THE MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM
Therapeutic massage, as taught at The Massage Institute of Memphis, is holistic and concerned with enhancing the integration of the mind, body, and spirit.
THE MASSAGE PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Professional Massage Program 750 hours
This program satisfies the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board, enables students to apply for the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy Examination and apply for massage therapy licensure in Mississippi. The program also prepares students to sit for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination.
Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology 200 hours
Massage Theory and Practice 200 hours
Allied Modalities 200 hours
Student Clinic 150 hours
Total Program: 750 hours
*Each student is required to type a research paper on one specific massage method chosen from a list of approved topics and present it orally to the class.
Sciences 200 hours
Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology and Neurology
Students are introduced to the structure and function of the human body. Students explore all the body systems, learn the major muscles, and study diseases of the body, determining when massage is indicated or contraindicated. Students learn how massage affects the functioning of all the systems.
Massage Theory and Practice 200 hours
Students learn scientific soft tissue manipulations (stroking, kneading, stretching, friction, percussion, vibration, compression and range of motion), history, benefits, indications and contraindications of massage, draping and turning procedures, positioning and the use of hand held tools and devices. Also included are client evaluation, feedback, charting and documentation using S.O.A.P. notes.
Allied Modalities 200 hours
Students learn theory and methods from Eastern, European, Western and Ayurvedic philosophies. Focus is given to hygiene, body mechanics, wellness, meditation and self-care as well as HIV awareness and adaptive massage for special populations. Allied modalities also include aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, information on electrotherapy and heliotherapy that incorporates infrared heat. There are classes on trigger points, reflexology, seated massage, sports massage, business, marketing, communication, ethics, law and safety. In addition are presentations on The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Peer Assistance Program and various referral methods within the healthcare system.
Student Clinic 150 hours
75 documented massages
Students participate in supervised student clinics and labs on the general public, faculty members and other massage therapists, and pass a final practical exam at the end of the program. Instructors will provide suggestions for improvement during massages. All massages will be documented with completed client information and client feedback forms. (NOTE: Any student receiving U.S. Veterans benefits will perform all massages on campus.)
Upon graduation, students will receive a Diploma in Massage Therapy. To receive their diploma, students must:
successfully complete the 750 hour program consisting of classroom instruction and required coursework, including:
- a minimum grade requirement of “C” (75 %) in every test or assignment.
- 50 documented massages in required categories.
- a final practicum demonstrating their ability to give a full body massage.
- a typed research paper along with an oral class presentation.
- completion of all course requirements.
- satisfactory attendance.
Throughout the year The Massage Institute arranges for a supervising instructor and volunteer students to perform massages for local non-profit organizations and at various community events. Students are encouraged to use these opportunities to develop their massage skills by working in different venues and with special populations. Volunteering for outreach projects is a way of accumulating massage hours, making up missed class time, and may be used towards the required documented massage logs with the director's approval.