Shenandoah Valley School of Therapeutic Massage, LLC

Listening to the body with hands, heart and mind

215 Piccadilly Street, Edinburg, Virginia 22824
(888) 836-0400 • svstm@shentel.net

The school was opened in 2003 by Neva Clayton, M.A., Ed.S., CMT. The purpose of the 630-hour therapeutic massage program is to assist students in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to become professional massage therapists. The holistic approach also aids the students in personal development, helping them to have the sensitivity to use their skills in caring and appropriate ways.

Educational Objectives

The following educational objectives are to help students achieve:

  1. knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathologies of the human body;

  2. skills in assessment and mastery of massage techniques for therapeutic application;

  3. appropriate body mechanics and ethical and emotional boundaries; and

  4. an understanding and ability to apply professional business practices.

The 16 month part-time option offers on-line anatomy classes and two weekends a month to cover the bodywork class and lab times held at the school.  That schedule is - Saturday classes would include two bodywork classes from 9:00 A. M. - 1:00 P. M. , a break for lunch, then the afternoon class would run from 2:00 - 6:00 P. M.  Sunday labs would be held from 1:00 - 7:00.

The full time classes will run 20 hours per week (2 full days), three weeks a month for 10 months for full-time students at the school.

The school will be closed for New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Career Planning and Placement

The director works with students to develop a career plan. In addition, current information from potential employers is available for students and graduates to examine. There is no assurance of a student gaining employment through the school's efforts.

Textbooks:

  • Structure and Function of the Body by
    Gary A. Thibodeau and Kevin T. Patton, 13th Edition,
    © 2003 by Elsevier Science.
  • Trail Guide to the Body, by Andrew Biel, © 2005 by
    Books of Discovery
  • The Anatomy Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit and
    Lawrence Elson © 1993 by HarperCollins
    Publishers.
  • Introduction to Massage Therapy by
    Mary Beth Braun and Stephanie Simonson, © 2005
    by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Certifications

The school is certified by the Virginia Board of Education. Graduates of the 630-hour professional massage therapy program are eligible to take the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. This exam is required in several states, including Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia for licensure or certification as a massage therapist.

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