Upon completion of our 625 hour program, you will be prepared and qualified to take the Hawai'i State exam for massage licensure which is offered four times per year. All Hawai'i State LMT requirements, laws and processes can be reviewed here.
Our program also prepares students to sit for the MBLEx exam which is accepted by many other states for licensure. The program structure also meets core and hourly requirements for many alternate state licensure programs. You can learn about the MBLEx exam process here.
MAHA is an NCBTMB Assigned School and our curriculum meets the core requirements to test for National Board Certification. You may view the full NCBTMB requirement list here.
INTRODUCTION TO MASSAGE- 10 Hours
Providing students an orientation of massage as a profession and exploring their personal learning and communication styles. History and cultural relevancy of massage and bodywork will be explored. Equipment, supplies and familiarization with the clinic and classroom space, policy and flow will be covered to prepare students for a successful program. Formal registration and policy review will be completed in this module
MINDFUL MASSAGE THEORY AND BASICS- 50 Hours
Students will learn basic Swedish massage techniques along with review of anatomical structures, terms and location. They will demonstrate competency of the 5 basics strokes along with joint movement, proper draping and positioning. Ongoing review and evaluation of hygiene and sanitation will be observed and product usage and care will be discussed. In tandem with our basic practical introduction, students will learn about quality of touch sensation, body awareness, self-care, working body mechanics for successful touch application and we will begin to introduce basic skills for client communication and interaction.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - BONES AND MUSCLES - 30 Hours
Students will learn the descriptions and location of the bones and muscles of the body, understand joint types and functions, demonstrate an understanding of structure orientation (location in/on the body) and pass all quizzes and exams with a 70% or higher. Practical palpation and hands on muscle mapping will be integrated using a combination of cross-fiber friction and petrissage massage techniques with instructor review of anatomical structures.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY– BODY SYSTEMS - 40 Hours
Using the Visual Body 3D app, students will explore the functional aspects of the physiological systems and discuss the effects that massage and bodywork have on these systems. Respiratory, Circulatory, Endocrine, Nervous and Integumentary systems will be reviewed, and the physiological functioning and structure of the Muscular/Skeletal systems will be expanded upon from the Bones and Muscles Module. Students will demonstrate their competency and knowledge of the major physiological systems of the body by passing all exams with a minimum of 70% or better.
STRUCTURAL KINESIOLOGY - 40 Hours
Build knowledge and competency of Structural Kinesiology while practicing the ability to palpate bony landmarks and locate/treat major muscle attachments using a variety of soft tissue techniques and joint mobilization. Written exams, practical exams and quizzes must be passed with a minimum of 70% or better.
PATHOLOGY/ SOFT TISSUE INJURY/NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY INTRODUCTION - 50 Hours
Students will learn and demonstrate applications of massage techniques for common musculoskeletal specific injury. Treatment planning, assessment and SOAP charting will be reviewed and applied to a client case study in supervised clinical practicum. A presentation of this case study will be made for evaluation by the instructor and class. Assessment of additional pathological or infectious conditions suitable for referral and modified hygienic practices for localized contraindications will be reviewed. Current pain science research and research literacy will be presented.
MANA LOMI® HAWAIIAN MASSAGE WITH DR. MAKA'ALA YATES - 80 Hours
The Mana Lomi® technique is based on Hawaiian concepts of working with the "Mana" of the body, mind, and soul of an individual.
Dr. Maka'ala Yates D.C. developed Mana Lomi after years of studying and practicing Hawaiian healing concepts with his Hawaiian teachers.
Mana Lomi literally translates as “Hawaiian Spiritual Massage,” however, according to the voices of Na Kupuna (Hawaiian Elders – Wisdom Keepers) Mana Lomi could be translated as the” Life-force of Lomi.” Lomi or Lomilomi describes a concept that involves the movement of energy. With the right understanding and training, the practitioner can communicate through the soft tissues of the body, deep into the bones of the individual.
SPA AND POHAKU (STONE) - 20 Hours
Learn all the foundations for a five-star spa experience. Students will learn and demonstrate applications of Spa-based treatments and protocols, including Hot Stone Massage, Hot/Cold towel application, Scrub/Wrap application and the proper use of essential oils in massage treatment. Treatment specific contraindications and sanitation of all equipment will be reviewed. A field trip to gather stones for use in this class is included.
