Course Catalog for our 625 hour program

Massage History and Theory

An introduction to the history of massage therapy, theory and the techniques used around the world. 

Hours: 5 

Prerequisite: none

Professional Ethics 

This class will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the ethics of touch, both personal and professional, and equip them with the tools to navigate common situational challenges that may arise in the massage industry.  

Hours: 15 

Prerequisite: none

Business practices

This class will explore the distinctions between various business settings, including spas, medical practices, and private practice. It will cover essential business practices such as opening a business, record keeping, income and expense management, and adhering to state and local regulations specific to massage therapy. By the end of the course, students will work towards developing and presenting a sample business plan for the setting of their choice.  

Hours: 15

Prerequisite: none

Anatomy and Physiology 1

This course provides a foundational understanding of the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body. It introduces the organization of the body at the chemical, cellular, and tissue levels, covering anatomical planes, terminology for identifying the body, and the major organ systems. Additionally, students will learn about all the bones and key bony landmarks throughout the body. 

Hours: 40 

Prerequisite: none

Anatomy and Physiology 2

This course offers a deeper exploration of the lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary, respiratory, integumentary, and reproductive systems. It builds upon the knowledge gained in A&P 1, integrating all the information for a more comprehensive understanding of the human body. 

Hours: 40   

Prerequisite: A&P 1

Kinesiology 1

This class introduces  each of the muscles, bony landmarks, joint names, and origin, insertion and action of each muscle in the Head and Neck, Spine and Thorax,  Shoulder, Forearm and Hands, with an emphasis on how the muscles affect the joints through movement. 

Hours: 40

Prerequisite: None

Kinesiology 2

Kinesiology 2 furthers our studies of  each of the muscles, bony landmarks, joint names, and origin, insertion and action of each muscle in the Pelvis and Thigh, and Leg and Foot with an emphasis on how the muscles affect the joints through movement.

Hours: 40

Prerequisite: Kinesiology 1

Pathology and Musculo-skeletal Dysfunction

In this class, students will learn to identify conditions that are contraindications for massage therapy, as well as those that should be referred to other healthcare practitioners for diagnosis or treatment. The course will also cover common conditions and musculoskeletal injuries that bodyworkers are likely to encounter, along with safe and effective massage techniques for addressing these issues.

Hours: 50

Prerequisite: none

Introduction to Massage (basics movements & body mechanics)

This course will provide a general introduction to the various modalities used in massage therapy, while also guiding students to become comfortable with table setup, draping, and passive movement of the client’s body. Emphasis will be placed on developing proper body mechanics and techniques to protect the therapist’s own body.

Hours: 20

Prerequisite: none

Massage Assessment and Application

Building on their anatomical knowledge and the massage modalities learned, students will engage in supervised hands-on practice by trading sessions with each other during class. They will develop skills in conducting postural assessments, performing client intakes, and applying the most appropriate modalities to address each client’s specific needs, all under the guidance of our instructors.

Hours:  250 (daily practice throughout the program)

Prerequisite: none 

Swedish massage techniques and general relaxation

The principles of relaxation on a physical and emotional level are introduced in this class.  The students will learn Swedish massage techniques such as Effleurage, Petrissage, vibrations, Tapotement, frictions, and kneading. They will develop time management skills and learn how to tailor the session to meet expectations of the client. 

Hours:  20

Prerequisite: intro to basic massage

Trigger point and neuromuscular release 

In this course, students will learn the foundations of trigger point therapy, exploring the physiological causes of trigger points (TP), pain referral patterns, and how to identify active trigger points in clients. They will also develop the ability to palpate and effectively treat trigger points as therapists. Additionally, the course will cover Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), teaching students how to use reflexes to facilitate deeper stretches and improve the mobility of soft tissues.

Hours: 10 

Prerequisite: Swedish massage and Pathology

Deep tissue and Myofacial techniques

We will help students to understand the many misconceptions of  “deep tissue massage” by teaching safe, and effective massage practices, while working with the clients tissues not against them.  A deeper understanding of the connective tissues and how to release them will be learned with myofascial release techniques, and students will learn how to feel “how deep is deep enough”, while utilizing elbows, and guided breathwork in conversation with the client. 

Hours: 10

Prerequisite: Swedish massage and Pathology


Manual Lymphatic Drainage

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the lymphatic system, including the causes of lymph collection (edema) and the organization of lymphatic tissues as a "watershed" within the body. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn specialized massage techniques that highlight the intricacies of the lymphatic system and how it can be manually influenced to promote fluid movement.

Hours: 10

Prerequisite: Swedish massage and Pathology

Prenatal Massage 

Pregnancy is a time of profound tissue transformation and change. In this course, you'll gain the skills and confidence to provide safe, nurturing bodywork for the birther. We'll dive into common pregnancy pain patterns and how to treat them, along with bolstering techniques to keep your client comfortable and safe on the table. Through hands-on practice and an in-depth exploration of prenatal physiology, you'll leave equipped to support your clients through every stage of their pregnancy journey.

Hours: 10

Prerequisite: Swedish massage and Pathology

Nervous System Attunement and Energy Work

Here we will introduce the concept of energy, how energy moves, and how we, as therapists, can feel it. Students will be guided on how to ground themselves, interpret body tissue cues, and recognize the subtle signals from the nervous system that indicate how to proceed during a session. Additionally, they will learn to guide clients through breathwork practices and techniques, such as leg or arm shaking, humming, or tapping, to help relax the musculature and promote deeper release.

Hours:  10

Prerequisite: Swedish massage and Pathology

Visceral Balancing

The viscera (internal organs of the abdomen) are surrounded by fascia and muscle that helps keep them protected and the body rigid. In this course, we will learn to palpate the abdominal cavity, release the diaphragm, and gently help the intestinal tract move waste.  The student will learn to differentiate between muscle, fascial and organ tissues and balance the core side to side, using gentle release techniques. 

Hours:  10

Prerequisite: Swedish massage and Pathology



Special Needs and Chair massage (on-site and event)

In this course, students will learn how to provide massages to clients in a variety of settings and circumstances. This includes offering on-site chair massages and accommodating clients with special needs, such as those in wheelchairs, hospital beds, or requiring side-lying positions and specific bolstering techniques. The course emphasizes adapting massage techniques to ensure comfort and accessibility for all clients, regardless of their physical conditions.

Hours:  10

Prerequisite: Swedish massage and Pathology

Student Clinical Application

In the final eight weeks of the program, students will apply their accumulated knowledge and skills by working with the public in a student-run clinic, under the supervision of an instructor. They will receive real-time feedback and reviews from clients, along with guidance and suggestions from the instructor to help refine their techniques. Services will be offered to the general public for a fee, and while students may be required to assist in recruiting clients for the clinic, they will not be compensated for the services they provide.

Hours:  64

Prerequisite: All courses