Montana School of Massage
We at the Montana School of Massage know that deciding to become a Massage Therapist is a very big and exciting step. To learn more about the massage therapy profession and our school, we would like to invite you to take the following opportunities:
Sit in on a bodywork or core science class in the day or evening.
Attend one of our free introduction to massage therapy classes.
Sign up to get a free 30-minute Student Clinic Massage.
You are always welcome to talk to any of our staff here if you have questions about the program or curriculum.
650 Hour Program
Business Classes 55 hours
1. Orientation 4 hours
Orientation is on the first day of class to review the student handbook and payment program. Prerequisite for this class is an accepted and completed enrollment. Orientation is mandatory for all students before beginning classes.
2. Ethics Block #1 2 hours
Ethics class is to teach massage therapy students the ethical guidelines and standards of the massage therapy profession. Students go through a series of exercises in role-play to practice handling different ethical scenarios. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics #1 is a course completion requirement.
3. Ethics Block #2 2 hours
This block of Ethics class is Mock Clinic. Students will be able to identify and apply acceptable sanitation and hygiene practices. Students will review massage clinic rules and client protocol. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics block # 2 is a course completion requirement.
4. Ethics Block #3 2 hours
This block of Ethics is a reviewed in client scenarios, non-verbal communication cues, as well as other patient/provider interactions during a massage. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics block #3 is a course completion requirement.
5. Pharmacology 2 hours
This class provides information and resources on common medications used by people today. Students will be able to identify indications and contraindications to massage therapy of those that are taking prescribed medication. A grade of “pass” or “fail is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. This class is the prerequisite to Student Clinic, Internship time and is a course completion requirement.
6. Reports and Records
Block #1 4 hours
Policies and schedule setting: Students will design their schedule of life/ massage therapy, write late, no show and bad payment policies. Students will be able to apply their practical exercises in this class to their massage practice. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #1 is a course completion requirement.
7. Reports and Records
Block # 2 4 hours
Insurance Billing: Students will practice steps of insurance billing, HICFA forms, contacts and liens. Students will be able to apply the practical application to their massage practices. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #2 is a course completion requirement.
8. Reports and Records
Block # 3 4 hours
Narrative Reports: Students will practice narrative report writing in several scenarios as it relates to insurance billing. Students will be able to apply practical application to their massage practices. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #3 is a course completion requirement.
9. Reports and Records
Block #4 3 hours
Contracts and Taxes: descriptions of several types of working contracts are reviewed. Tax planning suggestions are given. Students will be able to draft a brief tax plan and apply it to their massage practice. Guest professionals, CPA and Attorney may be present at class for questions and discussion. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #4 is a course completion requirement.
10. Practice Building
Block #1 4 hours
Career Management and self-assessment - student will complete self-assessments on leadership and communication skills. Student will be able to apply these results to the business plan, incorporating identified areas of strength and addressing improvement opportunities. Practice A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #1 is a course completion requirement.
11. Practice Building Block #2
4 hours
Marketing in depth - students will distinguish between different marketing and advertising approaches, identify target audiences, draft promotional materials, and put together an outline of a business plan. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #2 is a course completion requirement.
12. Practice Building Block #3
4 hours
Creating a business plan: Each student will create a business plan for a massage practice. Skill building includes goal setting, the completion of marketing plans, policies and procedures, pricing protocols, and customer service guidelines. Students will meet with local entrepreneurs on subjects of marketing and building and maintaining a customer base. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #3 is a course completion requirement.
13. Practice Building Block #4
3 hours
Completion of business plan process: Students meet with instructors to review business plans. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #4 is a course completion requirement.
14. State Law
5 hours
This class goes over Montana State law as well as the differences in other state laws. This class also shows videos for various massage insurance companies. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. State Law is a course completion requirement.
15. Anatomy and Physiology
Part 1 Systems and Function
50 hours
This class provides the basic study and function of the following body systems: Cell Structure, Orangelles, Tissues, Integumentary, Musculature, Cardio Vascular: Blood, Pulmonary, Vessels, Lymphatic, Sensory and Motor, Anonomic Nervous System, Brain and Cranial Nerves, Spinal Chord Function, Endocrine, Digestive, Exercise Physiology, Respiratory Function, Reproductive and Urinary. Students will be able to identify each subject above and demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of each. Written examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Anatomy and Physiology part 1 is a prerequisite to part 2 Pathology and is a course completion requirement.
