Massage Training Program – Detailed Coursework
Love for Massage. Passion for Excellence in Massage Education.
Massage Program – 750 Clock Hours
The massage program is 750 clock hours and the CIP Code is 51.3501. Students are eligible to participate in both our full-time and part-time massage training programs where they will receive a comprehensive education on excellence in the highly sought after practice of massage therapy.

Massage Therapy students at Dermal Science International Aesthetics & Nails Academy learn through classroom instruction and clinical practice to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain their massage therapy license.
Students are eligible to participate in both our full-time and part-time massage training programs
Full-Time 31.25 Weeks/ Part-Time 50 Weeks
Students will be fully prepared to perform a basic, full-body massage, from intake to completion. Additionally topics include body systems, anatomy, physiology, chair massage, and documentation. This level concludes with the first round of clinic rotations and a practical test.
This program covers the 750 clock hours of necessary coursework and practical requirements for passing either the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Certification must then be obtained through the Virginia Board of Nursing in order to practice massage in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Description: Through theory and clinical practice, students develop the skills and knowledge that are necessary to obtain licensure and be a successful massage therapist, with particular emphasis on ethics, client protection, safety, hygiene, anatomy and science topics.
Objectives: Upon completion of the course requirements, the determined graduate will be able to:
- Project a positive attitude and a sense of personal integrity and self-confidence, practice good communication skills, a professional attitude, proper grooming and personal and public health and hygiene.
- To develop entry-level competency in massage therapy.
- To focus on best practices and tools utilized in the field of massage therapy.
- To apply all understandings in real-world situations through analysis and simulation exercises.
- To provide students, with the knowledge to pass the Virginia Board of Nursing examination and National exam for licensing.
- Apply the theory, technical information, and related matter to assure sound judgments, decisions, and procedures.
References:
- Essentials of Therapeutic Massage by Sandy Fritz, 4th edition
- Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage by Sandy Fritz, 5th edition
- Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew Biel, 5th edition
- Trail Guide Workbooks and Flash Cards
- Kinesiology for Manual Therapists by Nancy Dahl, Timothy Agnew, RT Floyd, 1st edition
- Business Mastery by Cherie Sohnen-Moe, 4th edition
- Exam Review Guide – the most current version containing industry testing changes
- The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists by Steve Cappelini (Milady’s 1st edition) – OR – Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists by Anne Williams, 2nd edition (subject to change based on industry trends)
- Clinical/Medical Based Therapies – text and resources will be current and will change to offer students the most current approach to topics of clinical/medical based massage therapies
- Ethics for Massage Therapists by Terrie Yardley-Nohr
- Ethics by Cherie Sohnen-Moe & Ben Benjamin
Teaching Methods: The clock hour education is provided through a sequential set of learning steps that address specific tasks necessary for state board preparation, graduation, and job entry-level skills. Student treatment room equipment, implements, and products are comparable to those used in the industry.
This course is presented through:
- A variety of techniques used to foster a positive learning environment.
- To maximize learning, students MUST read the assigned material. The ability to learn the material and grades will significantly depend on student understanding of the assigned readings and hands on experiences.
- Class lectures will utilize a combination of the lecture method, to foster discussions, and hands on experiences.
Grading Procedures: Students are assigned academic learning units and a minimum number of practical experiences required for course completion. A student’s progress is measured by various tests, practical applications in LAB, projects and final exams. The tests are done on a regular basis throughout the program. Students are required to achieve at least a 75% passing score on their final written and practical exams. Numerical grades are considered according to the following scale:
- 90-100 Excellent
- 80-89 Very Good
- 75-79 Satisfactory
- 0-74 Unsatisfactory / Failing
Metro Accessible
We are located across the street from the Silver Line Reston Metro Station (Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station) in Reston VA, and within 30 minute drive time of Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.