PROGRAM: 650 Hours

PLEASE NOTE:

• All Courses are required for program completion.
  
• A “pass” or “fail” grade is assigned based on attendance and task completion unless otherwise noted.
  
• Specific courses or initial course blocks also serve as prerequisites where noted.
  
• Practical exercises can be applied to massage practice where noted.
  

ORIENTATION - 4 hrs

Orientation is mandatory for all students before beginning classes, and is conducted on the first day of class. Prerequisite: acceptance and completed enrollment. Students review the handbook and payment program.

ETHICS - 6 hrs

Block #1 - 2 hrs
This block of ethics class is designed to teach students the fundamental concepts of professionalism. Students will study and be able to identify key terms for professionalism, characteristics of a profession in relation to massage therapy, professional boundaries, conflict resolution, and steps for solving ethical dilemmas. Students will also study and be able to identify confidentiality principles in relation to massage therapy and as required for HIPAA compliance. A grade of "pass" or "fail" is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics #1 is a course completion requirement.

Block #2 - 2 hrs
This block of ethics class is designed as a mock clinic. Students will review acceptable sanitation and hygiene practices from Self Care #1. Students will receive a tour of the massage clinic and review clinic rules and client protocol. A grade of "pass" or "fail" is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics #2 is a course completion requirement.

Block #3 - 2 hrs
This block of ethics class is designed to teach students about the fundamentals of non-verbal communication. Students will be able to identify the three physiological cues that affect a client's first impression, the components of non-verbal communication, factors that influence the communication and interpretation of touch, and professional classifications of touch. A grade of "pass" or "fail" is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics #3 is a course completion requirement.

PHARMACOLOGY - 2 hours

This class provides information and resources on common medications used by people today. Students will be able to identify indications and contraindications to massage therapy of those that are taking prescribed medication. Students will also be able to understand HIPAA policy. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Pharmacology is a course completion requirement.

BUSINESS & CAREER DEVELOPMENT - 32 hrs

Students will explore different career options, comparing employment vs. self-employment opportunities. Students also learn how to interview with confidence and what makes an effective resume. By the end of class, students will have a resume targeted for a career in massage. Students will be given an overview of business practices and structures and will understand the differences between independent contractors, sole proprietorships, and corporations, determining the best structure based on their personal situation. Students will then explore the steps in starting a business such as writing a business plan, setting fees, obtaining funding, and choosing a location and will learn aspects of ongoing business management practices such as creating policies and procedures, insurance billing, record-keeping, paying taxes, being client-centered, and maintaining visibility in the community. Students will also gain an understanding of marketing basics such as identifying target markets, creating promotional materials that appeal to these markets, and creating a marketing plan and budget that shows how advertising and promotions will be used to reach this market. A grade of pass/fail will be given based on attendance and task completion.

Covering Montana State law as well as the differences in other state laws. A grade of pass/fail is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. State Law is a course completion requirement.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - 100 hrs

Part 1: Systems and Function - 50 hrs
This class provides the basic study and function of the following body systems: Cell Structure, Orangelles, Tissues, Integumentary, Musculature, Cardio Vascular: Blood, Pulmonary, Vessels, Lymphatic, Sensory and Motor, Anonomic Nervous System, Brain and Cranial Nerves, Spinal Chord Function, Endocrine, Digestive, Exercise Physiology, Respiratory Function, Reproductive and Urinary. Students will be able to identify each subject above and demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of each. Written examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Anatomy and Physiology Part 1 is a prerequisite to part 2 Pathology.


Part 2: Study of Pathology - 50 hrs
This class provides study of precautions and protocols to disease and common illness that the massage therapist may come in contact with. Students will be able to identify indications, contraindications and proper protocol for pathological conditions as related to massage therapy. Written examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%.

KINESIOLOGY - 140 hrs

This class covers an in-depth study of the musculoskeletal system. The skeletal system is examined to include bony landmarks, joint structure and ligaments of the body. The skeletal muscles are examined in great detail including study of their locations, attachment sites and actions. Lectures are enhanced with cadaver videos, slides, and building the muscles from clay and applying them to miniature skeletons. The first 70 hours will include the upper half of the musculoskeletal system. The second 70 hours will include the lower half of the musculoskeletal system. Written and practical examinations are required in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Kinesiology is a completion requirement.

