The therapeutic massage technician program at The Praxis Institute prepares students in the Miami, Florida, area for several entry-level careers as massage therapists. Students will gain the knowledge and practical experience necessary to perform numerous tasks, elevating their prospects in a highly competitive job market. Find out more about this diploma program and how massage therapy certification can help you land a rewarding career.
Therapeutic Massage Training (School Requirements)
The Praxis Institute encourages applicants to visit our facility in person. We require that students complete an entry interview before admission into our therapeutic massage training program. During interviews, we discuss the program goals, costs, and other aspects of attending our school. We also give students a tour of the facility, and students can choose to sit in on a class. Students must be high school graduates or have received a GED or equivalent diploma to enter.
Therapeutic Massage Program Objectives
The primary goal of this program is to give students a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology. A significant portion of the coursework is devoted to helping students increase their ability to apply massage techniques, as well as hydrotherapy (using water) and heliotherapy (using sunlight). They also will become acquainted with exercise methods for the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, students take classes on Florida State Law, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and HIV-AIDS.
Students must complete 540 hours of theory and practice-based classwork and 60 services or more to complete their applied training and earn their diploma. Students attend online classes to learn the theory component of therapeutic massage and take in-person classes on campus for lab and practical work.
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 |
| TOTAL | 540 | |
This program has 540 hours of theory and practice.
| 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:
All students are required to complete at least 60 services as part of their applied clinical training.
Services are:
| Face and neck massage | 10 | |
| Hands and arms massage | 10 | |
| Abdomen massages | 10 | |
| Feet and legs massage | 10 | |
| 10 | ||
| Full body massages | 10 |
Upon completion of these hours, students will be prepared to apply for their Florida State License and complete the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Once they pass these assessments, they can begin their professional careers.
Therapeutic Massage Program vs. Advanced Massage Program
Despite the similarities between this program and the advanced therapeutic sports and clinical massage diploma program offered at The Praxis Institute, they do not provide the same level of education. The advanced massage program delivers training in the same subject areas as the therapeutic massage technician but also offers Certification on the following:
- Deep tissue massage
- Neuromuscular therapy
- Pathology
- Manual lymph drainage
- Clinical rehabilitation (laser, ultrasound, electrostimulation, and infrared)
Students enrolled in the advanced massage program have more applied clinical training, as well. They must complete 115 services instead of 60 and need experience with more types of massages.
Job Opportunities for Licensed Massage Therapists
Research indicates massage therapists will have many options for their careers in the future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for massage therapists is expected to rise as an in-demand career path. Some places where professionals with massage therapy certification can find work include:
- Spa or salon: If you want to go the traditional route, you can find work at a spa or salon and provide clients with numerous services.
- Chiropractic practice: Massage therapy may be the ideal treatment for back pain for many patients. Many chiropractors hire massage therapists to be part of their staff.
- Fitness center or health club: Workouts can put tremendous strain on a person’s body. Rather than take medication, many active adults choose massage therapy as a natural treatment option. Some health clubs and gyms offer this service to help clients recover from rigorous exercise.
- Assisted living facility or hospice: Many elderly patients in nursing homes manage physical pain and mental stress through massage. Some of these facilities offer in-house positions for massage therapists.
- Private practice: If you value flexibility and self-employment, try starting a massage therapy practice. Working for yourself enables you to offer select services and create a schedule that meets your needs.
- Mobile practice: Instead of opening a massage practice in a designated location, you can establish yourself as a mobile massage therapist and perform services in people’s homes or at special events. This is another opportunity that provides flexibility in scheduling and location.
Enroll to Earn Your Massage Therapy Certification
Begin your journey in massage therapy by enrolling in the therapeutic massage technician program at The Praxis Institute today. We offer competitive prices for our courses and flexible class schedules at our two campus locations in Hialeah and Miami, FL. We also provide a fast admissions process, giving new students the ability to enroll almost every week. Contact us today to learn more about the therapeutic massage program and our other courses.
