Massage Therapy Apprenticeship

Experience an Apprenticeship Designed for the Future of Massage Therapy

Our 625-hour apprenticeship program blends nationally recognized educational standards with hands-on learning, personalized mentorship, and real-world clinical experience to prepare students for a rewarding career in massage therapy.

Built upon the Entry-Level Analysis Project (ELAP) educational framework, our curriculum goes beyond meeting licensure requirements by developing confident, ethical, and highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Through classroom instruction, supervised clinical practice, and meaningful mentor relationships, apprentices gain the knowledge, experience, and professional judgment needed to thrive in today's massage therapy profession.

As an Apprentice, you'll benefit from:

Hands-on learning through guided practice and supervised clinical experience.
Two experienced educators in the classroom, providing multiple perspectives, individualized coaching, and immediate hands-on feedback during practical instruction.
Small learning communities that foster meaningful relationships and personalized instruction.
Professional classroom and clinic facilities featuring dedicated classrooms, treatment rooms, and a working massage clinic designed to simulate real-world practice.
Real client experience in a professional clinic environment to build confidence before graduation.
Comprehensive curriculum that prepares you for the MBLEx, state licensure, and professional practice.
Professional development focused on communication, ethics, critical thinking, and business success.
Blended learning approaches of in-person instruction, supervised clinic hours, and select online coursework.
Continuing education opportunities to encourage lifelong learning and career advancement beyond graduation.
Relationship-centered education where you'll be known by name, supported by your mentor, and encouraged to grow within a collaborative learning community.
Flexible payment options, including affordable monthly payment plans and in-house financing designed to make your education more accessible.

What You'll Learn

Our apprenticeship curriculum is thoughtfully designed around the Entry-Level Analysis Project (ELAP)—a nationally recognized educational framework developed to prepare massage therapists for safe, ethical, and effective professional practice.

Rather than focusing solely on techniques, the ELAP emphasizes the development of clinical knowledge, professional judgment, therapeutic relationships, and hands-on competence. Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll build the knowledge and confidence needed to serve clients with skill, compassion, and integrity.

While our curriculum is grounded in the nationally recognized ELAP framework, our teaching philosophy extends beyond minimum educational standards by emphasizing mentorship, critical thinking, relationship-centered care, and the development of confident, adaptable healthcare professionals.

Foundations of Massage Therapy

Develop a strong understanding of massage theory, the history and evolution of the profession, therapeutic benefits, indications and contraindications, ethics, research literacy, and evidence-informed practice.

Professional Practice

Learn the essential habits of a successful healthcare professional, including body mechanics, self-care, sanitation, infection control, laws and regulations, professionalism, and creating safe therapeutic environments.

The Therapeutic Relationship

Develop effective communication skills, professional boundaries, ethical decision-making, client-centered care, and the ability to cultivate meaningful therapeutic relationships built on trust and respect.

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology

Build a comprehensive understanding of the human body, body systems, tissue function, common pathologies, and how health conditions influence clinical decision-making and massage treatment.

Assessment & Clinical Reasoning

Learn to evaluate posture, movement, range of motion, tissue quality, and client health history while developing the critical thinking skills necessary to adapt treatment plans for each individual client.

Massage Techniques & Clinical Application

Master foundational Swedish massage while progressing into advanced techniques including fascia focused approaches, instrument-assisted massage, movement-based therapies, and treatment adaptations for a variety of client needs.

Apprentice Massage Clinic Experience

Apply your knowledge through supervised clinical practice with real clients. Refine your assessment skills, treatment planning, documentation, communication, professionalism, and confidence in a supportive learning environment. You will also receive CPR training and certification to ensure you are prepared to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Business & Career Development

Prepare for a successful career through education in business fundamentals, professional communication, licensure preparation, MBLEx review, and lifelong professional development.

Program Schedule

Our apprenticeship program is designed to provide a consistent and manageable schedule that allows apprentices to balance their education with work, family, and personal commitments.

Class Schedule

In-Person Instruction

Wednesday (Every week)
- 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Friday (Every other week)
- 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Saturday (Every other week)
- 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Please note that classes are not held on holiday weekends. All schedules are subject to change.

Apprentice Massage Clinic

Students participate in supervised clinic experiences throughout the program, providing massage services to real clients while building confidence, refining clinical skills, and preparing for professional practice. Additional clinic opportunities may be available to accommodate makeup hours and individual scheduling needs.

Flexible Learning

Depending on your apprenticeship pathway, portions of the curriculum are completed through asynchronous online learning, allowing students to work independently while maintaining the flexibility needed for a successful educational experience.

Individual schedules may vary based on previous education and transferred hours.

Tuition & Investment

We believe quality massage therapy education should be both accessible and affordable.

Our apprenticeship program is competitively priced at $12,500.00, representing significant savings compared to many traditional massage therapy programs.

Tuition Includes

Comprehensive classroom instruction
Hands-on clinical education
Personalized mentorship
Apprentice clinic experience
CPR certification
MBLEx preparation
Access to experienced educators throughout the program

Additional Apprentice Expenses

Students should anticipate expenses for:

Personal Massage table for at home use
Linens and massage lubricant for classroom hands on learning
Student Clinic License Fee ($25)
Fingerprinting/background check ($48)
MBLEx examination fee ($265)
Professional License Fee ($150)

Next Steps

We're excited you're considering Integrative Institute of Massage & Bodywork as the place to begin your journey into massage therapy.

Here's what you can expect throughout the enrollment process:

Step 1: Explore & Connect

Take your time exploring our website, learning about our apprenticeship program, and taking a virtual tour of our classroom and clinic spaces. If questions come up along the way, we're here to help. We encourage you to reach out—we'd love to connect and help you determine if our program is the right fit for your goals.

Step 2: Complete Your Application

When you're ready, submit your online application. We'll carefully review your information to ensure our apprenticeship program is a good fit for your educational goals and professional aspirations.

Step 3: Enrollment Meeting

Once accepted into the program, we'll schedule a personalized enrollment meeting where we'll review your apprenticeship pathway, program schedule, enrollment agreement, tuition and payment options, required documents, and answer any remaining questions. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, confident, and excited before your first day.

Step 4: Begin Your Apprenticeship

Welcome to the Integrative Institute of Massage & Bodywork! On your first day, you'll reunite with your Certified Mentors, and meet your fellow apprentices as you begin your journey toward becoming a licensed massage therapist through experience-led, heart-centered learning.