Earning a diploma in massage therapy from The Praxis Institute can lead to many rewarding career paths. Our advanced massage program provides students with the clinical skills needed to expand their professional options as massage therapists. Offered at our campuses in Miami and Hialeah, Florida, this program offers theoretical and practical training through diverse coursework that covers vital aspects of advanced massage therapy.

Massage therapist teaching students

Massage Therapy Program Objectives

The proficiencies taught in this course prepare students to complete either the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) licensing exam (MBLEx). The program provides massage therapy certification in the following areas to help students gain employment in a variety of locations:

Massage Therapy School Requirements

The Praxis Institute strongly encourages potential students to visit us in person. Students who apply to the advanced massage therapy training program must have previously earned a high school diploma or equivalent certification, such as the GED. Students who visit will receive a complete orientation to program goals and objectives, as well as a tour of our facilities. They will also learn about the cost and duration of the program and may choose to attend a class on the day of the interview.

Program Courses

The advanced massage program features 750 hours of theory, practice, and clinical training. Classes focused on theoretical concepts occur online via a distance educational model, but laboratory work and practical application courses happen in traditional, in-person settings at our locations in Hialeah and Miami, FL. The theory-based courses for our advanced massage therapy program include:

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:

Besides gaining knowledge in conventional classes, students also must perform 115 services or more as part of the applied clinical training aspect of the program. Students who complete 540 hours of therapeutic massage technician coursework, including theory, practice, and services, can take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The services element includes the following tasks:

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

The advanced massage program provides extra training not found in the therapeutic massage technician program. For instance, therapeutic massage does not cover deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), manual lymph drainage, or clinical rehabilitation.

Additionally, students taking the therapeutic massage technician course need to complete only 60 services for their applied clinical training. Pathology, deep tissue, NMT are not required for this program.

Career Paths for Massage Therapists

Once students complete the 750 required hours for the program, they will receive their diplomas and meet the criteria to apply for a Florida State License. After passing the licensure exam, they can seek employment as entry-level massage therapists. Some occupations our graduates pursue include:

  • Traditional massage therapist: Choosing this career path enables you to find work in various settings, such as spas, salons, resorts, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and fitness centers.
  • Self-employed massage therapist: If you value flexibility and freedom, you can open a private practice and work for yourself. Being self-employed allows you to select which services you offer and set a schedule that meets your personal needs.
  • Massage therapy teacher: Once you have some experience as a massage therapist, you may want to train students in the skills necessary to thrive in the industry. Educators tend to enhance their abilities when instructing others, as well.
  • Hospital massage therapist: Given the high-stress atmosphere of healthcare facilities, some hospitals and practices implement massage centers onsite for patients and even medical staff. Massage services also are frequently used in nursing homes and hospice settings.
  • Traveling massage therapist: If clients do not have time to visit the spa or salon, you can become a mobile massage therapist and bring your services to their homes or offices. Traveling massage therapists also may be hired for weddings and similar occasions. Most mobile massage therapists are self-employed, but some spas and clinics will send their employees on the road as representatives.
  • Athletic massage specialist: Massage therapists who love sports can find work helping athletes recover from injuries and stay healthy between games. Some teams will even hire a specific professional as their designated massage specialist.

Enroll in Our Advanced Massage Therapy Program Today

At The Praxis Institute, our goal is to deliver high-quality training that leads to rewarding employment. Competitive pricing, flexible scheduling, and an accelerated enrollment process make getting an education more convenient and affordable for students. Contact us today to learn more about studying advanced massage therapy in the Miami, FL, area.