Located in San Francisco, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine holds not only California's approval, but also accreditation from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The school offers a Master of Science program in Chinese medicine, with certificates available in shiatsu and tuina modalities of massage. To be considered for admission to the school, students must complete 90 credits of post-secondary education at a community or traditional college, taking classes in anatomy, physiology, psychology, physics, chemistry and biology. Federal and state financial aid and loans are available to students in the program.
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
455 Arkansas Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 282-7600
actcm.edu
Accredited by the state of California, AMTA and the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), the Mueller College of Holistic Studies has three locations in San Diego. The school offers a program in Asian massage therapies, which requires 616 hours of instruction to complete and covers topics like tuina, shiatsu and Thai massage. Another program is in Western therapies, another 616-hour course of study, which focuses on deep tissue, trigger point, neuromuscular, myofacial and sports massage techniques. The school participates in federal and state financial aid, loan, veteran's benefits and occupational rehabilitation programs.
Mueller College of Holistic Studies
4607 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 291-9811
mueller.edu
Based in North Hollywood, the Institute of Professional Practical Therapy offers three levels of massage therapy schooling ranging from 360 to 720 hours of training. The highest level, the advanced massage professional course of study teaches anatomy, physiology CPR and first aid, ethics, regulations for safety and sanitation, and basic business principles. Established in 1994, the school offers both day and evening classes. Job placement assistance is available for graduates.
Institute of Professional Practical Therapy
5648 Vineland Avenue
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 998-8995
ippt.com
The Arcata School of Massage is located in northern California, approximately six miles northeast of Eureka. The school offers programs in both Swedish massage and therapeutic body work, which require 250 hours and 350 hours of study to complete, respectively. A third 600-hour course is available that teaches both. This advanced program also includes instruction on prenatal, hot stone and energy techniques, as well as reflexology. All participants in the program also complete an internship to gain hands-on experience in the field. The Arcata School offers both day and evening classes. For financial aid, the school offers loans with no finance charges throughout the training program. A work program exists, where a portion of the tuition is deducted in exchange for students working for one month at the school's clinic after their training ends.
Arcata School of Massage
145 G Street
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5223
arcatamassage.com