
Massage Practitioner	Massage Therapist	Holistic Healthcare Provider	Medical Qigong

Massage Therapist Program (550 hours)

Our Massage Therapist program offers advanced bodywork training, preparing graduates to address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal, visceral and nervous system imbalances. The Massage Therapist Program prepares graduates for employment in the high-end spa industry as well as private practice. Our 550 hour program satisfies the state’s requirements for certification as a Massage Therapist and satisfies the local business licensing requirements of Goleta and most municipalities in California and the US. The Massage Therapist Program builds on the Massage Practitioner Program. Students attending classes twice weekly may complete in a twelve month time frame. Students attending 4 times weekly may complete in a six month time frame. Students may also enroll in any of the advanced bodywork modules or anatomy and physiology courses on an “a la carte” basis.

Talk to our enrollment counselors to design a program that suits your needs. See course descriptions for descriptions of courses offered.


Massage Practitioner	250
Bodywork Tracks (choose 3 out of 4 tracks including 20hrs Anatomy and Physiology each)	240
Classroom Assistant	40
Business Skills	20
Total Massage Therapist Program Hours	550

Business Skills Track (20 hrs)

Business Skills (20 hrs)

covers a broad range of business skills for employment and private practice. A number of best marketing practices will be offered by successful graduates. Topics include establishing purpose, priorities and goals, strategies for success, communication skills, exploration of job and practice settings, employment fundamentals, business start up considerations, bookkeeping and tax preparation, and digital marketing.

Craniosacral Track (choose 80hrs)

Intro to Integrative Craniosacral Therapy (27hrs)

combines traditional Craniosacral holds, peripheral nervous system balances and assorted bodywork techniques. The course examines how these holds serve as pivotal synchronizers of the body, allowing the therapist to first tap into the subtle ebb and flow of the Craniosacral rhythm and then begin to assess and address acute and chronic issues using nervous system integration. This approach expands traditional holds through touch of the peripheral nervous system to allow constant contact with the main hub (the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system). Integrative Craniosacral Bodywork teaches students to relax the cranial system from the coccyx to the head, incorporating techniques to bring the entire body into sync

Craniosacral I (30 hrs)

offer releases of the cranium. The course will approach cranial decompression as taught in the Upledger line of thought. In this course students will learn: the peristadt model, the base occipital release, the parietal and frontal release, the sphenoid and mastoid release, temporomandibular joint and nasal cartilage release. Students will learn connection between the origins and insertions of the muscles from the head thru the neck to the clavicle bone. Students will learn the benefits of rub spine and how it applies to enhancing a cranial move. Techniques offered benefit TMJ, headache and carpal tunnel syndromes. The course also offers innovative and different techniques for releasing tissue around the corocoid process to create more space between the pectorals and the scapula.

Craniosacral II (30 hrs)

covers additional balances for the temporal, parietal, frontal, zygomatic bones, maxilla, and mandible. Students deepen their subtle listening skills in monitoring the craniosacral impulse. The craniosacral impulse comprises the flexion and extension of the craniosacral system that occurs 6-12 times per minute.

Neurology and Clinical Pathology (20hrs)

offers an in depth presentation of the neurology that underlies the craniosacral system. The course covers the component parts of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems, as well as the skeletal and endocrine systems. The course illuminates the mechanisms of disease and spontaneous mechanisms of healing an assortment of pathologies of the Nervous System will be discussed.

Deep Tissue Track (choose 80hrs)

Barefoot/Sports (18 hrs)

offers a deep tissue protocol for working the major muscle groups using the therapist's feet. The technique is especially suitable for physically active people, athletes and bodies that require sufficient force to effectively release core muscular tension. The method is a lifesaver for hands, wrists and shoulders that tend to become overworked using traditional massage techniques.

