Course Curriculum
Introduction to Massage: 15 hours (related)
Here, we will discuss the history and different practices and applications of massage.
Ethics and the Massage Industry – 15 hours (ethics 10, related 5)
We will discuss the proper way to drape a client, table positioning, table management, sanitation and hygiene, ethics, professional development, and the effects and uses of massage.
Pathology – 40 hours (40 pathology)
We will be working on a pathology book for massage therapists. This will help you understand when massage is indicated or contraindicated and how to research and work safely within your practice.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology – 125 hours (125 APK)
The study of human anatomy and physiology provides an understanding of the body relevant to the massage therapist’s perspective, emphasizing the detailed anatomy of muscles, soft tissue, and bones and an introduction to structural kinesiology.
Massage Theory – 100 hours (100 body assessment instructions)
The study of giving a massage using various styles and protocols, with time in class to practice on each other. This will also cover joint mobilization, tissue assessment, manual palpation techniques, body mechanics, and self-care.
Musculoskeletal Assessment – 60 hours (60 body assessment instructions)
Apply your new knowledge of anatomy using physical assessment techniques, enabling you to tailor massage treatments to meet each client’s specific needs. Subjects include the initial interview, postural assessment, range-of-motion testing, prioritizing treatment goals and plans, and documentation.
Therapeutic Massage Techniques and Chair/Event Massage – 20 hours (related)
Learn techniques for massaging for special populations, pregnancy, cancer, children, and the elderly, along with Event and Chair massage.
Neuromuscular Therapy – 20 hours (related)
Neuromuscular pain is caused by the cycle of stress and tension, which stimulates nerve activity. This course provides an understanding of the causes of soft tissue pain and techniques to relieve it, including trigger point therapy and specific releases for individual muscles.
Instruction on Treatment of Common Conditions – 40 hours (related)
Learn how to assess and treat conditions commonly seen by Massage Therapists, such as acute injuries, chronic pain, headaches, sprains and strains, spasms, tendonitis, whiplash, low back pain, pregnancy, constipation, and sciatica.
Stretching and Movement – 10 hours (related)
Movement therapy, stretches, and strengthening for self-care and client care.
The use of Modalities – 18 hours (related)
The study of different modalities can help you treat your client more effectively and save your hands and body.
Introduction to Hot/Cold massage – 15 hours (related)
Here, we will discuss the history and practices of using hot or cold modalities in your massage.
Essential oils – 6 hours (related)
You will learn about many of the essential oils and how they are applied in treatments, including a form of raindrop therapy. You will also be introduced to the common uses of some of the more popular oils.
Body Scrub – 6 hours (related)
You will be introduced to full-body salt and sugar scrubs.
Sports Massage – 15 hours (related)
How to use massage to prepare an athlete’s body for competition. Help the body recover from athletic activity and treat common sports injuries.
Breath, Energy, Reflexology – 16 hours (related)
How to incorporate energy work, breathwork, and foot reflexology into treatments to enhance individual services.
Lymphatic Drainage – 14 hours (related)
How to use Manual Lymphatic Drainage to address the lymphatic system to decrease swelling and pain in the body.
Business – 15 hours (business 15 / 10 related)
How to set up a private massage therapy practice, business ethics, and guidance on how and where to apply for a job. How to open our own business. Customer service and sensitivity training.
Clinical Massage Practice – 75 hours
During the course, you will begin to practice on others, enhancing what you have learned in your classes so far. You will fill out case notes and observation notes. During the second half, you‘ll develop your professional career skills by giving massages to the public in a supervised environment that your instructor will arrange. This experience helps build confidence and integrates the academic, business, communication, and practical skills you learn in class. All treatments are supervised by experienced and knowledgeable instructors available to help with challenging cases and demonstrate and consult as needed in a facility approved by the administration to complete the program. Internships must be arranged by the school and evaluated, and logs must be signed by the instructor and reviewed by the school.
- Internship/Case Study – (non-classroom supervised training) During the course, you will begin to practice on others, enhancing what you learned in your classes so far. You will fill out case notes and observation notes. During the second half, you will develop your professional career skills by giving massages to the public. 50 hours of unsupervised massages with SOAP notes will need to be completed.