Massage School: Massage Therapy Training Curriculum
We offer a comprehensive, world-class program that prepares our graduates for a successful and flexible career in massage therapy.
With nearly 30 years of being a leader in massage therapy education, we have continued to fine-tune and update the program through feedback from leading employers and massage therapy experts.
We believe that a student needs 720-hours of comprehensive training to be successful in massage therapy. Statistics have shown that students with 720-hours of training are more successful, have longer more fulfilling careers, and are better prepared to suit the ever changing needs of clients.
Curriculum Descriptions
- Anatomy
- the study of the parts of the body, especially muscles and bones
- Aromatherapy
- the use of pure essential oils (from various plants) in a massage to enhance relaxation or attain other benefits such as skin quality improvement
- Acupressure
- the application of light pressure with fingers on special points on the body to enhance health or lessen problem – these are the same points as used in acupuncture
- Deep Tissue
- work that focuses on the various deep layers of body tissue, often applied to long-term problem areas
- Energy Massage
- techniques to balance the body’s energy, founded on scientific information about the body as an electro-magnetic field
- Foot Reflexology
- a relaxing foot massage that is said to address the whole body since areas of the foot “reflect” conditions/areas of the entire body
- Hot Stone Massage
- the application of warm stones to the body, either in a stationary position, or used as “gliding tools” along with oil
- Kinesiology
Anatomy and Kinesiology are just a few courses taught at NHI.
- another name for anatomy, this is the study of the body’s movement and of specific muscles in detail
- Lymphatic Massage
- deep massage work that flushes toxins out of the body
- Pathology
- the study of illnesses or abnormal bodily conditions
- Myofascial Therapies
- Myo-fascial Therapies (myo means muscle, fascia is a “lining” between skin and muscle, and around muscle bundles) includes advanced techniques designed for solving problems in each major area of the body: neck, shoulders, back, etc
- Physiology
- the study of the body’s systems, such as the Digestive System, the Immune System, etc
- Pregnancy Massage
- massage that takes into account the special needs, such as body positioning and cautions, of a pregnant woman
- Rocking & Shaking
- keeping the body in a continuous rocking motion to release tight muscles and loosen joints
- Shiatsu
- a style of work originating in Japan that uses finger pressure and stretches for body relaxation; done on a floor mat without the use of oil
- Sports Massage
- techniques particular to athletes and highly active people, used to assist them in enhanced performance and quicker recovery from injury
- Swedish
- a popular style of oil massage that uses moves, such as long gliding strokes, that are aimed at relaxation and increased physical well-being
- Thai Massage
- the traditional massage of Thailand that focuses on yogic-type stretches
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- the ancient system that sees the body from an “energy” point of view and forms the basis for acupuncture; at NHI, TCM is the basis for our Shiatsu classes and acupressure classes
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Massage Theory and Practice
Hands On Experience and a Thorough Career Foundation
At NHI, we teach you a wide range of massage techniques. We also teach you how to assess a client’s individual needs and how to develop a customized massage program to meet those needs.
In this subject, you will learn Swedish massage, acupressure/shiatsu massage, sports massage, massage for pregnant women, massage for people with injuries, seated massage, foot reflexology, deep tissue massage, energy massage, joint mobilization, rocking and shaking massage, professional draping procedures, body mechanics for the therapist, and assessment and customization of massage sessions.
To be a good Massage Therapist, you naturally need to know about the human body. Among other topics, you will learn about the structure and function of the musculo-skeletal system, including the origin, insertion, and action of muscles; range of motion; postural analysis; and kinesiology.
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Career Development
Since our aim is for you to make a good living through the practice of Massage Therapy, we at NHI place a strong emphasis on the learning of business and professional skills. Many of our students are surprised to find that the business aspect of being a Massage Therapist can be just as fulfilling and growth-producing as giving a massage. This subject will help you start to build a successful professional practice whether working on your own or as an employee.
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Hands-On Practical Experience at the Student Clinic and Externship Site
NHI offers two invaluable opportunities for students to gain hands-on practical experience: the NHI Student Clinic and NHI's Externship program. In the NHI Student Clinic, you will use the massage skills you have learned, practicing on clients from the general public. The Student Clinic, servicing nearly 1,000 appointments per month, allows your instructors to assess and assist your progress in a supervised, real-world setting.
With hundreds of locations to choose from, your Externship will give you valuable on-site experience and provide exceptional networking opportunities to prepare you for the transition to your professional career. At the same time, you’ll contribute to the greater health and well-being of your community.
Employers have indicated that they consider NHI's Clinic and Externship to be two essential reasons why they prefer to hire NHI graduates.
You’ll find the Student Clinic and Externship to be a powerful part of your training. You will see for yourself how massage makes a difference in people’s lives. And you will gain confidence in yourself and in your growing abilities as a Massage Therapist.
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