2008 MASSAGE THERAPY
PROGRAM SCHEDULES & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PROGRAM SCHEDULES

The 650-hour curriculum is offered in two formats: the 7-month (full-time) program and the 12-month (part-time) program. The course of study and tuition are the same for each.

Twelve-Month, Part-Time Program:
Our part-time program begins twice a year, every March and September. Our current part-time course began on March 11, 2008. Term 1 will end on August 23 with a semester break until classes resume Sunday September 7, 2008. Holiday break is scheduled from December 21 until classes resume on January 4, 2009. The program completion date and Graduation is Saturday March 14, 2009.  Our next part-time program is scheduled to begin on September 2, 2008.

Term One (the first six months): Classes are scheduled on Tuesdays: 6:00 to 9:00pm, Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:30pm, and Saturdays from 2:00 to 6:30pm.

Term Two (the second six months): There are two 4-hour clinic shifts plus one day of classes each week. Classes are scheduled on Sundays, from 9:00am to 5:00pm with a one-hour lunch break.

No classes are held on Easter, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July or the last two weeks of December. There will be a one-week break between terms. Clinic attendance is optional during these periods.

Seven-Month, Full-Time Program:
Our seven-month intensive begins twice a year, every March and September. Our current full time course began on March 31, 2008. Term 1 will end on June 25, 2008 with a semester break until Term 2 begins on July 7, 2008. The program completion date and Graduation is scheduled for October 11, 2008. Our next part-time program is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2008.

Term One: Classes are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 4:00pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Term Two: Classes are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Each student is also scheduled for three 4-hour clinic shifts per week.

No classes are held on Easter, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July or the last two weeks of December. During December, there will be the option of a reduced clinic schedule and elective workshops.

Due to the demands of the full-time program, students are discouraged from working. If you are experiencing financial or other stresses that would make it difficult to focus on your training, then enrolling in the 12-month program is a better choice.

Extended Program Options:
Students or graduates who want more extensive training, or need more than 650 hours of credit for their state, may choose to enroll in an extended program. Extended programs are individually tailored to the interests and needs of each student. Maui School of Therapeutic Massage also offers an 800 hour certification option, which consists of an additional 150 hours of advanced study and specialization in a variety of massage and bodywork approaches. More information is available upon request.

Transfer Students:
Students with prior training, as well as apprentices, are welcome to enroll in the program and will be placed into the appropriate courses to complete their training and acquire eligibility for Hawaii state licensure. MSTM offers transfer students a variety of options for training and specialization as well as flexibility with scheduling options from our core programs and advanced training courses. Please include your transcript from previous education with your application form. We can design a program especially for you based on what you’ve studied, what you need, your budget and your interests. Contact us with details about your background, goals, and for more detailed information on Hawaii’s licensing requirements.  

Tuition:
Tuition for either of our 650-hour programs is $4,800 plus state tax. For payment options, please see the Apply and Enroll page.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

The following courses are included in our 650-hour therapeutic massage programs. They can also be taken individually. Our programs are divided into two semesters, or Terms, with a short break between terms.

Term One Courses

 Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology: 75 hours
This study of human anatomy and physiology provides an understanding of the body relevant to the massage therapist’s perspective, with an emphasis on the detailed anatomy of muscles and bones and an introduction to pathology and structural kinesiology.

Massage Theory & Technique: 72 hours
You’ll learn to give a Swedish/Esalen-style massage, with time in class to practice on each other. This course also includes aromatherapy, seated massage, body mechanics, self-care, sanitation and hygiene, ethics, communication, professional development, and the effects, uses and contraindications of massage.

Wellness & Stress Management: 8 hours
A presentation of comprehensive models of wellness, the physiology of stress, stress and lifestyle assessments, stress management approaches, stress reduction techniques and wellness practices.

Hawaiian Lomilomi: 32 hours
An introduction to traditional Hawaiian massage techniques characterized by long, flowing, graceful strokes.

Reflexology: 6 hours
Using pressure points in the feet to treat reflex areas in other parts of the body.

Hydrotherapy & Spa Treatments: 14 hours
In this course, you’ll practice various techniques for applying hot and cold water, packs, wraps, poultices, clay, salt, ice and herbs, to treat various acute and chronic conditions. Pohaku Hot Stone Massage is also presented and practiced.

Sports Massage: 20 hours
How to use massage to prepare an athlete’s body for competition, help the body recover after athletic activity, therapeutic stretching, body mobilization techniques, and treatment of common sports injuries.

Therapeutic Exercise: 7 hours
Movement therapy, stretches and strengthening for self-care as well as client care.

Deep Tissue Massage: 20 hours
Specific techniques and body mechanics for working deeper into the muscles and fascia, to improve structural balance of the body. Also known as Myofascial Release.

Professional Development/Clinical Practice Skills/Assessment 14 hours
Students learn the specifics of professional practice skills and knowledge including history of massage, ethics, boundary and sexual issues, client assessment and history taking, record keeping, treatment goals and planning.

 Term Two Courses

Neuromuscular Therapy: 64 hours
A hands-on course in musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology and the therapeutic techniques of Neuromuscular Therapy. This course provides an understanding of the clinical causes of soft tissue pain and techniques to relieve it, including specific releases for individual muscles and trigger point therapy. Origins, insertions, actions, palpation, and anatomically specific techniques are covered for each of the major muscles.

Body-Mind Integration & Energy Approaches: 12 hours
Understanding the interface between the body and emotions, and practical skills to enhance healing holistically. An introduction to Polarity and Cranio-Sacral Therapy will be included.

Acupressure & Asian Bodywork: 21 hours
An introduction to Shiatsu and acupressure methods, using pressure at specific points along acupuncture meridians to enhance the flow of energy through the body. Technqiues learned include Back Shiatsu, Jin Shin Acupressure releases, and treatment of common therapeutic points.

Treatment of Common Conditions: 56 hours
An integration of assessment, orthopedic massage, and other techniques found to be effective in treating various conditions commonly seen by Massage Therapists. Specific treatments designed for acute injuries, chronic pain, headaches, muscle strain, spasm, tendonitis, whiplash, low back pain, pregnancy, constipation, sciatica, and other conditions will be practiced in class.

Business Practices: 8 hours
How to set up a private massage therapy practice, bill insurance companies, and apply for a job.

Anatomy Review, Exam Preparation & Final Exam: 9 Hours
Preparation for Hawaii State Licensing and National Certification Exams as well as our Final Exam.

Community Outreach: 12 hours
Community service events focusing on special needs groups such as critically ill patients, the elderly, handicapped children and athletes.

Clinical Massage Practice: 200 hours
During the second semester, you’ll develop your professional career skills by giving massages to the public in our supervised student clinic. This experience helps develop confidence and integrates the academic, business, communication and practical skills you’re learning in class. All treatments are supervised by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who are available to help with challenging cases and to demonstrate and consult as needed.

  

“The best thing I did after arriving on Maui was to take the massage therapy course at MSTM. It has fulfilled so many of my dreams. The program is the best organized and well-rounded of any I know. All classes are taught by excellent teachers who have many years of experience and who care about the long-term success of their students. Now I work at a resort, and we have clients ask for all the techniques we were taught in class. They even ask for specific treatments for every condition that I learned to treat. The therapists from other schools don’t have the broad training and clinical experience to handle the variety of requests.”
  - Bob Coombs, LMT, MSTM class of ‘99
 

For more information, be sure to:

• Visit our FAQ page, which answers questions about life on Maui, our facility, policies, school licenses and credentials, career opportunities, financial aid options, and student visa.
• Request a catalog
• See our calendar

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