600-Hour Certified Massage Therapy Program

Description: This program is a unique, Six-Month Certificate Program that includes the best in Western Massage and Bodywork techniques and the best in Thai Yoga Massage techniques. Our 600-hour Certified Massage Therapy program includes 320 hours of In-Class training, as well as 150-hours of Supervised Practicum Hours, and 130 Hours of Distance Education (e-Learning). The Denver Integrative Massage School program is staffed with qualified, approved instructors that are highly educated in their fields, as well as enthusiastic about going above and beyond to help each student succeed.

Occupational Objective: The graduate will have enough knowledge and experience to take and potentially pass the NCETMB or MBLEx exams in order to then 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 with Colorado, the graduate should be able to attain an entry-level position as a massage therapist at a spa, wellness center, medical clinic, chiropractic office, or a physical therapy clinic, as well as have the skill-set to become self-employed in a private practice, beginning to bill medical insurance for sessions.

Tuition: $6,800. $250 deposit required, which is applied towards the tuition price.

*Please take note that it may be necessary to make up missed information privately with an instructor at a charge of $45 - 70 per hour if the student cannot attend the designated make-up days.

Courses: Our 600-Hour CMT program is comprised of 7 courses that are described below.

Therapeutic Massage Application & Assessment, Western Techniques
98 In-Class Hrs

In this course the student begins to learn and practice the different styles of massage and better understand the context from which they came. For example, the student will learn the roots of massage—going back in history to when Asian energy acupressure points and meridian lines were carved into stone tablets in temples, and the dialogue will return to the current state of massage therapy. Currently, there is an array of massage styles, and we will delve into the philosophy, context, methods, and techniques of the most common massage styles—Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, and Thai Massage for the Table in particular. In addition to understanding and practicing the varied massage styles, the student will study the art of "touch"--the benefits of touch and massage at the physiological, emotional, psychological, and energetic levels for both the therapist and the client. In the Application course, the student will understand and apply proper ergonomics when giving a massage on a massage table, as well as learn in-depth techniques on how to better palpate and begin to "sense and connect"--to have more conscious and aware touch. 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 all of the basic Western techniques and strokes, 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. All course hours will be done kinesthetically, in-class and hands-on.

Thai Yoga Massage: Levels 1, 2, & 3
104 In-Class Hrs & 20 e-Learning Hrs

This module delves primarily into the Asian Energy Bodywork style of Thai Yoga Massage (referred to as “Lazy Man’s Yoga” in Thailand), which is a 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. 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. For example, when stripping the seam of the gastrocnemius muscle, the therapist is also activating the Bladder meridian, which has other musculoskeletal connections, as well as referrals to internal organs and system functions of the body. That particular muscle seam and energy line also houses specific emotional qualities when in balance or disharmony. Other topics covered: Prenatal Thai Massage, Thai Aromatherapy, Advanced Neck Therapy, and Advanced, Group Case Studies. The e-Learning hours are part of Level 3 (Lesson 7, 20 Hrs) and involve research of prenatal Thai massage and Thai aromatherapy.

Anatomy, Physiology, & Kinesiology:
89 In-Class Hrs & 78 e-Learning Hrs

This course is comprised of five e-Learning modules, which include foundational anatomy and physiology terms, definitions, body systems, and an introduction to kinesiology as it affects a massage therapy practice. Along with the e-Learning modules, there are 89 In-Class hours of lecture and hands-on learning. The e-Learning lessons that correlate with the in-class hours will have to be completed throughout the program. Those lessons are: Lesson 1—Physiology, Lesson 2—Anatomical Terms & Locations, Lesson 3—Body Systems I, Lesson 4—Body Systems II, and Lesson 5—Intro to Kinesiology. 
In the Anatomy and Physiology course the student will have a solid foundation of anatomy and physiology in order to have a verbal and visual framework for the manual, massage techniques. This course will also include lessons regarding Asian Meridian lines, the Chakra system, as well as the "energy body" and how it is interconnected with the "physical body". During the course, the students will participate in 2 Off-Site Cadaver Labs to better understand and visualize the anatomy and physiology separate from the textbooks. The Kinesiology classes will include: Actions of individual muscles, types of muscle contractions, joint movements, as well as proprioception and PNF.

Pathology:
21 In-Class Hrs & 25 e-Learning Hrs

The student will learn a pathological approach to massage in an e-Learning module (Lesson 6), and there will be 21 In-Class Hours of learning and understanding the various diseases and conditions that the student will face as a massage therapist. 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.

Business & Ethics:
8 In-Class Hrs & 7 e-Learning Hrs

This course includes e-Learning hours (Lesson 8), as well as 8 In-Class hours. Topics discussed during this course and online include: 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 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.

CPR & First Aid:
5 In-Class Hrs

A certified CPR and First Aid instructor teaches this course. These 5 hours are separate from the 600-Hour program credit hours. The student will learn all of the necessary and most current components to receive a CPR and First Aid certificate. The student will learn the signs and symptoms to be cautious of with clients, and the student will know how to help each client in the event of a physical emergency. A CPR certificate is required in Colorado to receive a massage license—the First Aid is an extra component that we think is necessary for a safe, professional practice.

Practicum/Clinic Hours
150 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. Our School has a Community Student Thai Yoga Massage Clinic for students to begin practicing with community clientele, but to also have instructor supervision and assistance during the practice. The clinic practicum helps students work with many, different body types and injuries, along with gaining the confidence that is necessary to work with clients outside of the school setting. In addition, body mechanics are of upmost importance to our School, so during our Clinic practicum, the supervising instructor will be evaluating your technique, rhythm, flow, and biomechanics. During and after the session, clinic clients 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. If a student cannot always make our designated clinic hours, we have an LMT Mentorship Program, whereby local Licensed Massage Therapists are paired with a student in order to complete the practicum hours outside of the supervised clinic.