Choose a rewarding career in the massage therapy industry with our certificate programs. Impact lives using holistic healing by addressing body and soul.
Massage therapy is one of the oldest natural health methods still in practice. It is considered a clinically validated treatment for a variety of ailments, disorders, and anxiety. Our daily stress burdens our spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. To alleviate the impacts of these daily stresses, massage therapists employ holistic massage therapy techniques that integrate Eastern bodywork traditions with Western science. Individuals seeking natural techniques of restoring equilibrium among the body’s complex systems choose massage therapy as an alternate method of healing.
San Diego has several integrative health centers and massage therapy schools that train individuals to become highly qualified massage therapists for a fulfilling career.
ICOHS College provides the highest quality of education and professional career training. Our Hybrid Massage Therapy program is a 630-hour accredited program with 320 hours of asynchronous learning and 310 hours of in person learning.
Education is facilitated in a dynamic, compassionate, and personalized environment whereby students are inspired to reach their fullest growth potential. The mission of the Professional Massage Therapy program is to provide relevant education and training that integrates a balance of Western and Eastern holistic health principles and practices through the art of massage therapy.
Students develop an in-depth understanding of the human body and learn effective methods for applying a variety of massage and bodywork techniques to support the health and well-being of future clients.
Our hybrid model exceeds the minimum requirements to obtain certification through the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to work as a Massage Therapist in the State of California.
Education and professional career training is provided by integrating a balance of western, eastern, and holistic health principles and practices. Students will gain in-depth knowledge through relevant online self-study using the latest in educational technology such as palpation, illustration, technique, and dissection videos.
ICOHS offers an exclusive partnership with San Diego’s leaders in the field of Thai and Tui Na Massage and Bodywork Instruction. Upon completion of certification, graduates will be qualified to work in franchised massage clinics, day spas, hotels, fitness centers, chiropractors’ offices, health clubs, or in private practice.
ICOHS College provides the highest quality of education and professional career training. Our Hybrid Massage Therapy program is a 630-hour accredited program with 320 hours of asynchronous learning and 310 hours of in person learning. Education is facilitated in a dynamic, compassionate, and personalized environment whereby students are inspired to reach their fullest growth potential. The mission of the Professional Massage Therapy program is to provide relevant education and training that integrates a balance of Western and Eastern holistic health principles and practices through the art of massage therapy.
Students develop an in-depth understanding of the human body and learn effective methods for applying a variety of massage and bodywork techniques to support the health and well-being of future clients.
Our hybrid model exceeds the minimum requirements to obtain certification through the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to work as a Massage Therapist in the State of California. Education and professional career training is provided by integrating a balance of western, eastern, and holistic health principles and practices. Students will gain in-depth knowledge through relevant online self-study using the latest in educational technology such as palpation, illustration, technique, and dissection videos.
ICOHS offers an exclusive partnership with San Diego’s leaders in the field of Thai and Tui Na Massage and Bodywork Instruction. Upon completion of certification, graduates will be qualified to work in franchised massage clinics, day spas, hotels, fitness centers, chiropractors’ offices, health clubs, or in private practice.
All courses are 90 clock hours for a total of 630. This program exceeds the minimum 500 hours required to apply for a professional license from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMCT).
Students will learn and master techniques for a full-body Swedish massage. Best practices are introduced in proper body mechanics, therapist self-care, session management, contraindications, and draping methods. Additional components include: the history of massage, indications and contraindications of massage, the use of oil and creams, the art of presence, grounding, and centering.
Massage terms, directional terms, and medical terminology will also be covered to facilitate professional communication. The course introduces students to safety and sanitation procedures required for client interactions, documentation skills and SOAP charting.
In addition to classroom experience, students are encouraged to engage in practice massage sessions outside of scheduled lab hours.
Students undertake a detailed exploration of muscular/skeletal anatomy. Detailed study on muscles, bones, and joints of the human body with the use of 3D models, illustration, and dissection videos. Emphasis is placed on palpation and the relationships among muscle attachments, bony landmarks, and prominent joint structures along with regions of the body with an introduction to the integral role of the nervous system.
The onsite labs will deepen students’ muscular skeletal anatomy through the inclusion of tissue palpation, drawing on the body, and comprehensive chair massage training. Advanced complimentary learning is available and includes terminology pronunciations, body awareness and self-care, critical thinking, bodywork tips and techniques, anatomy aids, muscle videos, and case studies.
This course builds on and complements the muscular and skeletal anatomy with a more advanced look into the body’s relationship to kinetic chains.
Using information gathered from the study of kinetic chains, you will explore case studies that include anatomical, joint and skill analysis for movement patterns and activities of daily living. Students further their study of skeletal muscles, their actions, and the roles they play in stability and movement. Students will analyze joint actions and define the different roles of muscles during joint movement.