Muscle Physiology and Clinical Pathology (20hrs)

illuminates the mechanisms of muscle in health and disease. Topics covered include: chemistry of the body, metabolism of muscle and homeostasis, contraction/relaxation cycle, neuromuscular coordination, golgi tendon organs, engrams, and neurotransmitters. In addition an assortment of pathologies related to the musculoskeletal system is also covered.

Myofascial Release (30hrs)

offers techniques for stretching and mobilizing the myofascia. Students learn to palpate and make pliable myofascial tissue. Myofascial tissue binds and connects every other tissue in the body, holding the muscles in their shape, the bones in their placement, and affecting the compression incurred on the nerves. Myofascia becomes pliable when warmed and stretched – incurring a shift in hardness or plasticity called thyxotropy, Myofascial Release is specific for improving posture and pain syndromes due to restrictions in fascia.

Sports Massage and PNF stretches (20hrs)

integrates cross fiber deep tissue, compression and PNF stretches. Covers the fundamentals of pre and post sports massage. Cross fiber deep tissue, breaks up adhesions caused by micro-scarring, injury or surgery, activating connective tissue regeneration. Proprioceptor neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) involves assisted stretches of muscles to utilize reciprocal inhibition.

Spa Deep Tissue(30 hr)

introduces students to muscle stripping and prolonged compression. The course is designed to teach students a full-body protocol that will enable them to give deeper work without stress on their body and prepare them for the busy and demanding schedule of the commercial spas. Proper body mechanics and alignment will be heavily emphasized as well as the appropriate use of forearms, elbows and knuckles to reduce fatigue and the chance of injury. Students will learn to: improve postural alignment, increase range of motion, activate connective tissue regeneration, break-up adhesions caused by micro-scarring, injury, or surgery, address chronic pain and specific syndromes (headaches, sciatic pain, thoracic outlet syndrome, etc.)

Spa track (choose 80hrs)

Essential Oils and Raindrop Therapy (20 hrs)

covers how to create therapeutic essential oil blends specific for building the immune system and balancing emotional states. The course covers a variety of single oils and blending basics specific to the prevention and treatment of various pathologies, as well as addictions and mental emotional imbalances. The course addresses the science of essential oils, messengers and signals in the bloodstream, product making, non-chemical nutritive bases, and replacing dangerous chemicals and drugs.

Hot Stone (18hrs)

provides training in the principles and practical application of Hot Stone Massage for private practice or spa settings, including: basic science and theory of hot stone massage; principles and application of hot/cold therapy; indications, contra-indications, and sanitation and safety precautions; various stone shapes and sizes for specific applications; layouts and customization of sessions to client needs.

Muscle Physiology/ Clinical Pathology (20hrs– see Deep Tissue Track)

Pregnancy Massage (30hrs)

covers specific Deep Tissue and Swedish techniques for releasing musculoskeletal strain during pregnancy as well as addressing the anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. The techniques include slow muscle-sculpting strokes applied in side-lying or semi-reclining positioning.

Spa Deep Tissue (30hrs)

Thai Massage (50hrs)

addresses the therapeutic aspects of traditional Thai massage, a traditional floor style of bodywork utilized in India and Thailand for 2500 years and growing in popularity in the Spa setting. Sessions are fully clothed. Students learn assisted yoga stretches, compression of muscles and meridian acupressure for prone, supine and side lying positions.

Trigger Point Track (80hrs)

Trigger Point/Palpatory Anatomy (80 hrs)

covers how to treat trigger points and injuries. Trigger points are areas of hyper-irritability within soft tissue that develop when a muscle is injured or overworked. Trigger points caused by trauma create changes in the chemical balance in the tissue, irritating the sensory systems. Trigger points are characterized by local tenderness and referred phenomena, which can include, pain, tingling, numbness, burning or itching. Students learn direct pressure techniques with fingers, thumbs and tools to assess and alleviate trigger points, as well as cross fiber friction techniques for breaking up scar tissue, releasing adhesions and speeding tissue repair. The course is formatted in weekly area specific modules, including: lower back, pelvic floor, headaches, neck /shoulders, TMJ/jaw, rotator cuff and extremities. Each module includes palpation skills in locating related muscles and attachments sites, tendons and ligaments, trigger point location and clinical pathologies specific for each body section. Techniques covered are applied in the classroom and in the clinic for each body section.

