Overview
Massage therapy is a form of manual therapy or healing art to relieve tension, reduce pain and promote relaxation. Therapeutic massages involve manual assessment and manipulation of the skin, tendons, muscles and ligaments to improve physical and mental well-being. This practice of kneading and stretching a person’s soft tissues in a rhythmic flow can help improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, while also aiding in the management of various health conditions.
Massage Therapy Schooling in Iowa: Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Therapist
Enroll in our massage therapy program to begin your career as a massage therapist. Therapeutic massages are in demand, offering a thriving job market where you can work in spas, wellness centers or clinics.
Our massage therapy program requires 600 hours of study. By attending day classes, you can meet the minimum 25 hours per week requirement and accomplish the program within 24 weeks.
Currently, we only offer this program in Des Moines.
What You Will Learn in Our Iowa Massage Therapy School
As one of the most established massage schools in Iowa, we tailor our program to equip students with a solid foundation and a practical skill set about therapeutic massage. Our course covers comprehensive topics, including:
- Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal/Infant Massage, Trigger Point Therapy
- Deep Tissue Manipulation, Geriatric Massage, Rehabilitation Massage, Corporate Massage
- Therapeutic Bodywraps, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws and Regulations
- Business Practices, Guidelines for Professional Practice
Curriculum
The State of Iowa requires students to complete and graduate from a college with an approved curriculum from the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. All graduates must complete a board-approved examination prior to licensure.
A student must attend at least 25 hours per week. Our massage therapy Des Moines program consists of 600 hours of massage therapy classes that can be completed in approximately 6 months.
Orientation
- Massage Therapy Principles and Practice
- Benefits and Effects of Massage Therapy
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws and Regulations
- Client Assessment and Treatment Planning
- Guidelines for Professional Practice
- Business practices
Specialized Modalities
- Myotherapy/Trigger Point Therapy
- Sports Massage
- Prenatal /
- Therapeutic Body Infant Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Hot Stone Massage wraps
- Aromatherapy
- Direct Tissue Manipulation
- Geriatric Massage
- Rehabilitation Massage
- Corporate Massage
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Skeletal System
- Muscular System
- Nervous System
- Endocrine System
- Reproductive System
- Cardiovascular System
- Lymphatic System
- Respiratory System
- Digestive System
- Urinary System
- Pathology
- Clinical Internship
Learn about financial aid options available to you.
Student Kit
Equipment, Textbooks and Supplies
Each student will receive textbooks, equipment and other supplies from the Iowa School of Beauty. These items are the property of each student, who is responsible for replacing the supplies if they are lost or damaged. The items we provide include:
Student Equipment Kit
- Professional Massage Table
- Adjustable Face Rest
- Table Carry Case
- Arm Sling
- Massage Chair
- Chair Carry Case
- Lyflo hot/cold LyfPak with protective sleeve
- Round Bolster
- Massage Lotion
- 1 ISB T-shirt
- ABMP Student Insurance
- 1 MBLEx exam fee
Textbooks and Supplies
- 1 LWW Introduction to Massage Therapy ISBN 9781451173192 $86.99
- 1 Trail Guide to the Body ISBN 978-0-9987850-6-6 $82.95
- 1 Trail Guide to the Body Workbook ISBN978-0-9914666-7-2 $32.95
- 1 ISB Student Handbook
Outside Expenses to Be Covered by the Student
- The cost of equipment lost or damaged by the student
- State of Iowa examination fee/Licensing Fee
- Transportation cost to the examination
Learn about financial aid options available to you.
Tuition and Fees
Program Costs
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Student Equipment & Textbooks | $2,184 |
| Tuition | $10,192 |
| Total Cost | $12,476 |
Learn about financial aid options available to you.
Payment
Payment Schedule Options
Methods of payment for the application fee, equipment kit, textbook and tuition are as follows:
- Paid totally in advance.
- Paid in installments of $3,076.00 the first month, $2,325.00 per month for four additional consecutive months.
If a student fails to complete the course in 28 weeks, the student will be charged at the rate of $16.98/hour for additional instruction.
Payment Methods
We accept cash, credit or debit cards, money orders and cashier’s check. Students can also pay through Title IV aid, including Direct Loan Programs, PLUS loans and Pell grants.
Learn about financial aid options available to you.
Graduation and Licensing Requirements
Complete the required 600 hours, together with the necessary academic and financial obligations, to receive a diploma. Then, the student needs to take and pass the State Board Exam to earn a Massage Therapy License in the State of Iowa. Upon graduation from one of the best cosmetology schools near you, you’ll be prepared to take the next steps in your career. Learn how to become a licensed massage therapist in Iowa by passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination.
Iowa Board of Massage Therapy
Iowa HHS Bureau of Professional Licensure
Riverpoint Office Complex
400 SW 8th Street Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone (515) 281-0254
FAX (515) 281-7969
Learn about financial aid options available to you.
