FAQ
Answers for You
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
On this page you’ll find answers to FAQs, a map of Maui, links, and other goodies.
MSTM Licenses and Credentials
What Our Graduates Say
School Facilities
Our Location
International Student Visas
Financial Aid
Tuition Rate
Credit Card Payments
Class Size
Books and Supplies
Grading and Attendance Policy
Refund Policy
Nondiscrimination Policy
Transfer Students
Continuing Education
Career Opportunities
Licensing Requirements in Hawaii
Licensing in Other States
Licensing in British Columbia
Life in Wailea
Life on Maui
Cost-of-Living
Transportation
Housing Costs
Working While You Study
Getting Here
Where to Stay When you Arrive
What are MSTM’s credentials, licenses and affiliations?
Since its inception in 1995, MSTM has been licensed as a private vocational school by the Hawaii State Department of Education, and approved by the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy. We are a member of the ABMP – Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals and of the AFMTE – Alliance for Massage Therapy Education. MSTM is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Our curriculum meets all requirements for entrance to the National Certification Examination, considered the highest professional credential in our field, as well as MBLEX, a requirement for licensing in many states, and for membership in the American Massage Therapy Association. Our graduates have close to 100% success rate on both state and national examinations. MSTM has graduated hundreds of successful LMTs.
What do your graduates say about MSTM?
You’ll find testimonials from our grads throughout this web site. Here’s a sample:
“My experience at MSTM was awesome! I learned so much about the body and about healing. In the process, I also learned a lot about myself. The administrative staff was professional and friendly. The instructors were experienced, knowledgeable, motivating, and inspiring. Every class was well structured, fun, and interesting. I truly felt like each instructor cared about my success as a future massage therapist. If you are thinking about becoming a massage therapist, look no further – MSTM is the best school on Maui!”
Monica Barnas Smith MS, LMT (graduated Fall 2009)
Would you describe the school facilities?
Entrance to the school is through the reception area/waiting room with three doors. One door goes into the restroom, one to an administrative office and one to the classroom. The classroom/clinic is light, airy and spacious (1000 square feet) with views of the ocean and the outer islands. The classroom becomes our clinic by pulling curtains around each massage table. The school has an book and video library, audiovisual equipment, anatomical models and charts, lots of massage tables, tools and supplies for massage and hydrotherapy.
Where is the school located?
MSTM is located in the Master Resort Community of Wailea on Maui's South Side. Wailea is known world wide for it's endless beaches and luxury resorts. Maui's sunset will be viewed from our classroom through our panoramic view of Molokini & Kahoolawe Islands.
How can I get a student visa?
If you will need a visa, it is best to begin the process at least 5 to 6 weeks prior to the first day of class. There is a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your seat in the class. Once you’ve registered, we will request additional information and documents from you for the purpose of preparing your I-20. A meeting with your consulate will be required next to determine if you will be granted the visa. We strongly recommend you review the following website, http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html#required, which provides detailed information about student visas. The M1 visa is valid for education only and does not allow you to work. All fees quoted in our literature are in US dollars.
What financial aid is available?
MSTM offers in-house financing through payment plans and a limited amount of need-based tuition assistance may be available. Please inquire with the Director for additional information, availability and eligibility of tuition assistance and visit our enrollment page for more details about our payment plans. MSTM is approved for funding from Alu Like. Students who qualify can apply for these funds directly at their local offices.
Why is your tuition so low?
Our Public Clinic, in addition to providing our students with valuable “hands-on” training and experience, is an important source of revenue for the school and an important resource for the community. It’s a “win-win” situation.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes. We accept credit card payments ( + 3% conveince fee). You may also make your payments by personal check, money order or cash.
How many people will be in my class?
Classes are small with approximately students per class, ensuring lots of individual attention. You will take the entire 600-hour program with the same group of classmates, which fosters a sense of community.
What books and supplies will I need for class?
Once accepted, all students receive a registration packet which includes a list of required books and supplies; however, you may request this information from the Administrator at any time. MSTM includes the textbooks, oil holster & pump bottle, 1 set of sheets, anatomical charts, massage tables and other supplies you will need. Your course outline will tell you what to bring to each class.
