Course Descriptions

Bioscience 1- 6

 112-hour course

 

The emphasis of these six classes is on the anatomy and physiology that is most relevant to the massage professional.  For some this may be the first class in science outside of high school, other students may have advanced training in this field.  Regardless of your background, this course will provide a solid, working foundation in human anatomy and physiology.  As a licensed professional, this foundation will make you a more effective therapist. 

 

 

The Art of Touch

16-hour course

 

For the ASOM student, this course is the first encounter with learning to touch another person in a healing manner. Believe it or not, it is common to find professionals in the field who have not really mastered this art. Before students are introduced to an in-depth technique, it is important to be comfortable with touching another human being – often a stranger – in a confident, nurturing way. This course, and the entire program, will help you move past any awkward, or uncomfortable feelings you may have touching another person, and train you to perfect your art of touch.  

 

Client Encounter: Interview and Charting

16-hour course

 

The client interview provides very important confidential information that will help students tailor the massage session to the person’s unique needs and is a time to create rapport with the client.  In this course students will learn to review the client’s medical history, discuss current medical problems that are within the scope of treatment, and clarify the client’s needs, wants and preferences for the session. Then students will track this information through proper charting of what was learned for future session.

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Swedish Massage

32-hour course

 

Swedish massage is a traditional western massage style and is synonymous with massage to much of the public.  At many schools, it is the primary focus of the training program.  At ASOM, Swedish massage is taught as an introductory style because it requires less specific anatomical knowledge to perform well.  We teach it in a way that reflects our commitment to utilize graceful, flowing, effective strokes in every session. Swedish Massage will also teach some of the foundational principles and techniques common to most forms of body work.   By the end of the course students are expected to perform a full-body Swedish massage.

 

Deep Tissue Techniques 1-5

80 hour course

 

This a series of five courses on deep tissue massage.  Deep tissue massage comprises the bulk of the massage technique training offered at ASOM.  Often techniques learned in the Swedish massage course are employed as initial and final strokes in a deep tissue session.  Deep tissue techniques are more muscle specific and target muscle bellies as well as tendonous attachments.  The techniques sometimes require special positioning of the client to gain greater access to desired structures.  Deep tissue massage builds on the deepening knowledge of human anatomy and function.  Throughout the series we will review the relevant anatomy. 

 

Deep tissue massage demands greater sensitivity and communication on the part of the therapist.  There is greater potential for harm when employing deep techniques.  The benefit of this type of work is the greater opportunity to release accumulated tension in muscles.  The specificity of technique allows the therapist to truly target the problem structures. 

 

Chair Massage

16-hour course

 

Chair massage is an excellent way to bring massage to people at work, sporting events, conferences or in other public settings.  It is also a valuable way to build your client base, market your business, and make good money at the same time.  Providing chair massage requires a unique set of skills. This course will teach students how to perform an excellent chair massage routine with variations for different durations. 

 

Kinesiology

16-hour course

 

Kinesiology is the study of how the muscular system works.  Students of massage need to know how each individual muscle and muscle group works to move and support the human body.  In this course, students explore the mechanics of movement as it pertains to the practice of massage therapy.

 

Hot Stone Massage

16-hour course

 

Hot stone massage has gained increasing popularity in spas and massage settings making it an essential technique to know.   This course will provide the student with the knowledge of how to prepare and handle the stones prior and post treatment, how to perform a one-hour hot stone massage session, and when, and if, it is contraindicated. 

 

Prenatal Massage

16-hour course

 

Pregnant women have special needs and require the use of specific technique and an approach that is both effective and safe for Mom and baby.  Students learn about the physiology of pregnancy and how to support and nurture the pregnant woman.  Most importantly students learn how to recognize potential contraindications for massage during pregnancy.

 

Neuro Muscular Technique (NMT)

16-hour course

 

Neuro muscular technique is an approach to breaking the pattern of spasm in dysfunctional muscles through identifying and working directly on trigger points in the individual muscle.  The course explores the techniques of palpating and recognizing trigger points and the methods of “releasing” the muscle through direct work on these hyper-irritable areas.

 

Sports Massage

32-hour course

 

Sports massage employs a combination of techniques and an approach to the athlete at various stages of training.  The demand of athletic pursuits puts extra stress on the body making athletes very receptive and in need of therapeutic bodywork.  Students learn how to work with athletes before, during and after athletic events as well as during maintenance phases. 

 

Pathology 1-3

48-hour course

 

his series of three courses will prepare students to understand the general pathological process and specific disease profiles. Students will also learn what conditions require caution or avoidance and which diseases may be helped through massage therapy, as well as help you make observations that may require a referral to a physician.

 

Nutrition

16 hour course

 

A key principle in the ASOM core program is the concept of wellness producing healthier results.  Although students are not training to become nutritionists at ASOM, this course will lay the foundation for understanding both yourself and your client’s needs.  This will allow you to bring a more holistic approach to your practice.

 

Ethical & Professional Conduct for the Massage Therapist

16-hour course

 

As a professional Massage Therapist, the clients you work with will be making themselves physically, emotionally and/or personally vulnerable.  It is up to you to be worthy of their trust by defining and maintaining this as a professional relationship. In this course students will learn about the philosophical, cultural and legal boundaries, rules and codes that define this profession. 

 

First Aid & CPR

16-hour course

 

Working directly with individuals in a private setting, many of whom may have a diagnosed disease and/or medical prescriptions, the massage therapist needs to be prepared to respond to the person in a medical emergency.  Students learn current CPR and emergency response techniques from a certified instructor.

 

Business Practices

16-hour course

 

Students often are drawn to massage therapy with the goal of owning their own practice or massage business.  This course educates students about what it takes to run a successful business.  Marketing, office organization, and billing are among the topics covered.  Students are expected to create their own mission statement and business plan.

 

Spa Modalities

16-hour course

 

This course explores the spectrum of massage and spa treatments offered today.  Students learn some of the key spa treatments that massage therapists typically are hired to perform.  Treatments taught include body wraps, sugar scrubs, hydrotherapy, the use of heat and cold, and more.  Other exotic massage techniques and styles are explored as well.

 

Supervised Clinic Hours

80 hours

 

One of the most important parts of your training will be the hands-on work you do in the Student Clinic. Students are required to work directly with clients at the school clinic and during off-site outreach events.  Supervision by a licensed professional allows students to ask questions and clarify their approach to individual clients and their specific needs.  Clinic supervisors have access to student massage sessions throughout the clinic shift and/or outreach event. You will receive feedback from your supervisor and your clients to help improve your technique.

 

Event Time

24 hours

 

This series of opportunities will allow students to implement training in various off site events. Students will be supervised by a licensed professional as you practice various aspects of the curriculum in a real world setting including corporate chair massage, sporting events, clinical settings and more.