Massage Therapy

Requirements & Procedures

A prospective student applying for any program must:

• Be 18 years of age (may be waived through personal interview w/ legal guardian signature).

• Submit a completed application.

• Submit a $50.00 registration fee.

• Submit a high school diploma or G.E.D. within 30 days of enrollment.

• Submit a written self-recommendation including relevant biographical data, basic philosophy of healthcare, and motivations for training in massage therapy.

• Interview, by phone or in person, with an admissions adviser.

• Submit a signed enrollment agreement.

• All foreign students must have passed the TOEFL English proficiency exam, with pass rates 18 or greater on all sections.

A student may be accepted for admission to the program at any time prior to the beginning of a new class, providing there is still available space. Upon review and acceptance of the prospective student's application, the student will receive written verification of acceptance, as well as an Enrollment Agreement, and a written list of what they will need to bring for class participation.

ASIS reserves the right to postpone or cancel the start date due to insufficient enrollment. If this occurs, the student may request a guaranteed reservation in the next scheduled class, or a cancellation of enrollment with a full refund of all fees paid.

Statement of Non-discrimination

The Arizona School of Integrative Studies does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, place of origin, gender, religion, age, or physical disability. If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. Within financial reasons, ASIS will attempt to accommodate all student's special needs, however, those needs must be discussed and a plan of action must be agreed upon prior to enrolling.

English Proficiency

ASIS accepts students with non-English proficiency and encourages such students to use any and all technologies available for translation. However to obtain a license in the state of Arizona, English proficiency is required by the State of Arizona Massage Board. Beginning with students who began massage school after 8/1/14, the AZ Board of Massage now requires non-proficient English speakers to prove their proficiency by taking 1 of 2 exams (statute R-15-201 C): TOEFL or TOEIC, taken and passed no more than 24 months before the date of the application.

ASIS is open for instruction Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, whether on campus or distance learning. Hours are also scheduled for the supervised student clinic. Students are required to practice their craft in our supervised clinic, during scheduled afternoon and evening sessions. Student Clinic is part of the 800 hour program requirement.

Full time day classes are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:20 PM, with 10 hours of distance learning course requirement per week.

Part time evening Classes are held Weekdays: Tuesday through Thursday, 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM, with an average of 6 hours distance learning course requirement per week.

Student Clinic class is scheduled at the beginning of a student's program, and times can vary.

The 27 week, full time, or 54 week part time training program is offered several times a year at the Flagstaff campus. The 27 week full time, or 54 week part time training program is offered almost every month at our Mesa, Tucson, and Prescott campuses. See our website, or call for program start dates.

800 Hour Course Breakdown (Lecture / Hands-On / Total Hours)

• Fundamentals of Massage Therapy (Swedish massage) — 20 lecture / 60 hands-on / 80 total
• Therapeutic Massage 1 (Lymphatic massage, Reflexology, Neuromuscular therapy) — 17.5 lecture / 49 hands-on / 66.5 total
• Asian & Energy Therapies (Shiatsu, Thai Massage) — 11 lecture / 80.5 hands-on / 91.5 total
• Kinesiology & Palpation (Muscles, Bones, Joints & Movement) — 60 lecture / 2.5 hands-on / 62.5 total
• Therapeutic Massage 2 (Connective Tissue therapy, Craniosacral therapy, Sports & Injury Rehab) — 27.5 lecture / 115.5 hands-on / 143 total
• Anatomy & Physiology — 50 lecture / 10 hands-on / 60 total
• Communications, Ethics & Business — 52.5 lecture / 12 hands-on / 64.5 total
• Therapeutic Processes (Chiropractic, Universal Precautions, Health & Hygiene, Case Studies, Integrative massage, Hydrotherapy) — 25 lecture / 107 hands-on / 132 total
• Supervised Clinic Practicum — 0 lecture / 100 hands-on / 100 total
• TOTAL COURSE HOURS — 800

Swedish Massage

The first five weeks of the program are spent learning the basic strokes of Swedish Massage. This modality focuses primarily on affecting the circulatory systems of the body by using a variety of strokes which help bring about balance and relaxation for the client. In these beginning weeks, much attention is given to the development of healthful body mechanics, respectful use of draping, universal precautions, and fundamental therapist/client communication.

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)

This modality addresses the superficial and middle layers of connective tissue (fascia) in the body and effectively promotes relaxation, vitality, and increased awareness of postural biomechanics. Body reading, postural analysis, and functional assessments are addressed. This class is an introduction to Structural Integration.

Craniosacral

Craniosacral therapy is a holistic healing practice that uses very light touch to balance the craniosacral system in the body, which includes the bones, nerves, fluids, and connective tissues of the cranium and spinal area. This course is designed to help slow down the work of students in an attempt to increase more subtle palpation skills.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)

This therapy focuses on releasing acute or chronically contracted muscles and tendons by applying specific and direct point pressure to the myofascia of the body. NMT is a simple and effective way to reduce pain, tension, and stress that can result from injuries, poor posture and unbalanced nutrition.

Shiatsu & Asian Studies

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork designed to promote health by influencing and improving the state of energy in the body. Students become familiar with basic Oriental theory, the 12 meridians, the five elements, and many of the acupoints for muscular release and energy movement. In Thai massage, the entire body is pushed, pressed, rocked, vibrated and rhythmically compressed by virtually every part of the therapist's body.

Injury Rehabilitation & Sport Massage

Sports Massage is an integrative modality designed to help athletes throughout a variety of training phases. Within this modality the student is educated on several sports massage techniques: pre-event massage, post-event massage, flexibility programs, and maintenance massage, however the emphasis of this training is looking at repetitive motion injuries, injury assessment, and development of a rehabilitative protocol.