16. Anatomy and Physiology
Part 2 Study of Pathology
50 hours
This class provides study of precautions and protocols to disease and common illness that the massage therapist may come in contact with. Students will be able to identify indications, contraindications and proper protocol for pathological conditions as related to massage therapy. Written examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Anatomy and Physiology part I is a prerequisite to part 2 Pathology and is a course completion requirement.
17. Kineseology 140 hours
Kineseology Part 1 70 hours
This class covers the location of all bony landmarks and anatomical terms. Students will be able to identify musculature, joint structure and ligaments of the upper body in this section. Written and practical examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Kineseology I is a prerequisite to Kineseology II and is a course completion requirement.
Kineseology Part 2 70 hours
Students will be able to identify musculature, joint structure and ligaments of the lower body. Written and practical examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Kineseology I is a prerequisite for Kineseology II and is a course completion requirement.
18. Swedish Massage
100 hours
Swedish Massage is the study of all basic massage strokes, hydrotherapy, pregnancy and infant massage. Mechanical, reflexive and physiological effects of massage are studied. Practitioner body mechanics, record keeping, draping methods are also part of this class. Students will be able to identify and apply all basic massage strokes. All subjects is Swedish Massage Class must be completed before taking the final written and practical examination required to pass the class. Students must pass with an 80%. Swedish Massage is a prerequisite for Student Clinic/ Internship and is a course completion requirement.
19. Sports Massage 35 hours
This class studies the practical application of sports massage techniques for pre, post, event and injury prevention treatments. Students will be able to identify injuries and apply proper treatments to the athlete. Written examination is given in this class. Student must pass with an 80%. Sports Massage is a course completion requirement.
20. Deep Tissue 100 hours
This class teaches the delivery of a deeper massage addressing each muscle group specifically. Body mechanics are taught in this class to prevent injury to the therapist while giving an effective treatment massage. Injury treatment protocol is taught for a wide range of common injuries. Range of Motion and Muscular Energy Technique are also taught in this section to help facilitate further treatment. Students will be able to apply these techniques. Written and practical examinations are given in this class. Student must pass with an 80%. Deep Tissue is a course completion requirement.
21. Asian Studies 30 hours
This class is a blend of Shiatsu and Chinese medicine. Students will study the principles of yin and yang, five-element theory and pulse reading. Students will be able to apply practical application of a full body Shiatsu treatment. Written and practical examination is given in this class. Student must pass with an 80%. Deep Tissue is a course completion requirement.
22. CPR and First Aid
6 hours
The Red Cross teaches this class. The Red Cross gives CPR and First Aid cards to those who pass the written examination. This class is a prerequisite to Student Clinic and Internships.
23. AIDS Awareness 4 hours
The AIDS council of Missoula teaches this class. A grade of pass and a certificate is given for attendance of this class. This class is a prerequisite to Student Clinic, Internships and is a course completion requirement.
24. Student Clinic 80 hours
A. Supervised Clinic 50 hours
Shifts of four to five hours each are offered Monday through Friday. This part of the program is designed to give students a true-to-life experience of working on clients with varying conditions. An evaluation is given for each massage. Completion of Swedish Massage, AIDS Awareness, CPR and First Aid are prerequisites for participation is Supervised Clinic Hours. Student Clinic is a course completion requirement.
B. Internship/ Events 30 hours
1. Events: This section is designed for experience in student community outreach. Various events are set up with business and sports events to expose the students to working with different types of people and situations. Pre requisites for event participation are the same as student clinic.
2. Community Hospital Internship: This internship is set up in the rehabilitation department of the hospital. Students intern two times a week from 5pm to 7pm. Each student is assigned two clients each shift and works one each client for 15 to 40 minutes. Prerequisites for this internship are the same as student clinic. It is mandatory to attend safety training from Community Hospital, obtain a TB test and give current immunization records.
3. Case study: Case study packet can be obtained by the Education Director. Case studies can be done on individuals that have recommendation for massage therapy. Marked progress must be SOAP charted and a final summary report must be given at the end of each study. Prerequisites for case study participation are the same as student clinic.
25. Self Care and Body Mechanics
5 hours
This class is provides instruction of how to take care of your body through stretching, exercise and body mechanics. This class is a course completion requirement.
26. Program Review
3 hours
This class is the last class in the program and is designed to review all subjects and group test information. This is a course completion requirement.
Montana School of Massage
131 Main
Missoula, Montana 59802
406-549-9244
https://www.montanamassage.com/
We at the Montana School of Massage know that deciding to become a Massage Therapist is a very big and exciting step. To learn more about the massage therapy profession and our school, we would like to invite you to take the following opportunities:
Sit in on a bodywork or core science class in the day or evening.
