Massage Therapy Program
Orion Institute offers a 720-hour Massage Therapy Diploma program combining lectures, clinical training, and field experience to prepare students for licensure.
Accredited • Practical • Career Ready
EDUCATION & TRAINING

Program Overview

Massage therapy has gained global recognition as an essential component of health and wellness. Its acceptance across cultures highlights its effectiveness in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting overall well-being. Today, massage therapy is widely applied in medical and wellness settings. It complements treatments for pain management, injury recovery, and preventive care, making it a vital tool in modern healthcare.

Licensed massage therapists often work alongside chiropractors, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care that enhances patient outcomes and promotes holistic health.

Educational Objectives
EO1
Provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete the program.
EO2
Emphasize ethical and professional behavior when interacting with clients and peers.
EO3
Prepare students for private practice ownership or employment in a supervised professional environment.
EO4
Teach the physical and emotional effects of massage, including benefits and contraindications.
EO5
Develop an understanding of human anatomy, structure, and function.
EO6
Prepare graduates to pass the Ohio State Medical Board exam, MBLEx, and National Certification Examination.
EO7
Qualify graduates for entry-level employment in massage therapy or related healthcare and fitness fields.

Instructional Methods

Instructors at Orion Institute use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, labs, hands-on experience, and clinics. PowerPoint and other visual aids enhance instruction, and online courses include synchronous and supervised asynchronous sessions to ensure students remain engaged and receive full evaluation.

1

Lectures

2

Labs

3

Hands-on Experience

4

Clinics

5

Field Experience

6

Visual Aids

Transform Your Career
in Massage & Wellness

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Program Outline
Schedule Day & Evening Classes
Total Clock Hours 720 Total Clock Hours
Program Length 24 Weeks
3 Ten-Week Terms
6-Month Program
Delivery Method Traditional or Hybrid
Note: A clock hour is defined as a minimum of 50 minutes of instruction with a maximum 10-minute break between hours.
Credit Hours
Course Name Lecture Hours Lab Hours
Anatomy & Physiology I7010
Massage Theory/Practice I6020
Anatomy & Physiology II7010
Ethics I200
Massage Theory/Practice II6020
Pathology200
Anatomy & Physiology III7010
Business and Law I200
Massage Clinic I048
Business and Law II100
Ethics II100
Massage Theory/Practice III266
Anatomy & Physiology IV7010
Massage Clinic II048
Massage Theory/Practice IV2210
Totals 528 Lecture Hours 192 Lab Hours
Course Descriptions
MTP105Massage Theory & Practice I (80 Hours)
Students learn fundamentals of massage therapy including history, terminology, physiological effects, therapeutic applications, indications, and contraindications. The class also addresses hygiene and proper body mechanics.
MTP112Massage Theory & Practice II (80 Hours)
New techniques and modalities introduced. Students learn wellness, homeostasis, and the Wellness Model, assess and relieve postural stress and injury, and communicate with clients effectively.
MTP122Massage Theory & Practice III (32 Hours)
Students perform massages in the student clinic, refine communication skills, maintain professional behavior, and learn documentation processes including SOAP notes and confidentiality.
MTP132Massage Theory & Practice IV (32 Hours)
Advanced modalities including Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, and Lymph Massage. Includes Eastern Philosophy, Energy work, and Hydrotherapy.
MTP100Anatomy & Physiology I (80 Hours)
70 lecture and 10 lab hours covering structural organization, anatomical terminology, chemical levels, skeletal system, and muscle groups.
MTP111Anatomy & Physiology II (80 Hours)
In-depth study of skeletal and muscular systems, focusing on muscle origins, insertions, actions, innervations, and the nervous system.
MTP121Anatomy & Physiology III (80 Hours)
Covers endocrine and cardiovascular systems, featuring 70 hours of lecture and 10 hours of lab work with continued skeletal review.
MTP131Anatomy & Physiology IV (80 Hours)
Covers lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, with extensive focus on kinesiology and functional muscle movements.
MTP108Business and Law I (20 Hours)
Fundamentals of business laws, marketing, management, finance, goal setting, documentation, and professional record-keeping.
MTP114Business and Law II (10 Hours)
Advanced look at ethical business practices, documentation requirements, and local/state healthcare laws.
MTP107Ethics I (20 Hours)
Covers professional boundaries, codes of ethics, and the therapeutic relationship while addressing confidentiality and ethical dilemmas.
MTP113Ethics II (10 Hours)
Additional ethics concepts, terminology refinements, client communication strategies, and specific MBLEx preparation.
MTP106Pathology (20 Hours)
Study of diseases, causes, symptoms, and contraindications. Includes training in sanitation, disinfection, and injury control.
MTP110Clinic I (48 Hours)
Hands-on experience with the public. Students are evaluated on intake procedures, professional behavior, and clinical skill application.
MTP120Clinic II (48 Hours)
Continuation of Clinical practice where students complete advanced massage sequences and refine their professional practitioner persona.

Future-Proof Your Career

Enrollment Pathway

01 Select Your Path
02 Verify Prerequisites
03 Secure Your Seat
04 Hands-On Intensive

Select Your Path

Choose the specialization that aligns with your specific career goals and clinical interests. Our advisors are available to help you map out which modality best suits your current practice.

  • 1-on-1 career mapping
  • Specialty consultations
  • Market demand insights

Our Testimonials

Real experiences from students who transformed their careers through professional massage and wellness education.

★★★★★
Orion Institute gave me real-world skills and confidence to succeed.
Sarah Johnson
Licensed Massage Therapist
★★★★★
The hands-on training truly prepared me for professional practice.
Michael Lee
Wellness Practitioner
★★★★☆
Supportive instructors and a motivating learning environment.
Ayesha Khan
Student Therapist
★★★★★
Orion Institute helped me confidently launch my wellness career.
Daniel Roberts
Spa Owner
★★★★★
Orion Institute gave me real-world skills and confidence to succeed.
Sarah Johnson
Licensed Massage Therapist
★★★★★
The hands-on training truly prepared me for professional practice.
Michael Lee
Wellness Practitioner
★★★★☆
Supportive instructors and a motivating learning environment.
Ayesha Khan
Student Therapist
★★★★★
Orion Institute helped me confidently launch my wellness career.
Daniel Roberts
Spa Owner

Get In Touch

Have questions or want to learn more about our programs? Fill out the form below,
and our team will get back to you shortly.

Get In Touch

Have questions or want to learn more about our programs? Fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you shortly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Haven't found what you're looking for? We're here to help.

Orion Institute offers Massage Therapy Diploma, Advanced Massage Therapy Course, and Sports Massage Certificate programs to help you build a professional career.
Eligibility varies by program. Generally, students should have completed high school or equivalent. Check the program page for detailed requirements.
Yes! Orion Institute provides scholarships, payment plans, and tuition support to eligible students.
Flexible scheduling options are available for most programs to fit your lifestyle and career goals.
You can apply online via the Orion Institute website. Submit your application along with the required documents and pay the application fee.
Students receive hands-on training, mentorship from experienced instructors, and access to career guidance and resources.
Yes, all programs provide a recognized certificate or diploma upon successful completion.
Yes, we provide career support and guidance to help graduates find opportunities in massage therapy and related fields.
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