Our Massage Curriculum
Designed by Doctors, Physical Therapists, and Massage Therapists: 600 hours of in-class Instruction, qualifies graduates to sit for the MBLEx, and is approved by the PA State Board of Private Licensed Schools. The massage school curriculum includes several class modules of massage instruction including anatomy, kinesiology, business ethics, technique and more.
“We are not about having the Most Massage Students, we are about educating the Best Massage Students!”
— Acting Director, Robyn Zappy, LPTA, LMT
Curriculum
175 Hour of Total In-Class Instruction
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, KINESIOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY
ANA 101 - Intro to Anatomy Breakdown - 15 Hours
This course will serve as a reference for students as they learn about and understand the basic building blocks of the human body (anatomy), how the body works (physiology), and directional terminology based on the Western medical model (body compass). All are essential components of becoming a knowledgeable and effective massage therapist. Topics include: Introductions to Anatomy and Physiology, the Skeletal System, and the Muscular System
ANA 102 - Kinesiology Breakdown - 60 Hours
A multisensory teaching approach will provide the student the opportunity to learn the names, locations, attachments, and functions of major muscles of the human body. Six phases of learning help break this task into manageable pieces for the instructor and the students: (I) decode muscle names and learn pronunciations, (II) learn general locations of muscles, (III) learn specific muscle locations using attachment sites, (IV) study muscle actions using a multisensory approach, (V) learn the muscle actions, and (VI) apply knowledge and repetition. The instructor and student will apply all six phases of learning to each of the nine muscle lessons
ANA 103 - Systems Breakdown - 45 Hours
A multi-sensory teaching approach will provide the student the opportunity to learn the names, locations, pathologies, and functions of major systems of the human body. This course is designed to introduce and deepen student understanding of human anatomy and physiology for massage by focusing on the surfaces and underlying structures of the integumentary system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, the reproductive system, the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system and immunity, the respiratory system, the digestive system, and the urinary system.
ANA 104 - Anatomy Lab Breakdown - 55 Hours
A multi-sensory teaching approach will provide the student the opportunity to learn about how to perform various massage techniques related to anatomical structures. Topics include: Nutrition, Stretching, Trigger Points, Muscle Release Techniques, Deep Tissue Techniques, Sports Massage, and Fascial Release lab sessions
250 Hours of Total In-Class Instruction
MASSAGE THERAPY, BODYWORK, ASSESSMENT, THEORY, PRACTICE, SANITATION, SAFETY, & HYGIENE
MT101 - Intro to Massage Therapy Breakdown - 35 Hours
Students will learn the Effects of Massage Therapy, Therapeutic relationships, Treatment Planning, Self Care, Infectious Control, History of Massage, Research Literacy, and how massage therapy works, including its physiologic and psychological effects.
MT102 - Advanced Application Breakdown - 45 Hours
Students will learn Tools of the trade, Seated Chair Massage, Hydrotherapy, Foot Reflexology, Clinical Massage, Sports, Energy-Based Bodywork Therapy and Special Populations.
MT103 - Modalities Breakdown - 45 Hours
Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Cranial Sacral, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point, Prenatal/Infant Massage, Hot/Cold Stone, along with various Orthopedic Tests to enhance your treatment planning skills.
MT104 - Clinical Application Breakdown - 80 Hours
A multi-sensory teaching approach will provide the student the opportunity to learn how to perform a full body massage on various populations within the community during “Open Clinic.”
While working in the clinic, the student will perform a minimum of 30 full body 60-minute evaluative massages using Swedish techniques and a minimum of 15 full body 60-minute evaluative massages using Swedish techniques on clients not enrolled in this program. Each session will then be documented in the computer by the student therapist as a SOAP note.
The goal of this clinic is to allow the student the opportunity to work on improving their communication and assessment skills. The student will be able to explain and demonstrate the basic massage strokes, proper pressure, and oil control. Open Clinic is a setting where the student will begin to build a relationship with their clients, and they will gain confidence in their client communication skills.
MT105 - Research and Development Breakdown - 45 Hours
A multi-sensory teaching approach will provide the student the opportunity to learn practical applications of massage therapy within the industry. This course is designed to expose students to various opportunities for careers within the Massage Therapy field. Variety of guest speakers, trips, and newest research from; Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Anatomical Anomalies, Sports Massage, Energy Work, Pre-natal Massage, Nursing Homes, Massage Therapists, and Business Marketing Materials will be presented.
25 Hours of Total In-Class Instruction
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS, BUSINESS, AND LAW
BUS101 - Business Breakdown - 25 Hours
Business Practice, Marketing Strategies, Ethics, Scope of Practice and PA State Board of Massage Therapy, Maintaining a Massage Therapy License, Continuing Education Requirements.
150 Hours of Total In-Class Instruction
MASSAGE INSTRUCTION AND CPR
TCH101 - Technique I Breakdown - 45 Hours
Students will learn the fundamentals of Grounding & Centering, Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Kneading, Body Mechanics and various Massage Techniques.
TCH102 - Technique II Breakdown - 105 Hours
Students will learn advanced techniques for back, neck, head, arms, hands, legs, feet, face, chest, stomach, full body, chair massage, and sports massage in prone, supine, and seated positions.