Massage School Programs
Associates of Applied Science
Degree Program
Massage School Programs
Associates of Applied Science
Degree Program
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Welcome to National Holistic Institute Massage Schools!
From enrollment to graduation and beyond, you are joining a supportive holistic community dedicated to your success!
Students & Employers Love Us!
I’ve known for a large part of my life that I wanted a career that could positively affect people on a personal level, but wasn’t sure how. Eventually I found a direction that felt right, and initially decided to learn massage therapy as a stepping stone to becoming a physical therapist. After my experience throughout the core and advanced programs, I can safely say I’ve found my community and my calling. What I learned over the course of both programs resonated with me and the way that I want to help people, and while some parts were challenging, I’m so glad I saw it through. The staff were friendly, encouraging, and helped create a safe space to learn and grow because they actually wanted us to succeed. I’m grateful for the experience because not only did I discover a place that I feel I can go back to should I ever need any support, I’m truly happy being a Neuromuscular Massage Therapist—and I would never have known that without NHI.
Alicia Vaughn | Ontario Campus
NHI has changed my personal life completely. I have met people who are generous, kind, educated and have goals in their lives. That has helped me in my life because today, I can see that whatever you set your mind to and pursue can be done. NHI helped me open doors to make my own business doing what I love most.
Zulma Portillo Martinez | Sacramento Campus
Deciding to go to NHI to learn massage therapy and start my own private practice was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. After checking out several other massage therapy schools, there was no comparison to the energy and enthusiasm I saw and felt in the NHI classroom. I owe NHI everything! I have never been happier creating a life for myself doing massage therapy.
Reggie Reaves | Emeryville Campus
NHI is a place where everyone is able to show up as their best and highest self and unapologetically come and be as they are. I found the environment to be accepting, compassionate and full of very passionate, knowledgeable staff. NHI provided me with many tools to help me better care for people on a much more deep and profound level with the holistic approach in the Core Massage Therapy Program. I went on to complete the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy (ANMT) Program which gave me the ability to work smarter instead of harder.
Brittany “Shon” Anderson | Studio City Campus
The training and education I received at NHI was very thorough and I enjoyed the structure of the classes. They include the history of massage modalities in their program. It was easy to do part time while working full time. I wouldn’t have a career without NHI. NHI really helped me find something I’m passionate about and want to carry with me forever!
Blossom Neidenbach | Santa Rosa Campus
Earn Your Degree in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy and Clinical Medical Massage
Our Associates of Applied Science Degree Program (AAS degree program) is the next step of your transformative journey into the world of clinical massage therapy. The field of study for our AAS degree is in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy and Clinical Medical Massage. Your title upon completing the AAS degree program will be Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist and Medical Massage Clinician.
This program is designed for those who are passionate about helping others and experiencing a deeply rewarding career in Neuromuscular Therapy and Clinical Medical Massage. You’ll learn to help clients alleviate pain and improve their wellness through team collaboration and patient-centered care.
Why does the massage industry need Advanced Neuromuscular Therapists and Medical Massage Clinicians?
The Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction In the Nation (NOPAIN) Act, Senate Bill 586, was signed into law on December 28, 2022. The goal of this legislation is to expand patient access to non-opioid pain management interventions in all outpatient surgical settings beginning in 2025.
Because hospitals received equal payment from Medicare whether the patient was prescribed an opioid, or non-opioid medication for pain management, hospitals relied upon opioids. This new policy directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide separate reimbursement for non-opioid treatments to manage pain in an outpatient and ambulatory surgery center settings.
Studies have shown that massage therapy is an effective method for managing chronic pain. Recent randomized controlled studies indicate massage therapy can reduce neuropathic pain in diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and nerve injury conditions. Additionally, massage can alleviate pain and enhance joint mobility, muscle relaxation, and circulation.
With studies showing massage therapy as an excellent option for non-pharmaceutical approaches to pain care, the industry is currently in a prime position to alleviate the chronic and persistent pain experienced by over 100 million individuals in the United States that meet the criteria for chronic pain syndrome. The Associates of Applied Science Degree Program trains massage therapists to participate in a patient centered health care system and claim a portion of the over $100 billion spent on chronic pain management without the harmful effects of opioid addiction and prescription pain medication side effects.
Why Our Associates of Applied Science Degree Program Stands Out:
Expert-Led Training
Dive deep into the science and art of massage therapy, guided by experts in the field. Learn how to address chronic and acute pain issues, from back pain to headaches, through hands-on techniques that make a real difference.
Holistic Health Approach
Our curriculum covers a wide range of therapeutic applications, including chronic pain management, behavioral health treatment, rehabilitation, and care for acute medical conditions. Understand the significant role massage therapy plays in managing conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic and persistent pain management.
Skills that Get Results
Beyond mastering massage techniques, you’ll develop critical thinking skills and learn the importance of teamwork in healthcare. Our AAS degree program emphasizes collaboration with healthcare teams, understanding the biopsychosocial aspects of pain, and the latest in fascia and myofascial release therapy.