Attend one of our free introduction to massage therapy classes.
Sign up to get a free 30-minute Student Clinic Massage.
You are always welcome to talk to any of our staff here if you have questions about the program or curriculum.
650 Hour Program
Business Classes 55 hours
1. Orientation 4 hours
Orientation is on the first day of class to review the student handbook and payment program. Prerequisite for this class is an accepted and completed enrollment. Orientation is mandatory for all students before beginning classes.
2. Ethics Block #1 2 hours
Ethics class is to teach massage therapy students the ethical guidelines and standards of the massage therapy profession. Students go through a series of exercises in role-play to practice handling different ethical scenarios. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics #1 is a course completion requirement.
3. Ethics Block #2 2 hours
This block of Ethics class is Mock Clinic. Students will be able to identify and apply acceptable sanitation and hygiene practices. Students will review massage clinic rules and client protocol. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics block # 2 is a course completion requirement.
4. Ethics Block #3 2 hours
This block of Ethics is a reviewed in client scenarios, non-verbal communication cues, as well as other patient/provider interactions during a massage. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Ethics block #3 is a course completion requirement.
5. Pharmacology 2 hours
This class provides information and resources on common medications used by people today. Students will be able to identify indications and contraindications to massage therapy of those that are taking prescribed medication. A grade of “pass” or “fail is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. This class is the prerequisite to Student Clinic, Internship time and is a course completion requirement.
6. Reports and Records
Block #1 4 hours
Policies and schedule setting: Students will design their schedule of life/ massage therapy, write late, no show and bad payment policies. Students will be able to apply their practical exercises in this class to their massage practice. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #1 is a course completion requirement.
7. Reports and Records
Block # 2 4 hours
Insurance Billing: Students will practice steps of insurance billing, HICFA forms, contacts and liens. Students will be able to apply the practical application to their massage practices. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #2 is a course completion requirement.
8. Reports and Records
Block # 3 4 hours
Narrative Reports: Students will practice narrative report writing in several scenarios as it relates to insurance billing. Students will be able to apply practical application to their massage practices. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #3 is a course completion requirement.
9. Reports and Records
Block #4 3 hours
Contracts and Taxes: descriptions of several types of working contracts are reviewed. Tax planning suggestions are given. Students will be able to draft a brief tax plan and apply it to their massage practice. Guest professionals, CPA and Attorney may be present at class for questions and discussion. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Reports and Records block #4 is a course completion requirement.
10. Practice Building
Block #1 4 hours
Career Management and self-assessment - student will complete self-assessments on leadership and communication skills. Student will be able to apply these results to the business plan, incorporating identified areas of strength and addressing improvement opportunities. Practice A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #1 is a course completion requirement.
11. Practice Building Block #2
4 hours
Marketing in depth - students will distinguish between different marketing and advertising approaches, identify target audiences, draft promotional materials, and put together an outline of a business plan. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #2 is a course completion requirement.
12. Practice Building Block #3
4 hours
Creating a business plan: Each student will create a business plan for a massage practice. Skill building includes goal setting, the completion of marketing plans, policies and procedures, pricing protocols, and customer service guidelines. Students will meet with local entrepreneurs on subjects of marketing and building and maintaining a customer base. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #3 is a course completion requirement.
13. Practice Building Block #4
3 hours
Completion of business plan process: Students meet with instructors to review business plans. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. Practice Building block #4 is a course completion requirement.
14. State Law
5 hours
This class goes over Montana State law as well as the differences in other state laws. This class also shows videos for various massage insurance companies. A grade of “pass” or “fail” is given for this class based on attendance and task completion. State Law is a course completion requirement.
15. Anatomy and Physiology
Part 1 Systems and Function
50 hours
This class provides the basic study and function of the following body systems: Cell Structure, Orangelles, Tissues, Integumentary, Musculature, Cardio Vascular: Blood, Pulmonary, Vessels, Lymphatic, Sensory and Motor, Anonomic Nervous System, Brain and Cranial Nerves, Spinal Chord Function, Endocrine, Digestive, Exercise Physiology, Respiratory Function, Reproductive and Urinary. Students will be able to identify each subject above and demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of each. Written examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Anatomy and Physiology part 1 is a prerequisite to part 2 Pathology and is a course completion requirement.