INTEGRATIVE TECHNIQUES WITH JAMES WASLASKI - 20 Hours (Fall Program)
Learn sports injury prevention, and how to align your work with sports medicine specialists. All conditions in upper and lower body will be covered in more detail. James Waslaski LMT will introduce a wide range of theory and approaches based on his elite sports massage training and his new nervous system specific approaches to increased functionality.
FOUNDATIONS IN MANUAL THERAPY WITH WALT FRITZ- 20 Hours (Spring Program)
A progressive, evidence-based approach to manual therapy using patient-centered strategies to facilitate better outcomes including traditional MFR techniques among other interventions. View more on Foundations here www.waltfritzseminars.com.
THAI MASSAGE - 40 Hours
Students will increase their career longevity and skill set by utilizing their entire bodies to perform full body stretching techniques both in the traditional floor format and on the massage table. Proper positioning, bolstering and modified draping for the massage table will be introduced. Treatment planning and application of techniques for stretching and range of motion, as well as treatment specific contraindications will be reviewed.
ASHIATSU BAREFOOT BODYWORK - 30 Hours
Students will learn the introductory concepts of using the soles of their feet for deep relaxation therapy, both with and without oil application. Body mechanics, pressure, contraindications and equipment will be discussed. Proper positioning, bolstering and modified draping for the massage table will be introduced. Treatment planning and application of techniques for both a seated and standing protocol, as well as treatment specific contraindications will be reviewed.
ENERGETICS FOR MASSAGE - 30 Hours
This class is designed to help you ethically explore, recognize and acknowledge energy in your own body as well as your clients your body, differentiating what is your source and what is their source. Class will be divided into different modules of lectures, demonstration and partner exercises to help you learn and gain a deeper experience with energy and how it manifests. You will learn how to ground and clear stagnant flow as well as learn supplemental exercises to help you develop and increase your personal internal energy source for health and healing, which prevents burn-out and alleviates stress.
CUPPING FOR MASSAGE PRACTICE- 10 Hours
Students will be introduced to the application of cupping as an adjunct treatment to bodywork. Cupping is defined as a practice used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world, including China and the Middle East. It involves creating suction on the skin using a glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cup. Negative pressure is created in the cup either by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin. Dry techniques within scope of practice will be explored in this class.
PRE-NATAL MASSAGE INTRODUCTION - 10 Hours
Students will learn and demonstrate applications of Prenatal protocol using proper positioning, bolstering and modified draping for the pregnant client. Treatment planning and application of techniques for the high-risk client, pregnancy progression through trimester and treatment specific contraindications will be reviewed.
LAWS, ETHICS AND BUSINESS PRACTICES- 30 Hours
Students will define personal and professional goals for success as a Massage Therapist. Knowledge of billing, record keeping, insurance coverage, taxes and business structure will be discussed. Marketing, branding and social media as well as professional conduct, boundaries, scope of practice and coverage of the Hawai'i State laws for massage therapy are included. There will be a review of professional and ethical behavior and an introduction to employment scenarios. Guest speakers from established businesses will attend.
ANATOMY REVIEW AND EXAM REVIEW CLASS- 10 Hours
Anatomy Review will revisit all covered content in the previously completed Theory and Demonstration portions of the massage program that consist of proper procedure for massage application to specific anatomical structures, palpation, documentation of treatment application and contraindications for specific conditions in preparation for the Hawaii State Massage Exam post-graduation.
SUPERVISED CLINICAL MASSAGE- 125 Hours
Students will demonstrate learned massage skills in a public clinical setting, with supervision and verbal real-time feedback from instructor regarding technique, stroke sequence and proper body mechanics. This setting will require the student to practice his/her record keeping, including medical history, SOAP notes, and address written evaluation from clients. Supervised clinics for special populations outside the school will be attended and documented. Students will be required to maintain the clinic space and equipment using appropriate sanitation and hygiene and monitor the flow of clinic documentation throughout the program.
*Courses are subject to change from time to time to accommodate additional coursework, schedules of instructors and/or content. Any changes to curriculum will be communicated to enrolled students prior to start date.