There is a focus on biomechanics, posture, and gait assessment within a massage therapist’s scope of practice as well as the relationship of receptors and reflexes, and their influence on muscular actions.
Students will analyze joint actions and define the different roles of muscles during joint movement.
Students master enhanced techniques for a full-body massage, building from the knowledge base acquired in Fundamentals of Massage.
This course provides advanced rehabilitative theory and technical skills to work with clients experiencing myofascial pain symptoms of the upper and lower body. Techniques such as Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy and Cupping Therapy will be introduced and practiced with emphasis on developing upon a basic treatment protocol. Students will expand their anatomical knowledge and palpation skills in the context of rehabilitative massage.
This class is an introduction to the techniques, purpose, goals, and effects of sports massage. Also included is plenty of hands-on time for practicing the delivery of sports massage for post-event sessions. Students will also be introduced to other independent modalities or as a complement to other therapies. Documentation skills and SOAP charting skills are refined and practiced. In addition to classroom experience, students are encouraged to engage in practice massage sessions outside of scheduled class hours.
This course introduces students to the organization of the body on a chemical, cellular, tissue and system level. Integrating structures focused on the skeletal/articular, muscular, and nervous systems in detail and explores the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, integumentary, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
This course integrates the theories, principles, and techniques learned across the curriculum, from both a population and a condition perspective. The focus of the class is the critical thinking skills needed to design an individualized treatment plan to meet a client’s specific needs. Students learn and discuss the unique considerations for treating special populations, including older adults, persons with disabilities, terminal illnesses, and women in pregnancy. Special conditions are discussed with emphasis on considerations such as indications, contraindications, techniques, and adaptations.
This course identifies considerations for providing massage safely to people in a variety of ages and stages of life, as well as an understanding of some common pathological conditions seen in practice.
This class is an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medical theory and modalities specific to the field of massage therapy.
Observation and practice of modalities are required during the laboratory experience. A fundamental understanding and practical application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories of Qi, Yin/Yang, 5 elements, meridian location, acupoint locations as applied to massage therapy.
Students will learn and perform eastern bodywork such as Thai Massage and Tui Na to support the health of their clients from an eastern philosophy and integrate these techniques into their massage practice to create positive change in a clients’ condition.
Substantial attention will be paid to practitioner body mechanics and self-care techniques to ensure the practitioners’ continued well-being.
This course contains the skills and tools necessary to compete in today’s job market, develop a career strategy, and reach potential employers.
Students explore self-assessments, complete focused assignments that build upon their massage therapy goals. Students develop a clear and concise resume, cover letter, and practice effective interviewing skills.
Each student will develop an online presence, create marketing material, business planning and learn about client acquisition and retention. Additionally, students can focus on individual career tracks; either private practice; employee or blended career, practice for the MBlex examination and receive support with State certification.
All Massage Therapy students will receive their Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals membership included with their program. The ABMP membership includes tremendous benefits and resources for Massage Therapists, including:
Upon graduation, students will continue to enjoy the amazing benefits of ABMP with their FREE first year of professional membership with liability insurance.
Click on the items below to learn more about how our courses are structured.
Self-Study consists of required chapter reading and/or video watching. Content is comprehensive preparation for your assignments and mandatory membership call and in-person hands on labs.
In-Person Labs consists of MANDATORY hands-on skills, providing you opportunity to apply the knowledge you have retained and put it into applicable practice. These labs will develop your mastery of the concepts presented in the course.
The intention behind lesson review is to ensure your studies are specific to and identify topics that may require additional attention. It is also important to review your lessons each week so that you can be prepared for membership calls, labs, quizzes, and exams.
These are your MANDATORY online synchronize learning with your Mentor/Instructor, designed to enhance your online learning, answer questions, receive valuable tips of the trade, and further prepare you for your in-person labs.
Assignments must be completed in progression through the module.
These exams evaluate comprehensive knowledge for the course
These hands-on exams evaluate retained knowledge and skills required for the course.
Coursework can be completed conveniently around your schedule using your student E-learning platform. In-Person Hands-On labs have AM, PM, and weekend time slots to help fit your career training around your schedule.