Interactive Online Learning
Expand your massage network by attending class online with massage therapists across the country. Build a community with like-minded therapists for support, guidance, and collaboration across the many specialties within the field. Receive access to over 300 neuromuscular massage therapy techniques to develop and refine your skills and quality of touch.
Prepared for Professional Growth
With a strong foundation in neuromuscular therapy, you’ll be ready to join healthcare teams, advocate for patients, and contribute to the growing field of massage therapy. Learning to collaborate with colleagues and receiving direct guidance from instructors about real-world applications ensure you’re not just learning, but applying knowledge to make a tangible impact.
A Career That Cares
Our AAS degree program isn’t just about acquiring skills; it’s about fostering a compassionate approach to healthcare. By understanding the full spectrum of pain management and rehabilitation, you’ll be equipped to make a lasting difference in people’s lives, contributing to a healthier, happier community.
Join us and turn your passion for healing into a career that touches lives.
FAQs for the Associates of Applied Science Degree Program
Prospective students who wish to enroll in NHI’s AAS degree program will be a graduate of NHI’s Core and Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy programs OR have equivalent education completed through a transfer of credit review. You must also be able to work legally as a massage therapist in your jurisdiction.
The training is designed to increase the efficacy of your practice. It prepares you to work in a patient centered, team based approach to care in various medical settings. This creates the ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers and massage therapists, with the patient at the center. Even if you don’t plan to collaborate with others, the advanced education will enhance your critical thinking skills allowing for innovative and creative solutions for your clients.
The field of study for this AAS degree is in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy and Clinical Medical Massage. Your title upon completing the AAS degree program will be Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist and Medical Massage Clinician.
By gaining advanced knowledge in areas like fascia release, muscle energy techniques, neuromuscular connection, clinical rounds and biopsychosocial pain management, you’ll be able to offer a higher level of care, potentially increasing your charge rate. With 1430 total training hours, you’ll become one of the highest-trained massage therapists in the country, making you a competitive candidate in any massage market. Clients will receive the non-pharmacological approach to pain management and experience and effective approach of care, customized for their needs as a whole person.
Massage therapy is a blend of science and craft. Continuing to grow your knowledge and skills is essential for professional development. The AAS degree program not only enhances your assessment and bodywork skills, leading to better client outcomes, but it also helps build a network of peers with various specialties. This program will add more modalities to your tool box, boost your confidence in addressing your clients’ needs and allow you to communicate with other health care providers using the appropriate medical terminology.
Yes, you need to be able to work legally in your jurisdiction, but whether you charge clients is up to you.
The AAS degree program is taught by Cynthia Ribeiro, Gracia Rodriguez, and Emily Cooper, who collectively have almost 80 years of massage experience. They also hold advanced degrees in their fields.
The AAS degree program is divided into 4 modules, each lasting 5 weeks. The structure includes 50% live Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) class time and 50% asynchronous work, which incorporates hands-on practice every week. The entire program is 100% online.
Classes are 100% online. Each module includes 5 live IDL lectures, which consist of 2 academic based lectures and 3 Clinical Rounds. Clinical Rounds are discussion-based reviews of classmates’ bodywork and clients’ needs.
The live classes are similar to those in our Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy (ANMT) program, with each class lasting 4.5 hours. Expect elevated discussions on massage topics.
All necessary materials for the AAS degree program are provided via class packets. There are no additional required textbooks or eBooks.
The AAS degree program uses Canvas Studio. Visit nhi.edu/canvas-studio-requirements for computer requirements. Note that Chrome Books and Linux devices are not compatible with the program.
Yes, you’ll need a client each week for hands-on practice. You can work with the same client or different clients each week.
Yes, you can use family members or friends as your practice clients.
HIPAA consent forms are collected to ensure that medical records and video sessions are shared with the appropriate permissions.
AAS degree program testing is multiple-choice and accounts for 50% of a module’s total grade. The remaining 50% is based on the completion of asynchronous assignments, detailed in a packet provided to you.
The AAS program has a supportive community. The AAS Instructors and your peers in the program are available to support and assist you on catching up on any content you may miss due to absence.
Since the AAS degree program is 100% online, our AAS instructors are based across various locations and are not physically present on NHI campuses. However, we’re dedicated to providing you with the support you need. We can collaborate with campus staff to assist with specific needs, as long as arrangements are made in advance.
We have an Articulation Agreement with Fremont University, which allows graduates of the AAS degree program to transfer into a BS in Healthcare Management or a BA in Business Leadership. Transferability to other Colleges and Universities is at the discretion of the receiving institution. The AAS degree is an accredited Occupational Associates degree, and the hours are Carnegie Credit hours.
Our financial aid department can provide detailed information on the cost of the AAS degree program and available financial aid options.
Convenient, 100% Online AAS Degree Program
The AAS degree program is designed to fit the needs of busy adult learners. We understand the lives our students lead, and how important it is to have balance. Many students are working, taking care of family and/or juggling other commitments while they attend school.
- 4 modules, each lasting 5 weeks
- Each module includes 5 live Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) classes, which consist of 2 lectures and 3 clinical rounds.
- Clinical rounds are discussion-based reviews of classmates’ bodywork and clients’ needs
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