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 610-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.

Classes will be held 10 hours per week, three weeks a month for 20 months for part-time students. Classes will run 20 hours per week, three weeks a month for 10 months for full-time students. 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:

  • Introduction to Massage Therapy by Mary Beth Braun & Stephanie Simonson, © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

  • Structure and Function of the Body by Gary A. Thibodeau and Kevin T. Patton, 12th Edition, © 2003 by Elsevier Science.

  • Illustrated Atlas of Musculoskeletal Anatomy by Patrick Barron, 1st Edition, © 2005 by Pine Island Publishers, Inc.

  • The Anatomy Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit and Lawrence Elson © 1993 by HarperCollins Publishers.

Certifications

The school is certified by the Virginia Board of Education. Graduates of the 610-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.