• Swedish Massage Technique - 125 hrs
  
  Swedish Massage forms the basis of the contemporary Western approach to massage. In this course, students learn to give and receive a full body Swedish massage. Instruction includes theory and history of massage, contraindications, body mechanics, basic strokes (effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement, and Swedish Gymnastics movements), supervised practice, personal development and guided relaxation techniques. The emphasis is on becoming comfortable with touch, and to achieve competence in soft tissue manipulation. Includes at least two hours of private instruction with a faculty member, and a Practical Examination, which must be passed to enter the Internship Program. Students will also be required to perform practice massages outside of class.
  
  
• Anatomy & Physiology - 75 hrs
  
  Students will study the structure and function of the human body, its vital systems, and the relationship of its parts. Students become familiar with scientific thought and medical terms. Emphasis is on the musculoskeletal system specifically for the body worker. The lectures are designed to help the student appreciate the relationship between the science of the human body and its response to the healing art of massage. The systems covered include muscular, skeletal, integumentary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
  
  
• Human Health and Hygiene - 20 hrs
  
  Students will study the basics of health and disease prevention as applied to massage therapy. Topics include recognized methods of sterilization, use of disinfectants, communicable disease prevention, proper care of equipment and supplies, personal health maintenance through exercise and nutrition, Yoga, and Tai Chi.
  
  
• Hydrotherapy - 15 hrs
  
  Hydrotherapy is the use of water at various temperatures, in its solid, liquid, and gaseous forms, as a restorative agent. Students learn and apply basic hydrotherapy principles, contraindications, and specific psychological effects of various hydrotherapy techniques, which include; steam baths, contrast baths, compresses, paraffin, dry brushing, salt glows, hot and cold applications, Swedish shampoos, and soaks. This class includes Lab applications to enhance skills.
  
  
• Business Practices and Professional Ethics - 15 hrs
  
  Introduction to basic business philosophy, planning, and ethics. Students learn goal setting, prioritizing, time management, marketing skills, bookkeeping, business planning, taxes, advertising, and job placement and interviewing skills. Students will also review State massage laws, and discuss professional boundaries and ethical standards for massage therapy.
  
  
• Internship Program - 50 hrs
  
  Students will receive practical experience functioning as a massage therapist in a supervised context. The student will make client appointments, interview clients, perform massage therapy on the public, review client evaluations with massage therapy instructor, and perform other tasks that are necessary to the business of massage therapy. The internship program may not begin until the initial 250 hours are successfully completed and the student has passed the Technique Practical Examination. The 50 hours consist of 10 office hours and 40 hours of massage. The Internship is a most useful preparation to becoming a therapist, as the student learns by doing. We believe that the Intern experience in our professional spa facility will better equip our graduates for successful employment as professional massage therapists.

Our school maintains a computer lab with tutorial interactive programs and office software available for student use. All materials contained within are designed to facilitate the understanding of course material