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Massage School Programs

Core Massage
Therapy Program

Massage School Programs

Core Massage
Therapy Program

Get the Details!

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!

More Student Success Stories

Natalie Almond | Redding Campus

After graduating from National Holistic Institute, I have nothing but good things to say about NHI. The entire program was so beautifully organized, and our mentors really did go above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible. If you’re considering attending, their team is wonderful at helping you decide if this path is a good fit for you, I can’t recommend NHI enough!

Natalie Almond | Redding Campus

Kenny Gutzeit | Ontario Campus

This school really is amazing. The most wonderful thing about this school is that you have teachers who really care about educating students and making sure they have the best knowledge to become great massage therapists. The teachers have a plethora of knowledge and they are the nicest mentors. I highly recommend this school to any future massage therapist wanting to make a career.

Kenny Gutzeit | Ontario Campus

Mathew Smtih | Emeryville Campus

NHI is a tremendous school with a tremendous program.  I was unaware of the power of the program until I was on the other side.  I commend NHI for giving me the skills to be successful in the field. If you have any friends or family who think they might want to do massage then they should join the NHI family.

Mathew Smtih | Emeryville Campus

Alyssa Corson | Santa Ana Campus

When I talk to my current clients I always tell them that I feel like I hit the jack pot by coming to NHI.

Alyssa Corson | Santa Ana Campus

Talitha Ekama | San Jose Campus

What I love about NHI is that they offer a really great core program. The core program is the foundation of what you will grow into and become as a massage therapist, and it covers all of the things that you really need to know and be aware of as a massage therapist. They also have a 450 hour program and that is what really helped me get a leg up in the industry.

Talitha Ekama | San Jose Campus

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.

Core Massage Therapy Segments

In the Core Massage Therapy Segments, students experience a wide variety of both eastern and western modalities, in addition to science and assessment skills.  Each class lays the groundwork for success in the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Segment.

EASTERN MODALITIES WESTERN MODALITIES BODY SCIENCE BUSINESS CORE PROGRAM Lymphatic Massage Swedish Massage Hot Stone Massage Sports Massage Aromatherapy & Spa Life Deep Tissue Massage Prenatal Massage Hand & Foot Reflexology Shiatsu Massage Acupressure Energy Work Traditional Chinese Medicine Rocking & Shaking Thai Massage Anatomy & Physiology Myofascial Therapies Pathology Kinesiology Ethics & Practitioner Issues Career Launch Business Finances Marketing

Click on any class name in the graphic to learn more.

Convenient Morning, Afternoon & Evening Schedules

This 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. Choose the schedule that best fits your lifestyle.

  • The full-time program can be completed in 8 months
  • The part-time program can be completed in 10 months or 12 months

Get Ongoing
Career Support

You will have access to a Student Life and Career Counselor to support you each step of the way, from the first day of class and throughout your career (even long after you graduate).

As a leader in massage therapy education for over 30 years we have a large network of employers, many of whom are NHI graduates, and other contacts that we use to help you thrive as a massage therapy professional.

“I compared my experiences with NHI with my esthetician school. There was no comparison – the NHI Program – the whole ‘mentor’, ‘senior’, ‘juniors’, intergroup competitions, group identity and pride, the whole experience, was designed beautifully. Not to mention the amazingly passionate, well-informed and interested educators on staff. As a result, my former group mates are still some of my closest friends.”

Sarah Donnelly, NHI Graduate with Honors

Do You Have Previous Massage or Healthcare Experience?

If you have prior massage training or healthcare experience in fields such as physical therapy, chiropractic, nursing, athletic training or other related fields. Check out the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program.