SWEDISH MASSAGE - 100 hrs

The study of all basic massage strokes, hydrotherapy, pregnancy and infant massage. Mechanical, reflexive and physiological effects of massage are studied. Practitioner body mechanics, record keeping, draping methods are also part of this class. Students will be able to identify and apply all basic massage strokes. All subjects is Swedish Massage Class must be completed before taking the final written and practical examination required to pass the class. Students must pass with an 80%. Swedish Massage is a prerequisite for Student Clinic and Internship.

SPORTS MASSAGE - 32 hrs

This class studies the practical application of sports massage techniques for pre and post event massage and training treatment massage which includes injury assessment, prevention and treatment. Students will be able to identify injuries and apply proper treatments to the athlete. A practical “event” marks student progress in this class. Student must pass with an 80%. Sports Massage is a course completion requirement.

THAI MASSAGE - 20 hrs

Thai massage has its origins in ancient Tibet, India and China. Originally practiced by Buddist monks who traveled from India to Thailand 2500 years ago, it is now an integral part of traditional Thai medicine.

The practice of Thai Massage is a give and take or a dance between giver and receiver. While the work is focused on the client, the receiver also benefits by extending and stretching in a series of positions. The Sen, or energy lines, of the body are carefully worked to relax and rejuvenate the client. Students will learn the history, theory and practical application of Thai Massage. They will both receive and perform full body Thai Massage sessions while learning how to integrate this work into their practice of Swedish, Deep Tissue and Sports Massage.

Thai massage is a unique practice where the therapist moves and stretches the client in a very slow and meditative, yet very purposeful manner.

DEEP TISSUE - 100 hrs

This class teaches an advanced system of soft tissue manipulation which specializes in working to alleviate myofacial pain and pain syndromes. Body mechanics are reinforced in this class to prevent injury to the therapist while giving an effective treatment massage. Injury treatment protocol is taught for a wide range of common injuries. Range of Motion and Muscular Energy Technique are also taught in this section to help facilitate further treatment. On completion of this class, students will be able to apply these techniques. Students are required to do 10 SOAP notes on specified areas. Student must pass with an 80%. Deep Tissue is a course completion requirement.


Students will be able to apply these techniques. Written and practical examinations are given in this class. Student must pass with an 80%.

REIKI - 12 hrs

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive, non-religious healing method based on ancient practices of the laying-on of hands, which was systematized in Japan. In the Eastern view, the body is regarded as a dynamic energy system, and like many other healing modalities, Reiki aims to restore the unimpeded flow of energy which is blocked or disturbed in some way. Thus the natural healing processes of the body are activated and a state of deep relaxation is achieved in which healing on both physical and emotional levels can take place.

Students are introduced to the terms, theory and history of Reiki. Students will learn all the hand positions for the front and the back of the body. Students will receive a Reiki I certificate of completion. Reiki is Pass/Fail based on attendance.

CPR & FIRST-AID - 8 hrs

The Red Cross or an alternate certification agency teaches this class. CPR and First Aid cards will be given to those who pass the written examination. This class is a prerequisite to Student Clinic, the National Certification Exam, as well as a course completion requirement.

AIDS AWARENESS - 4 hrs

Dr. Lindsey Doe of Missoula teaches this class. A grade of pass and a certificate is given for attendance of this class. This class is a prerequisite to Student Clinic and all Internships. It is a course completion requirement.

STUDENT CLINIC - 60 hours for 650 hour program

Supervised Clinic- 60 hours: Four to five hours shifts are offered Monday through Saturday. This part of the program is designed to give students a true-to-life experience of working on clients with varying conditions. An evaluation written by the client is given for each massage. Completion of Swedish Massage, Ethics, AIDS Awareness, CPR and First Aid are prerequisites for participation in Student Clinic.


Student Clinic is a course completion requirement.

INDEPENDENT CASE STUDY - (Summer Intensive Program only) 0-30 hours

Students are given specific conditions to choose from for their case study. Students will be required to provide and present documentation including but not limited to, their initial assessment, what kind of treatment was performed, the client’s progress, and what the results were.

EVENTS - 20 hrs

This section is designed for students to experience community outreach. Various events are set up with non-profit businesses and sports events to expose the students to working with different types of people and situations. Prerequisites for event participation are the same as student clinic.

SELF CARE & BODY MECHANICS - 5 hrs

Instruction on how to take care of your body through stretching, exercise and body mechanics.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION REVIEW - 4 hrs

Students will also review the most recent version of the National Certification Examination Candidate handbook. Detailed review of the Nations Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) is to prepare the students for the requirements, paperwork, rules, expectations, fees, and layout of the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM).