Clinical Massage Diploma Program
Program Info > Massage Training
Massage Training
Arbor Institute School of Massage offers a 638 hours certification program in Clinical Massage Therapy. Our lock-step curriculum is organized sequentially and is designed so that the courses integrate with one another. In the first half of the program, we establish a solid foundation in fundamental hands-on skills, optimal body mechanics, knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, and awareness of the mind-body connection. In the second half, we present additional hands-on modalities, deepen the understanding of the client/therapist relationship, and explore the elements necessary for creating a successful professional practice. Classroom time is calculated on the basis of a 50-minute clock hour. The diploma program meets the licensing requirements of most state laws presently enacted, and exceeds the education requirements for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, as well as the licensing requirements for most states.
The diploma program is a well-planned series of courses, with each course supporting and expanding the student’s understanding of massage therapy. To ensure a high level of personal attention and feedback from the instructors and teaching assistants, the school offers just two classes per year with limited enrollment.
In each program, students stay together from beginning to end, forming a supportive and close-knit community of learners. We provide an educational experience for our students that are both challenging and enjoyable. The teaching format combines lectures, discussions, practical demonstrations, interactive exercises, and supervised massage practice. In the technique classes, students learn through giving, as well as receiving hands-on work. The curriculum is designed to meet a wide range of learning styles and students are encouraged to identify and strengthen their strategies for success. Upon successful completion of the program the student will receive a diploma.
Program Overview
Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma Program
| Life Science | | Hours |
| LS100 | Anatomy & Physiology | 80 |
| LS101 | Kinesiology | 80 |
| LS102 | Pathology | 40 |
| LS103 | HIV/AIDS | 08 |
| Total | 208 |
| Massage Science | | Hours |
| MS100 | Massage Technique I: Introduction to Massage | 50 |
| MS101 | Massage Technique II: Intuitive Massage | 20 |
| MS102 | Massage Technique III: Clinical Massage | 40 |
| MS103 | Massage Technique IV: Sports Massage | 20 |
| MS104 | Massage Technique V: Hot Stone Massage | 20 |
| MS105 | Massage Technique VI: Myofascial Massage | 30 |
| MS106 | Massage Technique VII: Reflexology | 20 |
| Total | 200 |
| Practice Management | | Hours |
| PM100 | Practice Development | 20 |
| PM101 | Marketing and Business Promotion | 18 |
| PM102 | Community Outreach | 07 |
| PM103 | Ethics for Massage Therapists | 10 |
| PM104 | Tennessee Massage Law | 05 |
| Total | 60 |
| Miscellaneous | | Hours |
| PH100 | Pharmacology for Massage Therapists | 10 |
| CR100 | CPR/First Aid | 06 |
| EW100 | Energy Work-Reiki | 24 |
| CM100 | Survey of Complementary Modalities | 30 |
| Total | 70 |
| Clinical Practicum | | Hours |
| CP100 | Clinical Practicum | 100 |
| Total | 100 |
Total Clock Hours 638