Core Massage Therapy Program

As Massage Therapy continues to grow in popularity, qualified massage therapists are in demand now more than ever before – which makes it an exciting time for you to build a bright future in this rewarding, healing profession!

As an NHI student you’ll gain real-world experience treating the public in our on-campus massage training clinics. You’ll also be personally mentored by a dedicated team of experienced massage professionals. Having direct client experience and personalized support in our program will fully prepare you to make a smooth transition from student to massage professional.

Our 800-Hour Core Massage Therapy Program is a comprehensive, foundational program that provides graduates with a well-rounded, hands-on experience.

Completion of the Core Massage Therapy Program will allow you to:

• Stand out to employers by graduating from one of the most comprehensive entry-level massage programs in the country
• Be successful in a wide variety of massage careers, including private practice

Our Core Massage Therapy Program students experience a wide variety of both eastern and western modalities, in addition to science and assessment skills, which make them incredibly versatile and ready for a variety of job opportunities in the field of massage therapy.

Eastern Skills: Eastern modality training begins with a thorough training in Shiatsu Massage and the theory on which it is based: Traditional Chinese Medicine.

• Skills in eastern anatomy and modes of assessment are enhanced with classes in specific applications of acupressure, and then broadened to include energy work and reflexology.
• Advanced skills in Thai Massage round out this highly sought-after Eastern skill set.

Western Skills: Western modality training begins with a thorough training in Swedish Massage.

• As students become more knowledgeable and experienced, advanced techniques such as Deep Tissue, introduction to Lymphatic Massage and Trigger Point Therapy, and therapeutic application of heat and ice are added.
• Students also receive experience with many popular spa modalities, such as prenatal massage, hot stone massage, salt scrubs and the application of aromatherapy.

Science Skills: Throughout the Core Massage Therapy Program, education includes a solid foundation of anatomy, kinesiology, physiology and pathology.

• Understanding planes of movement and how joint structures allow the body to move through those planes.
• Identifying how a muscle’s attachment sites determine how it will move the body.
• Basic physiology of all body systems & physiological effects of massage on those systems.
• Identifying when pathology or injury might be present, how that situation might affect the massage session, and when referral to another health care professional is most supportive of client health and safety.

Assessment and Strategizing Skills: Application of kinesiology and physiology concepts along with key observational skills to understand how to cater sessions to specific client needs.

• Recognizing basic postural asymmetries and dysfunctional range of motion patterns
• Knowing how to target precise techniques such as Longitudinal Release, Cross-fiber, and basic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretches to specific client needs.
• Understanding basic cautions and contraindications for massage therapy around many common musculoskeletal issues and injuries, such as whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, piriformis syndrome, runner’s knee and sprained ankle.

Clinic and Externship: throughout the 800-hour Core Massage Therapy Program, you will experience 160 hours of supervised, practical massage therapy experience on clients, including proper S.O.A.P (Subjective, Objective, re-Assessment, Plan) Note session documentation, both in our on-campus massage clinics and off-campus externship sites.