Massage Training with a Western Focus

Most massage therapy practiced in the United States is based in Swedish or western massage. This can be described as the use of various strokes to manipulate soft tissues, engaging the muscular, cardiovascular and nervous systems in order to reduce tissue tightness, enhance circulation, reduce pain and promote general relaxation. Practitioners usually work directly on the client's skin, using various lubricants.

Western Massage Focus students take 180 hours of hands-on classes concentrated on learning Swedish massage technique. This is the basic field of study covered in the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists practical examination. 210 hours of training are devoted to the health sciences. The remainder of classes encompass practice development skills and 70 hours of electives.

The program has been approved by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists and the Washington Department of Health Board of Massage. OSM is approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for training certification and as a continuing education provider.

Health Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology I 30 Hours
Anatomy & Physiology II 30 Hours
Anatomy & Physiology III 30 Hours
Kinesiology Upper Body 30 Hours
Kinesiology Lower Body 30 Hours
Pathology I 30 Hours
Pathology II 30 Hours

Practice Development
Communications and Ethics 30 Hours
Business of Massage 15 Hours
Statutes 5 Hours
Swedish Clinic 45 Hours

Electives
Variety (see catalogue) 70 Hours

Bodywork
Massage Fundamentals 45 Hours
Massage Upper Body 30 Hours
Massage Lower Body 30 Hours
Hydrotherapy 15 Hours
Shiatsu I 30 Hours
Massage Assessment & Applications 30 Hours

Summary of Western Focus
Bodywork 180 Hours
Electives 70 Hours
Practice Development 95 Hours
Health Sciences 210 Hours
  555 Hours
Planning Guide-Western Focus

For more information on required classes, click here.

To request a Program Brochure Click here.

To learn more, attend a free Massage Training Preview.

Ready to enroll? Click here.