| Course Name | Hours | Online Material | Live Lecture Lab (Calls) | In-Person Labs (Hands-On) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
HHF 101 Fundamentals of Massage |
90 |
25 |
10 |
55 |
|
SCI 101 Anatomy and Tissue Palpation |
90 |
55 |
10 |
25 |
|
SCI 102 Science of Movement |
90 |
60 |
5 |
25 |
|
WMM 101 Western Modalities |
90 |
25 |
5 |
60 |
|
SCI 103
Body Systems |
90 |
55 |
10 |
25 |
|
EMM 101 Eastern Modalities |
90 |
20 |
10 |
60 |
|
CD 101 Career Development |
90 |
80 |
10 |
0 |
|
TOTAL HOURS |
630 |
320 |
60 |
250 |
Online Materials: 25 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 10 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 55 hours
TOTAL: 90 HOURS
Online Materials: 55 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 10 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 25 hours
TOTAL: 90 HOURS
Online Materials: 60 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 5 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 25 hours
TOTAL: 90 HOURS
Online Materials: 25 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 5 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 60 hours
TOTAL: 90 HOURS
Online Materials: 55 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 10 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 25 hours
TOTAL: 90 HOURS
Online Materials: 20 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 10 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 60 hours
TOTAL: 90 HOURS
Online Materials: 80 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 10 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 0 hours
TOTAL: 90 HOURS
Online Materials: 320 hours
Live Lecture Lab (Calls): 60 hours
In-Person (Hands On): 250 hours
TOTAL: 630 HOURS
CAMTC Licensing Requirements: In order to meet Massage license requirements through the State of California (CAMTC), students must complete 100% of the required 310 hours as denoted below for Live Lecture Labs and In-Person Labs.
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ICOHS is a certified massage therapy school in San Diego.
Along with the Certificate of Completion students receive from ICOHS College, graduates are qualified to apply for a License from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), which legally allows you to practice massage in California.
ICOHS College supports all graduates throughout the process of obtaining licensure, reimburses the $200 application fee, and equips them with the necessary skill to excel in the massage profession.
California Massage Therapy Council Approved School
Our Student Services team is here to serve you! We plan events both on-campus and virtually, as well as cultivate events happening in the larger holistic community.
We source volunteer opportunities for students to go into the community and get practice, as well as networking and business-oriented events to help you succeed in your Massage Therapy career!
The California Massage Therapy Counsil is a private, non-proft organization that certifies massage professionals in California that meet the requirements in the law, and approving massage programs that meet the minimum standard for training and curriculum.
ICOHS College supports all graduates throughout the process of obtaining licensure, reimburses the $200 application fee, and equips them with the necessary skill to excel in the massage profession.
The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination is a standardized examination that tests the critical knowledge needed to practice massage therapy.
ICOHS makes it a priority to prepare you for this exam. MBLEx test-prep is incorporated into the curriculum.
The MBLEx is currently utilized for licensure in 46 of 49 regulated jurisdictions.
San Diego has a lot to offer massage therapists, including healthcare institutions that respect massage, a community of sports enthusiasts, and spas that attract visitors from all over the world. There are several employment opportunities available, some more competitive than others, while others with higher pay.
After completing our Professional Massage Therapist certificate program, students will be eligible to pursue several exciting career paths.
Students can easily find employment at spas, hospitals, and clinics. A larger majority will go on to start their own practice.
Our training also provides the knowledge and skills needed to provide services in nursing homes, sports venues, or fitness centers. Individuals may also find work on cruise ships or directly with sports teams.
Statistics predict employment within the industry to increase by 32% between 2020 and 2030. This marks a much faster rate of growth as compared to other sectors. As the benefits of holistic health and wellness become more pronounced, jobs for massage therapists will continue to rise.
We offer our students resume and cover letter review and support, mock interviews, and access to our list of partners and companies that want to hire them! So regardless of how long ago a student has graduated, they can always return to ICOHS College for job assistance.
Although we cannot guarantee a job, as the actual interview and determination are up to the employer, we will support them throughout the process.
Our Career Services team is constantly in contact with spas, chiropractic offices, physical therapists, and other massage practices that are looking for new staff. We send out timely email notices of internships and openings, and we help you prepare for your application!
At any time during and after your program, you can send us your resume and cover letter for feedback and editing, and we will always make time to conduct mock interviews and train you to get the job you want.
NOTE: Self-employment is a common objective after completion of this program.
One of ICOHS College’s cornerstones is Students Come First, and one of the ways we can do so is through our instructor-to-student ratio and intensive hands-on training. In addition, we maintain a class size where instructors can focus on the needs of each student. As a result, students get hours of hands-on training with direct feedback from their instructors, giving them the confidence to succeed in their careers.
One of ICOHS College’s cornerstones is Students Come First, and one of the ways we can do so is through our instructor-to-student ratio and intensive hands-on training. In addition, we maintain a class size where instructors can focus on the needs of each student. As a result, students get hours of hands-on training with direct feedback from their instructors, giving them the confidence to succeed in their careers.
Program length will vary. The Professional Massage Therapist program from ICOHS College lasts approximately nine months and is based on a total of 630 clock hours.
Currently, you do not currently need a massage license in San Diego. However, massage businesses are considered police-regulated businesses within the city. These establishments must only employ individuals with a certification from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to avoid pursuing a police permit. Currently, the SDPD issues very few permits for massage establishments.
You do not currently need to take the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX) in the State of California, but our program prepares you for this exam as States differ in their requirements and we want our students to be prepared for any state licensing requirements.
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