Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) Program
600-Hours
Program Overview
The 600-hour CMT program is a combination of online classroom study and in-person hands on training. The classes will set you up for success to pass the national board exam required for massage therapist licensure, and the practicum/clinic hours will give the confidence and skills necessary to give an amazing, therapeutic massage that will set you up for a rewarding massage therapy career.
If you’d like to become licensed in massage therapy in Colorado, this program is for you.
Our massage therapist program combines the best in Western and Eastern massage techniques.
Western Massage Techniques
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue
- Myofascial
- Trigger point
- Sports massage
- Prenatal massage
Eastern Massage Techniques
- Thai massage and Thai prenatal
- Assisted stretches
- Acupressure
- Chinese meridians
- Breathwork
- Herbal medicine
Program Curriculum
Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Pathology
150 hours
This course includes foundational anatomy and physiology terms, definitions, body systems, pathology, and an introduction to kinesiology as it affects a massage therapy practice. You will learn a pathological approach to massage and will understand the various diseases and conditions that massage therapists can face.
A few of the specific, pathological subjects covered in this course will be Medical terminology, both Western and Asian signs and symptoms of disease and disharmony, indications and contraindications, acute versus chronic conditions, basic pharmacology, herbs, and supplements.
The Kinesiology classes will include Actions of individual muscles, types of muscle contractions, joint movements, as well as proprioception and PNF.
Massage Applications and Assessment, Western & Thai Massage
200 hours
In these courses, the student will learn and practice different styles of massage and better understand the context from which they came. The student will learn the “art of nourishing touch” and will understand the benefits of massage at the physiological, emotional, psychological, and energetic levels for both the therapist and the client. The student will also understand and apply proper ergonomics (body mechanics) when giving a massage on a massage table or on a massage mat, as well as learn in-depth techniques on how to better palpate. Many therapists may be great technicians but may not have the soulfulness of a therapist that is truly connecting with the client. Proper body mechanics can actually help ensure good rhythm and flow during a massage, as well as more mindful palpation.
The student will learn many, different Western techniques (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Myofascial, Trigger Point, Sports, Prenatal), as well as breath, stress management, relaxation, and meditation techniques to enable the client to better enter a restful, calm, and healing space. In addition, the student will learn how to assess a client’s needs before beginning treatment–-how to understand the intake form process, knowing the insightful questions to ask, and how to best treat the client, given different medical conditions and injuries.
The student will also learn many, different Eastern techniques (Thai Yoga Massage, Assisted stretches, Acupressure, Chinese meridians, Breathwork, Herbal medicine, & Thai Prenatal).
Thai Yoga Massage, “Lazy Man’s Yoga” is an Asian, massage modality that incorporates acupressure along meridian lines (Sen Sib), reflexology of the hands and feet, as well as progressive, assisted, passive stretching. The student will learn the fundamental aspects of Thai Yoga Massage theory & techniques and will learn how to integrate Western massage techniques, such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, & Myofascial Release into the Thai modality.
The student will also learn how to view the Asian Energy System as another layer of awareness and understanding to add to the Western massage emphasis on anatomy and physiology—the two systems when learned simultaneously will serve to make each approach richer and more therapeutically effective for the client and for the therapist. Other topics covered: Chinese Medicine Theory, Mayan Prayers & Plant Blessings, Prenatal Thai Massage, Thai Herbal Compresses, Advanced Neck Therapy, and Group Case Studies.
Practicum/Clinic
250 hours
Practice makes perfect, especially practice with direct supervision from a licensed massage therapist.
An integral part of the learning process for a massage therapist is to practice and receive proper feedback and to practice with many different body types and injuries.
We have a students-only clinic for students to work on each other with instructor supervision and assistance during the practice. The clinic practicum helps students work with many different body types, along with gaining the confidence that is necessary to work with clients outside of the school setting. In addition, our supervising instructors will be evaluating your body mechanics, technique, rhythm, and flow. During and after the session, fellow students are encouraged to give feedback about the session, and they are required to complete an evaluation form at the end of each session so the student has instant feedback.
Business/Ethics
Included in the program hours
Topics included in this course:
Maintaining professional boundaries while responding to client’s emotional needs, client interviewing techniques, communication with other health professionals, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, NCBTMB code of ethics and standards of practice, issues of confidentiality/HIPPA, basic psychological and physical dynamics of practitioner/client relationship, legal and ethical parameters of the scope of practice, planning strategies for single and multiple sessions, session record-keeping practices, outsourcing business needs (e.g., insurance billing, bookkeeping), regulations pertaining to income reporting, need for liability insurance, and legal entities (e.g., independent contractor, employee).
The student will feel prepared to become self-employed as a massage therapist and/or to apply and work at a spa, wellness center, or medical clinic. In addition, the student will feel confident with the steps needed to become licensed.
Occupational Objective:
The graduate will have enough knowledge and experience to take and potentially pass the NCBTMB or MBLEx exams in order to apply for a State Massage Therapy Registration with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
After taking and passing either exam and receiving State Registration in Colorado, the graduate should be able to attain an entry-level position as a massage therapist at a spa, wellness center, medical center, chiropractic office, or a physical therapy clinic, as well as have the skill-set to become self-employed in a private practice.