American Institute of Massage Therapy

Programs

Massage Therapist - 624 Hours/31 Weeks (Approved/Accredited by BPPVE and ABHES)

This 624-hour program is designed to teach students the basic skills necessary for employment as a massage therapist. Massage therapy involves the scientific application of Swedish massage strokes and other massage techniques to create specific effects throughout the body. In order to achieve such a goal, a student must complete 200 hours of massage therapy fundamental, musculoskeletal systems, basic massage, and business law and ethics. The following 160 hours include individual muscles, sports massage, and hydrotherapy. Systems of the body and advanced and complementary techniques entail another 160 hours. The program is rounded out with an additional 24 hours for review and testing and 80 hours for clinical practicum at athletic events. Students are encouraged to complete CPR/First Aid training and receive a certification before graduation. This encompasses the basic minimum amount of training that is necessary to enable a student to work in the field as a massage therapist. It is important to understand that all 624 hours of this program must be completed under supervision at AIMT or AIMT’s designated sites.

Classes are divided into academic and practicum classes. Academic classes are lecture-style classes wherein the students sit at desks and study the different systems of the body, nutrition, pathology, etc., especially as it relates or pertains to the practicum side of the massage profession.

Massage tables and/or chairs are set up in the classroom for practicum classes, which involve hands-on study. As the instructor explains the mechanics of each massage stroke, she/he will intertwine the academic lessons relevant to that stroke, the effects it will have on the various systems of the body, the names of the muscles and tissues affected, the contraindications, etc. Proper draping to protect the client’s modesty is required. The use of good body mechanics is always stressed in an effort to ensure the longevity of each graduate’s practice.

Students graduating from this 624-hour program are equipped with the knowledge and skills that enable them to become professional massage therapists and have enough educational hours to meet the requirements for taking the National Certification Exam and to obtain a Massage Therapy License from most cities in California or other states in the USA.

Massage Therapy/Sports Massage Therapist - 1029 Hours/48 Weeks (Approved/Accredited by BPPVE and ABHES)

Basically, this program covers all subjects of the 624-hour program with more details plus comprehensive and advanced techniques. The 1,029 hour program includes 216 hours of massage therapy fundamental, musculoskeletal systems, basic massage, and business law and ethics. The following 172 hours include individual muscles, sports massage, and hydrotherapy. Systems of the body and advanced and complementary techniques entail another 172 hours. The big difference between this program and the 624-hour program is the addition of 292 hours in assessment, advanced sports massage, clinical pathologies, specialty massage techniques, Asian bodywork methods, aromatherapy, and reflexology. This program is rounded out with an additional 29 hours for review and testing and 148 hours for clinical practicum at athletic events. Students are encouraged to complete CPR/First Aid training and receive a certification before graduation. It is important to understand that all 1029 hours of this program must be completed under supervision at AIMT or AIMT’s designated sites.

Participation at athletic events is an exceptionally good form of study/practice for the students. In one day, a student may work on 10 to 20 different people. The events therefore provide intense, repeated supervised exposure to particular problems/solutions. Participation at running, cycling and swimming events allows the students to practice techniques learned in classroom and gain valuable real life experiences.

Students graduating from this 1029-hour program have knowledge and skill to become professional massage therapist and may specialize in sports massage or other advanced techniques; they have enough educational hours to meet the requirements for taking the National Certification Exam and to obtain a Massage Therapy License from all cities in California or any states in the USA.

The graduates from this program have a definite advantage in the work field because their training is based in medical expertise. Not only do they have a plethora of techniques to choose from, but they also know the physiological effects of the strokes, which add credibility to their profession. Their knowledge and experience greatly serve their clients and develop client loyalty.

Testimonials on Students’ Skills

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