Massage Therapy Program

Our Massage program is set up using a 7.5-month modular program, and this means there are potential starts every two months. When a student enters the program, everyone starts with an introductory course that provides essential information. After completing the Intro course, they move on to a series of classes that satisfy the program requirements, including two clinical courses. Each of these courses comprises 2 Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) body systems, 1 section of the muscle and bone structures in the body, and one or more types of Massage that fit reasonably well with the A&P and Muscles. Once all of these courses are completed, students have a final exit course that reviews the information from the program, prepares them for their license test, and includes an externship at a local Physical therapy or chiropractic office.

The program is built to cover state educational requirements, testing organizational requirements, and the practical needs of students trying to enter the field.

Our program covers a wide variety of Massage methods. The basis for all Massage is the Swedish/Classical Massage. When that is learned, students advance to Deep Tissue methods. These form a majority of our Massage training, but you're introduced to 15 other primary Massage methods. These include Myofascial, Aromatherapy, Neuromuscular, Hot/Cold Stone, Reflexology, Medical assessment, Prenatal, Pre & Post-event Sports, and Lymphatic Massage.

The average day of the modular program is generally divided into a morning and mid-day session, 9 am- 1:30 pm. The morning session is usually the academic session for lectures and testing. The mid-day session is generally bodywork, focused on two 1-hour Massage trades. After roughly ten weeks, students add in additional clinical time equaling 10 hours per week. This clinical time is in addition to the class schedule and continues for the remainder of the program.

The courses are intended to provide entry college-level instruction and can be just as rigorous. While a Massage Therapy program might seem only hands-on, Virginia state requirements include student exposure to Ethics, Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Pathology. These course aspects are presented in a way to ensure students understand the subject matter, which is also tested in the Licensure test (MBLEx)

Students engage in Massage in the same room we have lectures. Because of the timing, we do not have one set of students leave the room while another group is getting on the Massage table. Instead, one set of students prepares the space, sets up the table, and prepares themselves to perform the Massage. In contrast, another group of students disrobes their outer layer and gets underneath the full set of sheets on the Massage table. All of the students will remain in the room during the process, as getting onto the Massage table should take no more than 30-90 seconds, depending on how long the students take, and all students participate.

Once one student is on the Massage table, the other will engage in the appropriate Massage method(s) utilized that day. Students perform proper draping while performing the Massage, and nothing is exposed during the process, as proper draping is a core skill for the Massage Therapy profession.

Students add 10 hours per week to their schedule about one-third through the program. This time is in addition to the usual class time. The time that these hours are scheduled depends on instructor availability and the student's open schedule. While we try to find an optimal time frame, sometimes limitations require certain hours, ex. Mon-Thur 2:15-4:45, 2.5hrs per day for four days a week.

There are two clinical classes. Clinic 1 is a time for students to adjust to the schedule and perform the Medical Massage project. Clinic 2 is a time where students engage in more general bodywork. When the situation allows, we offer appointment times to the general public so students can perform Massage on a wider variety of body types and build the skills sets related to spa-type Massage work.

A license is required to perform Massage in Virginia. The test to get that license is referred to as the MBLEx. In addition, the permit and the MBLEx require the completion of an approved Massage Therapy program.

After completing the program, several steps are required to get your license. The first step is signing up for and taking your test. Then there is an application with the Virginia Board of Nursing, after which you have to get a fingerprint and background check done by their chosen provider, Fieldprint. Finally, with these complete, you'll need a copy of your transcript sent to the VaBoN to prove you completed it.

The VaBoN takes 30-90 days to complete the application process and get your license.

Each state sets its regulations on Licensure. Although our program is created to fulfill many of the requirements of most states, some states may have minor additions that need to be completed. For example, Florida State requires specific Florida laws and infectious disease classes specifically tailored to their laws.

If you're moving soon after the program, research will need to be done to ensure you can get a license in that state and what other things you might need to complete it.

If you're moving 2-5 years after you get your license in Virginia, most states allow for Licensure by endorsement (recognizing your license), though you'll still need to fill out the appropriate application

See the Out of State Licensure Information button, above, for further information.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics calls for a 20 percent increase in demand for Massage Therapists in the next ten years. The BLS identifies the national average reported as roughly $47,000. However, the income of Massage Therapists can vary greatly depending on how they are employed.

The field of Massage is wide and varied, with numerous places that Massage Therapists can get jobs. MTs can work full-time or part-time; Massage could be their primary or secondary income. Some use it to supplement their family's income, and some are moms looking for a part-time, some are just out of high school and want a job they can use around college later, some full work time for spas, some work for medical offices, some own their businesses.

There is also the impact of professional focus and specialization. Your desire will lead you to one part of the broad field, and you'll be able to use the specialized skills you learn to develop a niche. There are also specific tendencies; Some may work in medical offices, helping post-op patients. Some may focus on pregnancy-based Massage work. Some can get specialized training to work with racing horses or show dogs.

Our Career Services Coordinator maintains an endless list of local sites that seek our graduates and is available to seek assistance even years after graduation if you might be in need or desire a change.