16. Anatomy and Physiology
Part 2 Study of Pathology
50 hours
This class provides study of precautions and protocols to disease and common illness that the massage therapist may come in contact with. Students will be able to identify indications, contraindications and proper protocol for pathological conditions as related to massage therapy. Written examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Anatomy and Physiology part I is a prerequisite to part 2 Pathology and is a course completion requirement.
17. Kineseology 140 hours
Kineseology Part 1 70 hours
This class covers the location of all bony landmarks and anatomical terms. Students will be able to identify musculature, joint structure and ligaments of the upper body in this section. Written and practical examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Kineseology I is a prerequisite to Kineseology II and is a course completion requirement.
Kineseology Part 2 70 hours
Students will be able to identify musculature, joint structure and ligaments of the lower body. Written and practical examinations are given in this class. Students must pass with an 80%. Kineseology I is a prerequisite for Kineseology II and is a course completion requirement.
18. Swedish Massage
100 hours
Swedish Massage is the study of all basic massage strokes, hydrotherapy, pregnancy and infant massage. Mechanical, reflexive and physiological effects of massage are studied. Practitioner body mechanics, record keeping, draping methods are also part of this class. Students will be able to identify and apply all basic massage strokes. All subjects is Swedish Massage Class must be completed before taking the final written and practical examination required to pass the class. Students must pass with an 80%. Swedish Massage is a prerequisite for Student Clinic/ Internship and is a course completion requirement.
19. Sports Massage 35 hours
This class studies the practical application of sports massage techniques for pre, post, event and injury prevention treatments. Students will be able to identify injuries and apply proper treatments to the athlete. Written examination is given in this class. Student must pass with an 80%. Sports Massage is a course completion requirement.
20. Deep Tissue 100 hours
This class teaches the delivery of a deeper massage addressing each muscle group specifically. Body mechanics are taught in this class to prevent injury to the therapist while giving an effective treatment massage. Injury treatment protocol is taught for a wide range of common injuries. Range of Motion and Muscular Energy Technique are also taught in this section to help facilitate further treatment. Students will be able to apply these techniques. Written and practical examinations are given in this class. Student must pass with an 80%. Deep Tissue is a course completion requirement.
21. Asian Studies 30 hours
This class is a blend of Shiatsu and Chinese medicine. Students will study the principles of yin and yang, five-element theory and pulse reading. Students will be able to apply practical application of a full body Shiatsu treatment. Written and practical examination is given in this class. Student must pass with an 80%. Deep Tissue is a course completion requirement.
22. CPR and First Aid
6 hours
The Red Cross teaches this class. The Red Cross gives CPR and First Aid cards to those who pass the written examination. This class is a prerequisite to Student Clinic and Internships.
23. AIDS Awareness 4 hours
The AIDS council of Missoula teaches this class. A grade of pass and a certificate is given for attendance of this class. This class is a prerequisite to Student Clinic, Internships and is a course completion requirement.
24. Student Clinic 80 hours
A. Supervised Clinic 50 hours
Shifts of four to five hours each are offered Monday through Friday. This part of the program is designed to give students a true-to-life experience of working on clients with varying conditions. An evaluation is given for each massage. Completion of Swedish Massage, AIDS Awareness, CPR and First Aid are prerequisites for participation is Supervised Clinic Hours. Student Clinic is a course completion requirement.
B. Internship/ Events 30 hours
1. Events: This section is designed for experience in student community outreach. Various events are set up with business and sports events to expose the students to working with different types of people and situations. Pre requisites for event participation are the same as student clinic.
2. Community Hospital Internship: This internship is set up in the rehabilitation department of the hospital. Students intern two times a week from 5pm to 7pm. Each student is assigned two clients each shift and works one each client for 15 to 40 minutes. Prerequisites for this internship are the same as student clinic. It is mandatory to attend safety training from Community Hospital, obtain a TB test and give current immunization records.
3. Case study: Case study packet can be obtained by the Education Director. Case studies can be done on individuals that have recommendation for massage therapy. Marked progress must be SOAP charted and a final summary report must be given at the end of each study. Prerequisites for case study participation are the same as student clinic.
25. Self Care and Body Mechanics
5 hours
This class is provides instruction of how to take care of your body through stretching, exercise and body mechanics. This class is a course completion requirement.
26. Program Review
3 hours
This class is the last class in the program and is designed to review all subjects and group test information. This is a course completion requirement.
Montana School of Massage
131 Main
Missoula, Montana 59802
406-549-9244
https://www.montanamassage.com/