Advanced Massage Therapy

Are you interested in earning a diploma in massage therapy? The Praxis Institute offers an Advanced Massage program that gives students the skills needed to expand their career opportunities. Through comprehensive massage classes and hands‑on training, students develop a strong foundation in therapeutic techniques used in both wellness and clinical environments. Learn more about our program near you in Miami, Florida, its objectives, and its requirements.

Instructor teaching students about massage therapy techniques with client laying on massage table

Key Takeaways

  • The Advanced Massage program at Praxis Institute helps students build beyond foundational massage skills with advanced therapeutic and clinical techniques.
  • Students receive training in specialized modalities such as deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, electrostimulation, ultrasound, laser, and spa therapies.
  • The program includes theory and supervised clinical sessions, combining online coursework with in-person lab and hands-on training.
  • Graduates are academically and clinically prepared to pursue massage therapy licensure and sit for certification or licensing exams.

Massage Therapy Program Objectives

Our Advanced Massage program provides students with the clinical expertise and hands-on proficiency needed to advance beyond basic massage therapy. The curriculum emphasizes advanced methods, including precise assessment, corrective work, and evidence-based strategies for pain relief and enhanced mobility. Students gain a foundation in:

  • Deep tissue massage: Students discover how to apply targeted, sustained pressure to deeper muscle layers to address chronic tension, structural imbalance, and restricted mobility.
  • Electrostimulation: Coursework introduces students to the therapeutic use of electrical stimulation devices to reduce pain, support muscle activation, and enhance clinical treatment plans.
  • Laser: Students receive foundational training in low-level laser therapy to reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and support soft-tissue recovery.
  • Spa therapies: Instruction includes hydrotherapy, body treatments, and relaxation techniques that complement clinical work and prepare students for spa and wellness settings.
  • Ultrasound: Students are taught how therapeutic ultrasound supports tissue healing, increases circulation, and reduces stiffness in targeted areas.
  • Neuromuscular therapy: Training covers trigger-point release, nerve pathway patterns, and corrective techniques to relieve chronic muscular dysfunction.
  • Manual lymphatic drainage: Students are taught gentle, rhythmic movements that support lymphatic flow, reduce swelling, and promote recovery following injury, inflammation, or medical treatment.

Graduates of the program are academically and clinically prepared to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam or the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). These credentials help students qualify for professional massage therapy licensure and expand their employment opportunities in clinical, rehabilitative, and wellness environments.

Massage Therapy School Requirements

The Praxis Institute encourages prospective students to visit the campus to learn more about our Advanced Massage Therapy program. Applicants must have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate before enrolling in upper‑level massage classes. Having an interview with admissions is required before attendance.

Advanced Massage Therapy Program Courses

The Advanced Massage Therapy program includes 750 hours of theory and 115 hands-on clinical sessions. All academic coursework is conducted online for flexibility, while laboratories and practical training occur on campus at our Miami and Hialeah sites. Florida state licensure applications are available after 540 hours of theory, practice, and service. The curriculum covers human anatomy, physiology, and clinical rehabilitation.

Our hybrid learning model allows students to study core concepts remotely while gaining essential in‑person experience with therapeutic tools and advanced massage techniques. The following massage therapy courses make up the theory component of the program:

Program Outline

Course Number Course Title Clock Hours
TMT01 Human Anatomy and Physiology 190
TMT02 Massage Theory and Clinical Practicum 225
TMT03 Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy 15
TMT04 Introduction to Allied Modalities 76
TMT05 Florida State Law 10
TMT06 Business Principles and Development 15
TMT07 HIV/AIDS 3
TMT08 Medical Errors 2
TMT09 Professional Ethics 4
DT100 Deep Tissue 45
NMT100 Neuromuscular Therapy 100
MLD100 Manual Lymph Drainage 50
CR100 Clinical Rehabilitation (Laser/Ultrasound/Electrostimulation and Infrared) 15
TOTAL 750

This program has 750 hours of theory, practice and clinical training.

Program Delivery All theory component of this program’s curriculum is delivered via online/distance education mode.
All laboratory and practice component of this program’s curriculum is delivered via the traditional on-campus face-to-face mode.

Services Component

Students in the Advanced Massage Therapy program complete 115 or more supervised services to gain practical experience and apply the skills learned in their coursework. This hands‑on requirement strengthens the techniques taught in their massage classes and prepares them for real client interaction. After completing 540 hours of theory, practice, and clinical services, students become eligible to take the NCBTMB.

Services are:

Face and neck massage   10   Deep Tissue massage   8
Hands and arms massage   10   NMT massage   17
Abdomen massages   10   Pathology   13
Feet and legs massage   10        
Back massage   10        
Full body massages   10        

Advanced Massage Therapy vs. Therapeutic Massage Program

At The Praxis Institute, we offer two massage programs. The Advanced Massage Therapy program provides more advanced training than the Therapeutic Massage Technician program. While the technician option emphasizes foundational skills, the advanced program teaches specialized modalities, such as deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and clinical rehabilitation.

Advanced students also complete significantly more supervised services than the technician track’s 60-hour minimum. This prepares graduates for specialized positions and a wider range of career options.

Career Paths for Massage Therapists

Graduates of the Advanced Massage Therapy program can pursue a broad range of professional roles in both wellness and healthcare. With advanced skills and experience, students qualify for careers offering flexibility, advancement, and stability, including:

  • Self-employed massage therapist: Graduates may establish their own massage therapy business, offering personalized services, setting their own schedule, and building a client base that aligns with their professional goals.
  • Massage therapy instructor: Experienced therapists can transition into teaching, helping future students learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of massage therapy.
  • Hospital massage therapist: Some hospitals and medical centers hire massage therapists to support patient comfort, reduce stress, and assist with pain management as part of integrated care.
  • Traveling massage therapist: Mobile therapists provide on‑site services in homes, offices, and event settings, offering flexibility and convenience for clients who cannot visit a traditional practice.
  • Spa massage therapist: Graduates may work in spas, resorts, and wellness centers, delivering therapeutic and relaxation‑focused services in client‑centered environments.

Enroll in Our Advanced Massage Therapy Program Near You in Miami, Florida

If you’re ready to start your massage career training, trust The Praxis Institute. Our Advanced Massage Therapy program offers practical training to open advanced pathways for students. We also offer financial aid to eligible students and comprehensive career services. With our convenient locations near you in Hialeah and Miami, Florida, prospective students can visit to see our labs and classrooms and meet our experienced instructors. To learn more about our advanced massage courses, contact us today.

FAQ About the Advanced Massage Program

What techniques are taught in the Advanced Massage program?

Students learn advanced modalities such as deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, electrostimulation, laser, ultrasound, and spa therapies.

How is the Advanced Massage program delivered?

The program uses a hybrid format, with academic coursework completed online and labs plus hands-on clinical training completed on campus.

How many clinical sessions are required in the Advanced Massage program?

Students complete 115 or more supervised services to build real-world experience and strengthen their practical skills.

What are the admission requirements for the Advanced Massage program?

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and complete an admissions interview before enrolling in upper-level massage classes.

Can graduates pursue licensure after completing the Advanced Massage program?

Yes. After completing the required hours, students are prepared to pursue licensure and sit for exams such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam or the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
 

Requisitos de graduación (Graduation Requirements)