PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Clinical Massage Therapy is a highly specialized health care modality that focuses on evaluating and treating soft tissue dysfunction through manual manipulation. The Clinical Massage Therapy diploma program is a 620-hour program created to facilitate an educational experience that supports the learner in their journey in becoming a skilled, caring, Licensed Massage Therapist.  Our curriculum is a well-planned series of courses, supporting and expanding the learners’ understanding of massage therapy.  We provide a “real-world” educational experience for our students that are both challenging and enjoyable.  The teaching format combines facilitated interactive discussion, practical demonstration, individual and small group projects, and supervised massage practice.  The Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma Program at Arbor prepares the student to work in various environments, from rehabilitative work in the medical setting to the calm and serene nurturing setting of a wellness clinic or day spas. The program is a well-planned series of courses, with each course supporting and expanding the student’s understanding of massage therapy. Our 7.5-month program is organized logically, allowing an intuitive delivery of knowledge and skills to be delivered uniquely and comprehensively. The student will gain a solid foundation in fundamental hands-on skills, optimal body mechanics, anatomy and pathology of the human body, an awareness of the mind-body connection, knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, a comprehensive understanding of the client/therapist relationship, and the elements necessary for creating a successful professional practice.  The unique teaching format combines socially engaged, project-based learning is facilitated by our outstanding team of instructors. In the massage technique classes, students learn through giving and receiving hands-on work. To ensure a high level of personal attention and feedback from the instructors and instructional assistants, the school limits enrollment to maintain a maximum student/instructor ratio of 14 students to 1 instructor.  This program meets the licensing requirements of most state laws and qualifies the student for the Massage and Bodywork Licensure Exam (MBLEx) and the licensing requirements for the State of Tennessee.

Upon successful completion of the Clinical Massage Therapy Program, the student will:

• be eligible for an entry-level position as a Licensed Massage Therapist,
• demonstrate a high level of proficiency in Wellness, Therapeutic and Clinical Massage,
• be eligible for an entry-level position as a Licensed Massage Therapist,
• demonstrate professional attitudes and ethical practices in all interactions with students and clients.
• have an entry-level knowledge of the human body within the theory and practice of massage therapy.
• be knowledgeable of the requirements for establishing a private practice or working in an established setting,
• be aware of the body-mechanics necessary to practice massage therapy.

PROGRAM CONTENT

Anatomy Physiology & Pathology (200)
Clinical Massage (28)
Clinical Sports Massage (16)
Clinical Reflexology (16)
Ethics for Massage Therapist (10)(16)
Career Planning (6)
Energy Work Concepts (16)
Therapeutic Massage (26)
Massage Theory (26)
Wellness Massage (26)
Massage Internship Practicum (225)
Tennessee Massage Law (5)
Business & Marketing (20)