Visceral Track (choose 80hrs)

Table Shiatsu (25 hrs)

integrates a full body Shiatsu protocol performed on the table with corrective techniques of Touch for Health. Shiatsu is a deeply satisfying massage approach to energizing the whole body via acupressure, stretches and articulations along the meridian pathways. Touch for Health corrective techniques offered include neurovascular balances (light finger pad contacts on the head for clearing mental/emotional stress) and neurolymphatic scrubbing (vigorous scrubbing on specific torso sites where metabolic wastes can move out of circulation and clog lymphatic drainage pathways, and thereby impede organ function). Cross Fiber Deep Tissue involves deep pressure applied with elbows, knuckles and palms across the direction of the muscles fibers for the purpose of breaking up fascial restrictions. The integrative approach is designed to systematically tone body function and release natural pain killing endorphins into the blood circulation with acupressure, followed by cross fiber deep tissue to break up restrictions in the myofascia.

Touch for Health Protocols and Clinical Pathology (25hrs)

covers muscle testing and corrections for 14 indicator muscles and their related organs, glands and meridians. The course will address clinical pathologies present within the classroom and clinic affecting the vital organs. Common pathologies covered include: vagus nerve impingment, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, prolapsed colon, indigestion, liver insufficiency/toxicity and overgrowth of candida albicans. Touch for Health techniques are utilized to assess imbalances. Corrections offered may include visceral manipulation, myofascial release of the cervical vertebra and adjunctive supplementation.

Tui Na I (30 hrs)

addresses the imbalances in the muscular, joint and meridian systems. Tui Na is a classic Asian style of bodywork based on traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians. The techniques include rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques to manipulate and lubricate the joints. Tui Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points. It includes massage techniques to mobilize soft tissue, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi and manipulation techniques to realign musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships to establish a more balanced flow of Qi.

Tui Na II (30 hours)

builds on techniques from Tui Na I but is more active and dynamic, using larger strokes and movements of the muscles, joints and bones. More specific techniques for the major joints of the body will be explored, as well as further development of hand techniques. Discussions of the meridian system will be expanded, along with specific acupressure points to be incorporated into treatments.

Visceral Lymphatic Drainage (30 hrs)

offers Chi Nei Tsang bodywork techniques and five element theory for safely detoxifying the deep lymphatics of the abdomen and vital organs. The approach clears the deep lymphatic channels, through freeing the fascial web that binds the vital organs, glands, arteries, veins, lymph vessels and nodes. The lymphatics are an intricate waterway system that flow steadily throughout the body, cleansing and purifying the blood. Additional techniques are offered for detoxifying and balancing the vital organs. Techniques include acupressure, scooping, spiraling and healing sounds.

**The entire Massage Practitioner (CMP) options will only be available until December 31, 2015. After which it will be phased out and all new applicats must meet the requirements set by the Massage Therapist (CMT) options.**

Certified Massage Therapist:

1. 500 education Hrs with 250 of those Hrs from an approved school.

2. A passing score on either the MBLEx or the NCETMB/NCETM and documented work history for at least two years.

3. Holds a current license or certification from a U.S. state or Canadian province with greater or equal requirements to CA. (Policies pending regarding massage education in other countries.)

The best way to prepare for the NCETMB/NCETM or MBLEx is to take advantage of the 2900 plus massage questions that we have on our site. You get 24 hour access to our state of the art massage testing program that tracks each test for review. Study questions in 8 different categories from massage assessment and application to anatomy, physiology, and massage law. Go into your exam with confidence which you have gained from using our massage study aid.

Massage Practitioner