Catalog

Program Overview

Holistic Academy of Natural Disciplines – HANDS offers a comprehensive 800-hour clinical massage therapy education program designed to prepare students for professional practice and to meet the requirements necessary for massage therapist licensure in many U.S. jurisdictions. Our curriculum blends therapeutic bodywork techniques, holistic healing principles, anatomy and pathology, hands-on clinical experience, and professional standards that support both career readiness and regulatory compliance.

Program Objectives

• Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and client-centered practice standards.
• Apply evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and specialized bodywork modalities.
• Understand human anatomy, physiology, pathology, hygiene, and bloodborne pathogen protocols.
• Perform safe, effective massage therapy assessments and treatments in clinical and holistic settings.
• Prepare for state licensure eligibility and national board examinations where required.
• Program Structure and Hours
• Total Clock Hours: 800
• Includes instruction in anatomy & physiology, pathology, clinical techniques, hands-on practice, professional ethics, and safety compliance.
• Clinical practicum and supervised hands-on training embedded throughout the curriculum.
• Delivery: In-person classroom and clinical instruction with small group practice.

Key Curriculum Areas

• Therapeutic Massage Techniques
• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue and myofascial release
• Reflexology
• Hot stone and holistic modalities

Foundational Sciences

• Anatomy and physiology
• Pathology and contraindications
• Hygiene and bloodborne pathogens

Professional Standards

Ethics and scope of practice Client consultation and documentation Business fundamentals for massage therapists

Clinical Practicum

• Supervised hands-on sessions
• Real-world client interaction
• Case studies and treatment planning

State Licensing Requirements

Massage therapist licensing requirements vary by state. In most U.S. states, the following criteria are typical for eligibility to apply for licensure:

Completion of a state-approved massage therapy training program

Most states require between 500 and 800+ hours of education from an accredited or board-approved institution.

Passing a national board examination

The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is required by the majority of states and is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.

Professional requirements

High school diploma or GED is typically required.

Accreditation and Approval

Graduating from a board-approved or accredited program ensures eligibility for licensure application in many states. Always confirm with the specific state licensing board.

Note: While an 800-hour program satisfies or exceeds the minimum requirement in many states, licensure standards can differ substantially. HANDS strongly encourages students to independently verify current state requirements through the relevant massage therapy board before enrollment and before licensure application.

Licensing and Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• Private practice and wellness centers
• Spa and holistic therapy settings
• Rehabilitation clinics or collaborative healthcare environments
• Corporate wellness programs
• Continued professional development and specialization

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must:

• Submit a completed application with required documentation.
• Provide proof of high school diploma or equivalent.
• Attend a personal interview (as required).
• Comply with any additional academy prerequisites.

Tuition and Financial Information

Detailed tuition, fee schedules, payment plans, and refund policies are available through our admissions office.