Massage Therapy Training Requirements
36 Weeks - 650 Hours
The massage therapy training program offers men and women exciting and rewarding career training in the healing arts. Career opportunities for massage therapists are unfolding as the public and the medical fields grow more aware of the value of natural means to maintain or restore health. Massage therapy is one of the pillars of natural health. The oldest written records of China, Egypt, and India record such therapeutics. What profession can claim to have better stood the test of time? The integrated, international program taught at the La' James College / Massage Therapy School is committed to teach and develop effective massage therapists.
Massage Therapy Course Outline
Level I: Weeks 1 – 15
- History of Massage: 2 hours
- Anatomy & Physiology: 118 hours
- Massage Theory & Practice: 140 hours
- Business Ethics & Practices: 32 hours
Level II: Weeks 16 – 30
- Clinic Practice / Skill Enhancer Projects: 108 hours
- Specialized Techniques: 64 hours
- Advanced Anatomy & Physiology: 54 hours
- Business Practices & Requirements: 32 hours
- Personal Wellness or Fitness: 32 hours
Units of Study
Anatomy & Physiology
Topics include: Cells, Kinesiology, Skeletal System, Medical Terminology, Integumentary System, Muscular System, Nervous System, Respiratory System, and more.
Massage Theory & Practice
Topics include: History, SOAP charting, Therapeutic Massage, Hydrotherapy, Stretching, Indications & Contraindications, Client Consultation, Swedish & Medical Massage, Retail Sales, Licensing, and more.
Specialized Massage Techniques
Includes Reflexology, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Chair Massage, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, Stone Massage, and more.
Pathology
Covers diseases and conditions related to body systems, client history, and related topics.
Enrollment Information
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Graduation Requirements
To graduate and receive a diploma, students must:
- Complete and pass all exams with a minimum score of 80%.
- Complete 650 clock hours.
- Meet minimum grade and attendance requirements.
Iowa Licensing Requirements
To obtain a Massage and Bodywork License in Iowa:
- Complete a minimum of 600 hours at an approved school.
- Pay required fees to the State of Iowa.
- Pass the Massage and Body Licensing Exam.
Massage Books
- MBLEx Test Prep, 978-1732835689 $42.74
- Susan Salvo Principles & Practices, 978-0323878159 $93.97
- Applied Anatomy & Physiology for Manual Therapists, 978-0-9982663-6 7 $68.76
- Trail Guide to the Body Textbook, 978-0-9987850-6-6 $67.96
- Trail Guide to the Body Workbook, 978-0-9914666-7-2 $27.16
Costs
There are costs to going to college that are not “tuition” related. These numbers are estimates and may be different for each individual, depending on your personal situatio
- Food Allowance: $299
- Housing allowance for students living off campus: $766
- Housing Allowance for Dependent Students living at home: $425
- Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $383
- Transportation Expenses: $396
Holidays:
-Thanksgiving: 11/27/2025-11/28/2025 -Christmas Break: 12/22/2025-1/2/2026 -Memorial Day: 5/25/2026 -Independence Day: 6/3/2026 -Labor Day:9/7/2026 -Thanksgiving: 11/26/2026-11/27/2026 -Christmas: 12/21/2026-1/1/2026
Contact Us
The Original La' James College of Beauty
📍 24 2nd Street North East, Mason City, Iowa 50401
📞 641-424-2161
📧 lajames@lajames.edu
Our Programs
At The Original La' James College in Mason City, IA, we offer a wide variety of ways you can make an impact in the Beauty and Wellness Industy. Check out the other programs you can enroll in!
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