What is your grading policy?
Performance is evaluated by written and practical exams. A passing grade is given in each course if your average score in that course is 70% or higher, and you have at least 90% attendance for the term. Four courses are given a percentage grade: Anatomy, Massage Technique, Treatment of Common Conditions, and Neuromuscular Therapy. All other courses are graded “pass” or “fail”. Tutoring is available for a reasonable fee if needed.
What is your refund policy?
Up to two weeks before classes begin, all tuition paid can be refunded, except the non-refundable registration deposit of $500 and the $100 application fee. If a student withdraws before that time, the deposit and application fee may be credited to a subsequent program offered up to a year after the beginning of the program in which the student originally enrolled.
After two weeks of class there are no refunds, the first two weeks are calculated according to the date the school receives written notice of withdrawal. Tuition will be charged at the option four rate of $30 per class hour up to that date. In addition, the registration deposit and application fee are non-refundable and may not be credited toward future courses. Any tuition still owed by the student at the time they withdraw will be charged in accordance with the enrollment agreement.
Do you have a nondiscrimination policy?
Yes. MSTM does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin or physical disability.
Do you accept transfer students?
Students with prior training, as well as apprentices, are welcome. Please include the transcript from your previous school 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.
Do you offer Continuing Education?
Yes, most of the courses in our 600-hour program can be taken separately. Elective courses in advanced techniques are offered to students, graduates and other health practitioners who wish to broaden their education. Our school’s faculty and guest instructors teach a number of courses which vary in length and cost. Fees usually average $30-50 per hour of instruction for Continuing Education.
What can I earn as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and how will I find a job?
LMTs generally earn $40 to 60 per hour. Massage therapy is said to be the fastest growing health care profession in the US. Many of our graduates start their own private practices, while others find employment in chiropractors’ offices, medical clinics, hotels, spas or even cruise ships. Although we cannot guarantee employment, we provide placement information and job announcements when available.
“I wanted to let you know how great my experience was at M.S.T.M. and how easily I obtained work after graduation. I moved to Colorado and was immediately hired by a day spa. The pay is great, and the people are awesome. I’m so pleased with the school that I chose!” – Gretchen B.
“As the manager of a large and prestigious spa in Hawaii, I have hired hundreds of Licensed Massage Therapists over the years. I strongly prefer to hire graduates of M.S.T.M. over other schools because of their superior training and considerable clinical experience. As a general rule, your graduates are simply more effective.” – Christie A.
What are the requirements in Hawaii to become an LMT?
The State of Hawaii requires 570 hours of massage therapy instruction and specifies which subjects must be covered. The MSTM program fulfills all requirements and thoroughly prepares you for the state licensing exam which is offered 4 times per year on Maui (more often on Oahu) as well as the MBLEX. If you have attended a recognized massage school and have met all requirements for Hawaii licensing, you can apply directly to the Hawaii Board of Massage for a license. To get an application form or to contact the Board, call (808) 586-3000 or email them at massage@dcca.state.hi.us. If you have met some but not all licensing requirements, we can help you.
What about getting licensed in other states?
While every country, state and province has different licensing requirements for massage therapists, our program meets the requirements of the vast majority. Many states accept the National Certification Exam or MBLEX, and some will allow you to practice with your Hawaii license. Some states set licensing requirements at the county level. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the International Massage Association (IMA) are good networking and information sources. For a list of the basic licensing requirements of each state.
Can I practice massage in British Columbia?
To practice as a Registered Massage Therapist in British Columbia, you must complete 3,000 hours of training in a full-time 3 year program which costs between $25,000 and $30,000 (Canadian). Many people seek an alternative to this, and prefer our more holistic approach, which includes, but is not limited to, medical massage. Graduates of our 600-hour program have set up successful private practices in BC but cannot call themselves Licensed or Registered Massage Therapists. Training from MSTM may not be transferred to a BC massage therapy college. Other Canadian provinces have less stringent requirements.
