The Institute offers a 500-hour certification program in Massage Therapy. The curriculum was created by experts in the field to be challenging, fun, and exciting. This program is licensed and/or approved by:
- The Louisiana State Board of Massage Therapy
- National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Louisiana Rehabilitative Services
Graduates will be awarded a diploma from the Institute, which qualifies them to apply and sit for the National Certification Exam and licensing exams in all states requiring no more than 500 hours of education. Contact us for more information about individual state requirements.
COURSE OUTLINE
MASSAGE THERAPY AND RELATED STUDIES, (375 total hours)
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE, (125 total hours)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MASSAGE THERAPY AND RELATED STUDIES
In this block, a variety of massage and bodywork styles
are covered. Students need to learn a
widearray of styles and techniques to serve the needs of a
wide variety of clientele. In learning these various
modalities, students are encouraged to unify the
underlying principles among them. This will enable the
graduate to integrate these therapies into a treatment
session that is most appropriate for the needs of their
clients.
Basic Massage Techniques
Covers Swedish massage strokes, their variations, and
their use pertaining to specific muscles & body
systems. Also includes Swedish gymnastics, a system of
passive, active, and resisted stretches and joint
mobilizations. This section also teaches body mechanics,
professional draping techniques, seated massage,
side-lying massage, pregnancy massage, geriatric massage,
sports massage, and massage adaptations for special
populations. The instructors act as coaches, evaluate the
students, and give feedback based upon technique
application and body mechanics. Additionally, students
will give a short presentation to the class on a massage
modality. It also includes palpation skills, assessment,
treatment planning, and documentation. (210 hrs; 50 hrs
lecture & 160 hrs of lab)
Pathology & Infection Control
Includes types of diseases, agents of disease, modes of
transmission, the host/pathogen relationship, and risk
factors for disease. Diseases of each body system are
discussed along with how to adapt the massage to these
conditions. Over 100 pathologies are discussed as well as
general contraindications and precautions. Pharmacology is
also taught as many clients use medications to treat or
manage disease. An entire lecture is spent exploring
cancer, its treatments, and their side effects. (40 hrs;
30 hrs lecture & 10 hrs lab)
Clinical Massage Techniques
Covers stages of rehabilitation, tissue healing, and
treatment of common injuries and conditions through the
application of deep tissue massage techniques. This
section includes: myofascial release techniques,
neuromuscular therapy, trigger point work, and basic
postural analysis. (15 hrs; 5 hrs lecture & 10 hrs
lab)
Foot Reflexology Techniques
Explores the theory and practice of applying pressure on
points in the feet to affect corresponding body zones in
order to positively affect the client's health. (10 hrs; 2
hrs lecture & 8 hrs lab)
Internship, Supervised, & Independent Practice
Under the direction of the instructors, students blend
techniques learned in class into client centered treatment
sessions. 50-minutes sessions are offered to members of
the community at a reduced rate. (50 hrs; 5 hrs lecture
& 45 hrs lab)
Hydrotherapy & Spa Techniques
A complete exploration of client treatment using various
forms of water. This section covers: the use of water as a
healing agent, contraindications, procedural guidelines,
specific applications of heat and cold including packs,
compresses, hot and cold stones, body wraps, saunas, steam
baths, whirlpools, Vichy showers, paraffin baths, body
shampoos, dry brush massages, polishes and scrubs, cold
towel frictions, and salt glows. It includes a field trip
to either: a day spa, an aquatic therapy center, or a
chiropractic clinic. (15 hrs; 5 hrs lecture & 10 hrs
lab)
Business & Ethical Issues
Explores various requirements for establishing a
massage practice from a practical point of view. This
section includes: licensing, permits and zoning,
networking with other professionals, accounting
principles, and marketing. This section is also designed
to develop communication and conduct skills for
establishing an atmosphere of safety in order to build
client trust and rapport. This section includes: standards
of practice, code of ethics, professional conduct,
boundary management, scope of practice, LA state law, and
HIPAA regulations. This section also explores the process
of establishing, developing, and maintaining
therapist-client relationships. (25 hrs; 20 hrs lecture
& 5 hrs lab)
Health, Hygiene & Nutrition
This section covers the six main types of disease
process and how it affects massage treatment, sanitation
of linens and equipment, hand washing procedures, glove
usage, and Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) review. It
also delves into what constitutes good heath, professional
hygiene, and proper nutrition. This section includes a
guest lecture from a local nutritionist. (10 hrs; 5 hrs
lecture & 5 hrs lab)
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
This block is designed to present biological concepts in a
manner that is massage focused. This approach allows for
an even greater working knowledge and understanding of how
the human body functions, especially as it relates to
massage. Class time is divided between lecture and
hands-on lab time, enabling the student to integrate class
material.
Anatomy
Covers the structure of the various systems of the human
body. This section covers integumentary, system, muscular
system, skeletal system, nervous system, respiratory
system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic/immune systems,
endocrine system, digestive system, reproductive system,
and urinary system. Emphasis is placed on skeletal and
muscular nomenclature and includes palpatory anatomy of
important body landmarks. (75 hrs; 65 hrs lecture & 10
hrs lab)
Physiology & Kinesiology
Covers the functions of the various systems of the human
body and how each is affected by massage. This section
includes kinesiology and the interrelation of joints. (50
hrs; 40 hrs lecture & 10 hrs lab)
ACADEMIC STANDARDS, EXAMINATIONS, & GRADING
- 1. During approximately two-thirds of the course, anatomy, physiology, and pathology exams will be given. These exams will cover the material presented during the preceding anatomy & physiology lecture.
- The Institute uses the following grading scale:
- 90-100 = A or excellent
- 80-89 = B or above average
- 70-79 = C or average
- 60-69 = D or below average
- 0-69 = F or failing
- The grade of “I” is given for incomplete grades.
- A hands-on massage practical exam will be given, during which each student is required to perform a complete massage for the instructor in order to demonstrate his or her proficiency.
- 5. Students who are in class on an exam day are expected to take the exam, even if they missed the previous lecture. Students who decline to take the exam will be given the grade of zero.
- Information concerning makeup exams and extra credit can be found in the Student Handbook.
Remedial coursework is not included in the program. Remediation is scheduled outside of regular class hours by appointment with a private tutor.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The following standards are required for graduation:
1. Meet the minimum attendance requirement of 90%.
2. All financial obligations to the Institute must be
paid in full one month prior to graduation.
3. Each student must have met the minimum academic
requirements in each of the following areas:
A. Massage Therapy and Related Studies Achieve an
overall grade point average of 70%. Successfully complete
internship. Massage practical and written exams - minimum
score of 70% each.
B. Biological Sciences Achieve an overall grade point
average of 70%. Written comprehensive final exam - minimum
score of 70%.
Please note that diplomas and transcripts will be withheld from students and third party agencies until all of these requirements have been satisfied.
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