The Massage Therapy School at Acupuncture and Massage College in Miami, FL provides hands-on training, practical experience, and the industry support you need to become a qualified and confident massage therapist. Our massage therapy program exceeds both State and National training standards and is designed to provide you with the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully apply for a State of Florida massage therapy license and begin an entry-level career as a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Our massage school in Miami consists of a 720-hour curriculum. At full-time status, the 720-hour massage program can be completed in just 8½ short months. Of the 720 course hours required to graduate from our school of massage therapy, 160 are devoted to the Massage Clinical Practice, where you will apply your classroom knowledge to treat real patients at our student clinic, under the guidance of licensed and experienced instructors. You will have a high-skill level that can only be forged through practice, as well as the confidence needed to succeed in the workforce as a professional massage therapist.
Additionally, we're the only school of massage therapy in Miami, FL that offers a professional certification in Shiatsu massage, which is a form of Japanese bodywork based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This makes our massage program a good choice for students who are interested in working in the holistic and alternative medical field, such as for an Acupuncturist or Chiropractor.
For more information on our massage therapy certification program, continue reading below or contact Acupuncture and Massage College at (305)595-9500 if you have any questions. You can also schedule a campus visit by clicking here!
Our Miami massage school program curriculum is 720-hours long and includes all the courses you will need to become a successful massage therapist: science courses in anatomy and physiology, Western massage therapy modalities, Shiatsu bodywork, as well business and marketing classes. The massage program is designed to be completed in just 8½ months.
Anatomy and Physiology (90 Hours)
This course provides a general study of the human body’s normal structure and function. Emphasis is placed on the complex nature of the body, the interrelationship of the organs, and the body’s ability to adapt to the environment. Particular emphasis will be placed on the specific needs of the Massage Therapist.
Swedish and Medical Massage (75 Hours)
This course will cover the theory of massage, classical techniques and strokes, professionalism in treatment, and indications and contraindications of massage treatment. Clinical assessment techniques, postural analysis, as well as exercise and stretch techniques will be taught. These techniques will assist students in developing a strong background in the healing applications of Massage Therapy.
Shiatsu 1 and Qi Kung (90 Hours)
This course will teach a thorough and effective treatment of the Back and upper extremity based on the Hoshino system of Shiatsu. Point location and palpation will be stressed as well as correct body movement and proper hand/thumb technique. This course helps the student visualize and actually feel the flow of Qi in the channels. Qi Kung and Qi enhancing exercises will also be taught.
Musculoskeletal Anatomy (90 Hours)
This course will teach the fundamentals of musculoskeletal anatomy. The class will enable the student to understand the different parts of the body, their relationship to each other, and the action of the muscles and bones.
Shiatsu 2 and Qi Kung (90 Hours)
This course will teach a thorough and effective treatment of the back and lower extremity based on the Hoshino system of Shiatsu. Point location and palpation will be stressed as well as correct body movement and proper hand/thumb technique. Students will learn Yin Yang Theory, Eight Principles and four Examinations, Cause of Disease, and a Survey of the channels. This course will enable students to understand the major concepts of Oriental Medicine and perform a comprehensive patient interview.
Hydrotherapy (15 Hours)
This course will teach the fundamentals of hydrotherapy. The class will enable the student to understand the different therapeutic approaches used in hydrotherapy.
Pathology (60 Hours)
The class will provide the student with information about mechanisms of disease and the pathological process that occurs within each system of the human body. The following subjects will be covered: genetic disorders, neoplasms, infections, trauma, immune disorders, mental and emotional disorders, respiratory disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, and medical terminology.
Medical Errors (2 Hours)
This class discusses one of the most prevalent and relevant issues of our time, i.e., the prevention of medical errors. The majority of the time, the implementation of simple precautions can prevent most errors. This requires looking at the every day routines, materials, environments, individuals (including patients) and groups with a fresh eye. It will include basic medical error.
Practice Management (15 Hours)
This course will introduce the students to marketing concepts and strategies. Students will learn effective public speaking and begin to develop a networking and business plan.
Medical Ethics (included in Swedish/Medical Hours)
This course teaches the standard medical ethic principles and the strategies for ethical decision making in a clinic setting.
HIV/ AIDS Education (3 Hours)
Per Florida State guidelines, this course provides an overview of current information on the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), including epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, prevention, legal/ethical issues, and the importance of behavior and attitude changes for the caregiver.
Florida State Massage Therapy Law (10 Hours)
This course will teach Florida state regulations, licensing procedures, renewal requirements, and scope of practice limitations.
Massage Comprehensive Review (15 Hours)
The course consists of five classes. This course reviews the information required to take and pass AMC’s Board Review Exam as well as the National Board Exam for Massage Therapy. Students will review all academic coursework given in the program and will be required to take and pass the Massage Therapy Board Review Exam the last day of the course.
Massage Clinical Practice (160 Hours)
Massage clinic is designed to build student skills, confidence, and comfort level one step at a time. Clinic provides students with the opportunity to practice the various techniques they have studied.
As a nationally accredited College of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture and Massage College is proud to be the only massage school in Florida that offers a professional certification in Shiatsu as part of our massage therapy program. Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork modality that is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). You'll be taught Shiatsu and TCM concepts by the same professors that teach our acupuncture school students.
This certification is especially useful for those massage therapists who want to specialize in holistic health, and/or work in an alternative medical setting, such as Acupuncture Clinics, Chiropractic Offices, and Naturopathic Practitioners.
Discover whether becoming a Massage Therapist is the right career path for you! Fill out the form here to get more information. Our admissions reps can answer all your questions. You can call us at (305)595-9500 or check us out in person by scheduling a campus visit!
"I can honestly say that AMC changed my life. My outlook on life and the challenges it brings is much different. If it weren’t for all of you, I have no idea where I would be today."
“AMC is one of the best professional experiences I’ve ever had. The faculty and staff are an integral component in the educational training of Massage Therapists.”
“I had the greatest opportunity in being able to study at Acupuncture and Massage College. I truly enjoyed learning and meeting amazing people. I have always wanted to help and heal people, and AMC taught me the necessary tools to
do just that. I will continue to use my skills in helping others.”
Becoming a Massage Therapist in Florida is a 3-step process:
In order to become a massage therapist in Florida, you must first graduate from a massage training program that is approved by the State of Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Acupuncture and Massage College's massage program meets all requirements set by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
Upon completion of our Massage Therapy Certificate Program, you will be prepared and qualified to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Passing the MBLEx is required by the State of Florida Board of Massage Therapy prior to applying for a massage therapy license from the state. While no massage school can guarantee that you will pass the MBLEx, at Acupuncture and Massage College, the odds are in your favor. In 2020, 70% of massage therapy students at Acupuncture and Massage College have passed the MBLEX on their FIRST attempt!
Once you pass the MBLEx and receive your state license, you can legally find employment as a Licensed Massage Therapist! Our students and alumni have lifetime access to our Career Services Department to assist them with finding employment. Our large network of alumni and local connections provides ample opportunity to find work after graduation. Local businesses in Miami, FL which have recently hired our massage therapy school graduates include:
Additionally, as the best massage school in Miami, we also have a high job placement rate average of 82% (2020-2021)!
Is a career as a professional massage therapist right for you? Download our free massage career guide and learn more about this awesome profession! You'll get all the information you need to make an informed decision about becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist. Click below to download the guide!