What’s it like living on Maui?
Maui is a very diverse island community of about 120,000 residents and approximately 30,000 visitors. The natural beauty of Maui is breathtaking. We have some of the finest palm tree-lined beaches on the planet. In an hour or so, you can drive from your favorite beach or surfing spot to the summit of Mount Haleakala, a 10,000-foot extinct volcano filled with giant, multicolored cinder cones, miles of hiking trails, and plants and animals found nowhere else. The famed Hana Highway twists and turns along the “wet” side of Maui, with waterfalls, lush rain forest, spectacular cliffs, and a shoreline of lava formations and pounding surf. If you want to get your feet wet, you can swim, dive, surf, paddle or snorkel with whales, dolphins, sea turtles and tropical fish, in water that’s usually in the mid-seventies. Maui is known for its ideal weather and great variety of mini-climate zones.
What is Wailea like?
What is the cost of living in Hawaii?
The cost of living is higher in Hawaii than many other states, although not as high as many major cities in the continental US. Food, gasoline and merchandise are usually a bit more expensive than the mainland due to the cost of shipping.
What about transportation?
Public transit is very limited on Maui, so a car is important. Most people rent cars when they arrive on Maui while they look for housing and their own vehicle. Some of the local rental agencies have used cars available for much less than what national rental companies charge. Bicycling can be a great way to commute, as most roads are designed with bike lanes or shoulders.
What does housing cost on Maui?
You can expect to spend $1,000 – $1,500+ for a room in a shared house, and about $1,500 – $2,900+ for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. It’s important to arrive a few weeks before classes begin to find housing and to get settled. We strongly advise against renting a place you haven’t seen. Many students find housing right in Kihei within biking distance of the school. Students often room together and our bulletin board at the school is a source of leads for housing and other opportunities in the area. You can also visit the Maui News at www.mauinews.com and craigslist.org; both are excellent sources for work, housing, transportation and information about what’s happening on Maui.
Where can I find work while studying?
Students sometime find jobs in Wailea/Kihei, in the health food store, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. Other employment opportunities are available in neighboring resorts. The tourist industry generates many jobs in sales, food service, and activities.
Can I take the massage therapy program and work too?
Yes, class are held 3 days a week. If you need to work, you have 4 days off of school. Completing the course in the 6 months Full-Time program and working can be intensive, requiring 3 days of class 8-3pm in first Term. Term 2 has 3 days of class 8-11am in addition to your clinical internship of 3 shifts 12-5pm the same days after class for 15 weeks
How do I get to Maui?
There are many flights to Maui. Many major airlines fly directly into Kahului, Maui (airport code OGG) from the US mainland. The flight from California takes about 5 hours. Flights from Asia arrive in Honolulu, Oahu. There are frequent inter-island flights to Maui. The lowest fares can often be found on internet travel sites.
Where can I stay when I first arrive?
Can you recommend any links to Maui and Hawaii web sites?
Here are a few to get you started:
State of Hawaii: www.hawaii.gov
Maui County: www.co.maui.hi.us
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau: www.hvcb.org
Great Maui Photos!: www.picturesofmaui.com
Maui News: www.mauinews.com (housing, cars)
Maui Now: www.mauinow.com
DO YOU HAVE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS?
If you will need a visa, it is best to begin the process at least 5 to 6 weeks prior to the first day of class. There is a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your seat in the class. Once you’ve registered, we will request additional information and documents from you for the purpose of preparing your I-20. A meeting with your consulate will be required next to determine if you will be granted the visa. We strongly recommend you review the following website, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html which provides detailed information about student visas. The M1 visa is valid for education only and does not allow you to work. All fees quoted in our literature are in US dollars.
For more information about our program, please contact us. For information about Hawaii and the island of Maui, please visit the links listed.
Maui School of Therapeutic Massage
161 Wailea Ike Place, Suite D102a
Wailea, Hawaii 96753
(808) 572-2277
MAE# 3514
State of Hawaii Department of Education license # 2325-1024