Massage Courses

This program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills to become a professional massage therapist. The student will be educated in the studies of Anatomy and Physiology, Massage Theory and History, and hands on practice in Swedish and Therapeutic Massage. Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to apply these skills in a clinical setting. Besides Swedish and Therapeutic Massage, the student will also become familiar with other modalities such as Sports Massage, Reflexology, Pregnancy Massage, and Medical Massage.

The student will also become familiar with business principles and practices, client/practitioner relationships, and medications. All students will receive training in CPR and First Aid.

Upon completion of the 600 hour course, graduates will receive a diploma. They will have sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to take the national certification examination to become a PA State Licensed Massage Therapist.

The complete massage therapy program is 600 clock hours and breaks down as follows:

• 260 hours of Massage Theory and Practice – 6 months, 2 five hour days per week.
• 260 hours of Anatomy and Physiology – 6 months, 2 five hour days per week.
• 32 hours of weekend instruction (2 Saturdays and 2 Sundays)
• 48 hours of clinic hours – Done on students own time at the Academy Clinic, 40 one hour clinical massages & 8 administrative hours.

A clock hour is 50 minutes of classroom time.

This course is the study of the anatomical structure and it’s physiological functioning. It will give a basic overview of the structure and function of the body’s systems with particular emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, integumentary, nervous, and circulatory systems. This course exceeds the 100 hour requirement set by the American Massage Therapy Association for anatomy and physiology. Students will also become certified in CPR and First Aid.

This course will cover the basics of massage therapy including history, benefits and effects of massage, indications and contradictions and the requirements for the practice of therapeutic massage. Professionalism, ethics, client intakes, assessment and documentation will also be covered in this course. 

This class will also educate the student in the practical application of Swedish Massage, draping and body mechanics. This course is primarily hands on, working on classmates and instructors.