Integrative Massage

The intent of this body of work is to allow the student opportunities to increase creativity, spontaneity and refinement of existing skills, while exploring the interface between the body and the mind. These classes are used as an opportunity to practice the blending of the learned techniques, as well as a time to introduce the students to a variety of other massage modalities, ranging from Infant Massage to massaging the elderly.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a scientific art that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas on the hands, feet, and ears that correspond to every gland, organ and structure in the human body. Students will learn the history, theories and basic reflexology techniques to incorporate reflexology into their massage sessions.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymph Drainage Massage (LDM) is a gentle form of bodywork that aids the natural flow of lymph to improve immunity, remove toxins and reduce edema throughout the body. Students will learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, pathologies, indications, and contraindications for the work.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is defined as using water for therapeutic purposes. At ASIS, therapeutic applications of heat and cold, ice packs, body wraps, Kneip therapies, whirlpools, flower essences, essential oils, and other therapeutic tools and procedures are discussed or practiced in the school setting.

Chiropractic Assistant Training

Interspersed throughout the program, students will receive training for becoming a Certified Chiropractic Assistant (CCA). These classes prepare therapists to work in a cooperative relationship within a chiropractor's office.

Supervised Student Clinic

Students are required to complete 100 hours of supervised student clinic time. This time is intended to help prepare the student to meet their clients in a professional setting, giving the student invaluable experience in business & marketing, charting and note taking, and the chance to massage a wide variety of clients. Students will perform a Clinic Readiness assessment to start in Clinic, and a Clinic Completion assessment to complete clinic requirements. Within the sixty three clinic sessions, students are occasionally scheduled to be Clinic Coordinator Assistant as an opportunity to experience the business aspects of being a Massage Therapist.

Required workbooks, a small variety of oils, linens, and other products used during class are included in the tuition. ASIS provides all massage tables and chairs needed for in-class and student clinic practice, so that students do not need to purchase them during the program; however, new and used equipment may be purchased directly through the school. Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy licensing fees are included in tuition for those who plan to apply for Arizona licensure.

Additional Expenses: Lodging, meals, and personal expenses are not included in the cost of the tuition, nor are the cost of extra oils, sheets, towels, and pillows used in class. In addition, there are fees associated with out-of-state licensing boards and their application requirements. Financial aid and VA benefits are not available for Continuing Education & Workshop courses.

Federal Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Grants are considered gift aid (no repayment required) and are awarded to the students showing the greatest financial need. Loans by definition must be repaid. To find out if you qualify for either Pell Grants, or Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Loans, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may also apply for personal bank loans, or an Education Line of Credit through Mountain America Credit Union. ASIS accepts all major credit cards, personal checks, and cash for payment.

Required workbooks, a small variety of oils, linens, and other products used during class are included in the tuition. ASIS provides all massage tables and chairs needed for in-class and student clinic practice, so that students do not need to purchase them during the program. However, new and used equipment may be purchased directly through the school.

Total program tuition is $14,135 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

Job Opportunities & Graduate Placement

ASIS maintains a listing of available positions that are sent to the school and on its alumni website. This file is updated by the staff and available to the students. The school does not guarantee job placement as a result of completion of the program. Self-employment and part-time work are common vocational objectives for massage therapists. Upon graduation, before massage employment, graduates need to apply for a state license.

ASIS offers assistance with job placement for all graduates. As a result of their training at ASIS, successful graduates gain the skills to work in a wide variety of locations; private practice, spas, chiropractic and sports clinics, and other health care environments. The ASIS facebook page posts ongoing job listings when available. While ASIS Massage Education makes every effort to assist graduates in reaching their vocational objectives, job placement is not and cannot be guaranteed.

Educational Objectives

Upon program completion, students will be able to:

• Display a working knowledge of the structure and function of the human body and how they relate to massage therapy.
• Effectively plan and organize a therapeutic massage therapy session.
• Create and provide a professional and comprehensive massage session for a variety of populations.
• Navigate the therapeutic relationship(s) with clients appropriately, with an understanding of professional boundaries.
• Understand and implement self care tools to support career longevity as a massage therapist.
• Develop a career plan for the following employment opportunities: Self Employment, Business Owner, Employee.
• Explore strategies for participating in continuing education, professional association affiliations, and other areas of professional development.

The goal of the staff and instructors at the Arizona School of Integrative Studies is to provide the space and education needed to facilitate students' paths to become proficient massage therapists and bodyworkers.

In class, our goal is to explore the various ways that learning can take place. We offer a variety of feedback opportunities for students to share how they best learn. A blend of kinesthetic, audio, and visual tools are available to encourage insight of each individual's learning process. Our classes allow for students to receive ample attention from our dedicated staff. Instructors in our program bring decades of experience in both bodywork and industry knowledge to their students, with a rich and diverse learning environment. We are dedicated to offering our students the highest quality of possible education, while supporting their personal growth.

We are committed to the value and safety of individual needs within the learning process; our low student-teacher ratios help us ensure awareness in education. ASIS supplies students with starter kits which include oils and sheets, textbooks and access to an online student support system. All ASIS campuses have wifi available for students. ASIS enrolls all students in its Moodle based learning portal.

This course of study has been carefully thought out and is designed for full participation. Each day builds upon the previous day, and each modality builds upon the previous modality. In our experience, learning requires the full commitment of both the teacher and the student. We look forward to this dance with you.