this of our providers so that we know they are staying current on their practice with ART® and at the top of their game. When we refer a patient to a Certified ART® Provider we can feel comfortable knowing that they have received the proper training. One course must be taken every 24 months. This course will maintain your certification in all previous courses. Example: If you took an Upper Extremity Course in 2006 and a Lower Extremity Course in 2007 - your Upper Extremity certification will be re-certified.

Providers that are Full Body Certified are required to recertify every 24 months. You can take a Long Tract Nerve Entrapment Course, Biomechanics Course, or Master’s ART® Course to re-certify.

Q: What does Full Body Certified mean?
A: Once you have taken the Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Spine courses, and passed the practical exams for all three, you are considered Full Body Certified.

Q: How do you get listed as an online provider?
A: The Online Provider Listing is a voluntary listing and there is a registration fee. Please contact the ART® Seminar Department to set up your online provider listing. Our website receives over 20,000 hits a month and this is a great way to advertise that you do ART® for patients as well as other ART® Providers.

Q: Can I use the ART® logo or the terms “ART” or Active Release Techniques?
A: Only providers that have taken an approved ART® course, become certified, and maintain their certification may use the names ART® and Active Release Techniques®. Certified ART® Providers may use the ART® logo in approved settings with prior approval from Active Release Techniques, LLC. Please contact us.

Q: Can the ART® manuals/dvd’s be purchased separately from a course?
A: The ART® manuals and dvd’s cannot be purchased separately from a course, unless you are purchasing an upgrade to your study materials. The initial manual and dvd’s are part of your course purchase price.

Q: Who can take Active Release Techniques courses?
A: Healthcare providers that are licensed to work on soft-tissue conditions/injuries, or those pursuing their first degree as a healthcare professional that can become licensed to treat soft-tissue conditions/injuries can take the courses. This would include Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, Naprapaths, Massage Therapists, Certified Athletic Trainers, and Medical Doctors. Courses are not open to Personal Trainers, Chiropractic Assistants, and other certifications that are not licensed to treat soft-tissue or obtain malpractice insurance to treat soft-tissue.

Q: Who is eligible for the student discount?
A: Students who are pursuing their FIRST degree in a healthcare field that can become licensed to treat soft-tissue conditions/injuries can receive the student discount. This discount will be extended to courses that occur within 6 months of their graduation date.

Q: How important is my knowledge of anatomy when taking an ART® course?
A: We encourage all of our providers to have an excellent working knowledge of anatomy when deciding on taking an ART® course. Providers need to able to locate and palpate the muscles, nerves, and other structures related to the ART® Protocols. Our updated manuals and dvd’s include a Primal Anatomy dvd that is very helpful in focusing in on this material.

Q: What are the prerequisites for the Long Tract Nerve Entrapment Course?
A: Providers must already be certified in both the Upper and Lower Extremity courses before they can take a Long Tract Nerve Entrapment Course.

Q: Do I have to stay at the hotel the seminar is being held at?
A: We secure a discounted rate at the hotels that our events are held at, however our providers are not required to stay at the hotel. Many do find it easier to develop study groups that way. You can do an internet search of the surrounding areas for nearby hotels. We also keep a room share list if anyone is interested in sharing.

Q: How do I become certified in Biomechanics?
A: Full Body Certified ART® Providers are eligible to take the Biomechanics Online Course. Upon registration, participants are given 6 months of access to the online course materials. To become certified, participants must work an approved Ironman race and test out with Dr. Leahy or another one of our approved Biomechanics testers. This course is considered a re-certification on the testing date, not the registration date.

Q: Am I responsible for duties, taxes, and GST when I receive a package from ART?
A: The recipient of any package being shipped internationally is ultimately responsible for any customs charges or taxes that occur. The shipping/handling charges that we apply to your invoice only covers the cost of shipping that we incur.

Q: What can you expect at an ART® course?
A: The ART® courses generally run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. These days will be educational days comprised of 80 percent hands-on work and 20 percent lecture. Instructors will present each protocol and then break into small groups to practice and answer questions. Testing will take place on Sunday mornings and once a provider passes the practical exam, they are considered a Certified ART® Provider.