Classes Offered
Anatomy & Physiology – 75HRS
All systems of the body will be explored with delight and curiosity. Find out about yourself and your clients in a fun and interactive way. If you can learn and apply your knowledge of human anatomy to every massage you give, your ability to treat people effectively will soar.
Kineseology – 50HRS
Frequently taught concurrently with a massage class, kinesiology delineates the muscles in terms of name, action, origin, and insertion. Knowledge of this medical terminology will allow you to communicate with ease to other massage therapists and health professionals, and be accurate and correct while doing so. This will help you to better treat patients who have diagnosed issues, and to understand the working of the muscular system, along with balances and imbalances you’ll find in each client’s body.
Pathology – 40HRS
Understanding your clients’ various conditions and syndromes is essential for a massage therapist. Armed with this knowledge you will know when your work will help, and when it could possibly hurt, though these instances are less common. When you greet a client with the understanding and compassion that accompanies knowledge of their particular condition, they will feel they are in competent hands. And they will be!
Counseling & Awareness 25HRS
Drawing from Hypnotherapy, Hakomi, and Gestalt concepts, students will learn how to offer the gift of listening. Many clients who come to your massage table will talk about things that are important to them. Here you gain the ability to listen without derailing your client with social conversation. You will also learn compassionate and non-intrusive ways of communicating with them while they are in that vulnerable state. When to refer out to a trained Counselor or Therapist is discussed fully, as are transference and counter transference issues.
Connective Tissue Massage – 90HRS
This is a form of deep tissue which focuses on the connective fascia that wraps every muscle. You will learn how imbalances originate in the body and mind and how to treat them, including treating injuries, chronic pain, and special conditions. The main bulk of your massage training will be here.
Swedish Massage – 42HRS
This will be the massage class upon which all others will be based. Learning Swedish will teach you the basic massage strokes, how to give a full body 1 hour massage, and how to become comfortable and adept at touching the body. You will also learn how to release tension and give a great “feel good” massage!
Business – 20HRS
This course will cover common business practices that massage therapists will find in their future business, whether they are employees, self employed, or somewhere in between. Topics will include, but not limited to: Client Forms, Setting up your office, Advertising, Taxes, Keeping records, Self-Sabotage, Limiting Beliefs, What to charge, Insurance, Independent Contractor, Employee, Sole Proprietor, Incorporation, and Massage Therapy Laws and Rules.
Ethics – 30HRS
This course will cover various topics relating to what is and isn’t appropriate for both the client and therapist. Topics include but are not limited to: Proper Relationship with a client, Improper Relationship with a client, Professional Boundaries, Scope of Practice – when to refer out, Confidentiality, Informed Consent, How to handle sexual advances, Draping, What to charge, Retail sales, The client’s vulnerable state, Policies, (cancellation, refunds, deposits, etc), Extending treatment beyond time needed, Taking advantage of your professional position in other ways. Students will compose scripts that are in line with their own personal beliefs and values, which they will practice with each other to become comfortable setting strong boundaries. This class will be intermingled with Counseling and Awareness, so that ethical issues can be handled with compassion and awareness, towards self and other.
Spa Treatments – 16HRS
Whether or not your main goal is to work in a spa setting, many therapists find themselves working at a spa at one time or another. It’s a great way to get a lot of massages under your belt and it can be a lot of fun. The skills you’ll learn in this class will be highly valued there including Hot Stone Massage, Body Wraps, and Salt Glows. You may find yourself giving these treatments in your private practice, as well, as they are very popular.
Yoga & Meditation – 36HRS
The main goals of all movement classes will be twofold: to bring you into greater awareness of your own body, which is essential for someone using their body daily in their work; and so that you have body awareness in general which you can begin to educate your client about. Additionally, a healthy form of exercise is a fantastic way to keep your body in good shape so you can continue to give energetic massages well into the future. The practices of awareness and stillness are keys to being able to give a fully present and focused massage and the physical movements of yoga asana practices will help you achieve proper body mechanics during your massage. If you are distracted and thinking about a million things at once how can you focus on the task at hand? Meditation will be a boon to all areas of your life, including your massage practice.
Ayurveda – 16HRS
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Originating in India 5,000 years ago, it relies on a natural and holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional health. You will be introduced to the basic principles of Ayurveda, as well as Ayurvedic body treatments such as abhyanga massage
Student Clinic – 150HRS
Practice is the key to becoming a skilled therapist. Starting in the second semester, students will begin completing the 150 clinic hours required for graduation. Our supervised clinic will be open to the public where students will work with a variety of clients. Students will learn how to run a massage business, as well as give massages to the public and receive feedback from instructors.
Massage Methods for Career Longevity – 16HRS
Using techniques from Lomi and Thai massage, you will learn how to give an entire massage using your forearms and olecranon as your main tools along with stretching techniques and other tools. This will be invaluable knowledge to help you save your hands when your massage practice begins to thrive!
Student Success Curriculum – 9HRS
ABMP’s Student Success Curriculum was developed to provide support to students beginning a new career. New students often start classes filled with enthusiasm and the energy to succeed. Those with good study habits are able to maintain their motivation even when classes are challenging. But many capable adult students experience frustration, and even failure, in school. This is not because they lack ability, but because they do not have adequate study skills. The Student Success Curriculum uses goal-setting exercises, charts, graphic organizers, and personal assessments to help students learn the skills they need to achieve their academic goals.
Other Classes
Other areas of study that will be touched on include Nuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, Sports Massage & Prenatal Massage.
We partner with ABMP
When classes start, we provide each student with insurance coverage through Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. ABMP offers much more than insurance. Once signed up students will have access to study resources, mblex help and more! We integrate many of ABMP’s resources into our cirriculum. Below are some of the resources included: