Class Schedules
We offer both Daytime and Evening classes so you can find a schedule that work with your life.
Now Enrolling for September Evening Class!
Daytime: Monday-Friday 9am-1pm | Evening: Monday-Friday 5:00pm-9pm
Orientation: March, 2013 | Orientation: September 4th, 2012
Classes Begin: March, 2013 | Classes Begin: September 5th, 2012
Graduation: January, 2014 | Graduation: August 13th, 2013
Class Descriptions
Massage Technique - 184 Hours
This five-month long course starts with an introduction to Therapeutic Massage through body-centered meditation, breathing exercises, movement exercises, and hands-on touch sensitivity training. Through the personal experience of relaxation and freedom in movement, students learn the potential of their own bodies for healing and comfort. With that experience as a foundation, Swedish Massage, myofascial techniques, and deep structural bodywork techniques are taught. This class also includes an in-depth study of ethics and professionalism for massage therapists, as well as the science and history of massage. Throughout the program, students are guided into proper use of hands, forearms and elbows, with bodyweight, grace, and alignment to support a long and healthy career.
Tobin Rangdrol, LMT, is the principle mentor for this class. Mentors Larissa Langersmith, NCTMB, and Caroline Redfield, CMT, both graduates of ASM, serve as Teaching Assistants. All other ASM mentors, and the advanced students from the other group also participate periodically in this class.
Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology- 80 Hours
In this four-month long course, Mentor Valerie Schramm, BA, CMT, (a very fun person!) combines body-awareness and core strength training with the hands-on study of muscles, bones and movements to give students both a practical and academic understanding of the human body. Digital video dissection, lots of hands-on practice, and massage-specific Anatomy textbooks provide students with an in-depth look at the spirals and layers of tissue that are a massage therapist's principle focus. Multi-dimensional teaching strategies are used to support students of all learning styles, and the academic material is specifically focused on the content of the National Certification Exam.
Pathophysiology - 57 Hours
Learn about the human body in health and disease. This course covers hygiene, sanitation, safety, and when not to give massage. Your understanding of the body's systems enables you to work more effectively with each individual. Your ability to speak the language of Western medicine opens the door to work comfortably with the doctors and insurance companies who provide your clients with some of the care they need. In addition, this class is essential preparation for the National Certification Exam.
Therapeutic Massage Treatments - 72 Hours
This advanced class is unique to ASM, and forms the core of your training for work as a provider of Therapeutic Massage. Treatments taught range from healing support for repetitive stress injuries like tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, to pain relief for chronic back and neck pain, and much more. As a part of the practical applications aspect of this class, people who suffer from severe chronic pain, disability, and injuries are invited to share and participate. The academic portion of the class provides a comprehensive overview of musculoskeletal pathology (what can go wrong), and how to develop specific treatment plans.
Prenatal Massage - 12 Hours
Pregnant mothers benefit greatly from receiving massage. In this class, Certified Doula and Massage Therapist Caroline Redfield teaches specialized strokes and postures, as well as awareness of the unique pressure points associated with pregnancy and birth. In keeping with ASM tradition, pregnant mothers are the first members of the public that students massage, in a joyful free clinic for expecting mothers.
Thai Yoga Massage & Shiatsu - 64 Hours
A favorite among students, this course introduces Eastern forms of bodywork including the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu, and Thai Yoga Massage. Simple techniques and theories from each modality are introduced in a hands-on format, enabling students to perform full-body stretching and pressure-point treatments on traditional Japanese cotton mats, as well as weave what they learn into their Therapeutic Massage on the table. This class also covers all information on Asian bodywork modalities needed for the National Certification Exam.
Mentor Candace Wase spent over 1000 hours studying Asian Bodywork, under the guidance of holistic nutrition pioneer Paul Pitchford, and enjoys a successful private practice as a Holistic Health Practitioner, specializing in Thai Yoga Massage and Shiatsu.
Foot Reflexology - 4 Hours
A fun and practical workshop to complement your massage technique. Everybody loves a good foot massage, and it has proven health benefits.
Mentor Janette Shablow, HHP, also teaches the optional add-on courses in Hot Stone Massage and Spa Treatments.
Energy Work - 40 Hours
Toward the end of training at ASM, students have developed subtle touch sensitivity, enabling them to sense and respond to small changes in movement and breath, as well as intuitive and emotional information. Light-touch energy work incorporates this subtle sensitivity with an understanding of the natural healing abilities of the body, enabling practitioners to provide relaxation and enhance the body's healing response, without giving a traditional massage. Energy work is appropriate for the treatment of all of the same conditions as Swedish and Therapeutic Massage, as well as some conditions for which a traditional massage would not be appropriate or accessible, such as acute injury, advanced terminal illness, and while a client is taking certain medications that contraindicate massage.
Business Practices for Massage Therapists - 27 Hours
This class offers real-world business training for students who plan to open their own business as self-employed therapists, as well as resume building and job interview skills for students who will seek employment in chiropractic offices, health clubs, spas, and health centers. Every student completes a full-scale business plan, including financial analysis, advertising plans, and legal procedures such as insurance and business licensing. The hands-on portion of the class covers seated chair massage for self-promotion, festivals, events, and corporate settings.
Exam Review - 11 Hours
This course prepares students to take the National Certification Exam, MBLEx, the ASM Final Exam, and other similar licensing and certification exams. Learn study techniques, exam content, and some new material not covered in your other classes. Our potluck, lounge-about-and-chat format keeps the class stress-free!
Clinic Internship - 94 Hours
The internship is the cornerstone of your training at ASM. Students get real-world experience working with their mentors in our very popular Student Clinic. It's like having your first job. This class develops confidence and integrates the academic, business, communication and practical skills you're learning in your other classes. ASM is the only massage school in Northern California or Southern Oregon to offer an internship in a full-service clinic. Students consistently experience the thrill of "getting it" in clinic, more than in any other class.
Massage Lab - Optional
Students are encouraged to take advantage of Massage Lab, where you may use the quiet sanctuary of our classroom for practice and study.
