1. What is unique about your school?
2. How does the school prepare me for running a business?
3. How much is tuition?
4. Do you have financial assistance?
5. Are there additional expenses?
6. What are employment opportunities after graduation?
7. What is required to become a certified massage therapist in Virginia?
8. When do classes begin?
9. How do I enroll?



1. What is unique about your school? (back to top)

The main focus of our school is to teach anatomy and bodywork techniques with which student will learn to give massages from a centered and grounded position, with a heart-centered intent. We emphasize high standard of integrity, quality of bodywork, and specific knowledge of anatomy on which to base appropriate massage treatments. Our well-educated and skilled instructors bring years of teaching and bodywork experience to the classroom. We present the educational process with a perspective toward the students' integration of the material as well as personal growth.

2. How does the school prepare me for running a business? (back to top)

Information on record keeping, client health screens and interactions, tax preparation, legal requirements and the boundaries and ethics of giving massage are included in our class contents.

3. How much is tuition? (back to top)

$7,925.00, which includes textbooks.

4. Do you have financial assistance? (back to top)

We offer monthly payment plans, after payment of the application fee and tuition deposit (total of $550). The 20 month part-time plan is $385.00 per month; the 10 month full-time plan is $771.00 per month, based on 4.5% interest on the balance after the deposit. Also, as of June 2008, we are now approved for GI Bill benefits.

5. Are there additional expenses? (back to top)

Yes--you will need to provide your own twin-sized sheets, extra pillow cases (including king-sized for draping), and hand towels for each person on whom you plan to work during class and lab, as well as purchasing your massage oil or cream. Tables are provided at the school for classroom and lab work, although you may wish to purchase one for your practice at home as well as for your future business.

6. What are employment opportunities after graduation? (back to top)

Massage therapist are finding opportunities at wellness and fitness centers, spas, chiropractic and physical therapy offices, beauty salons, as well as establishing private practices. With the increase awareness of the benefits of massage and the use of massage therapy for pain relief and improvement of general well-being, more and more people are turning to massage as an alternative form of health care.

7. What is required to become a certified massage therapist in Virginia? (back to top)

The basic requirements in Virginia are:

8. When do classes begin? (back to top)

New classes begin in January, May, and September. The full-time program is 10 months and the part-time program is 20 months. Full time classes meet twice a week from 9am-8pm and part-time classes meet three times a week from 6pm-9pm. However, when classes begin their third term the hours change to 9am-8:30pm for full-time and 5:30pm-9pm for part-time. There are also some required weekend workshops during the course.

9. How do I enroll? (back to top)

You can access the on-line forms by clicking "Apply" and send through the mail to: SVSTM, 215 Piccadilly Street, Edinburg, VA 22824, along with the application fee and the tuition deposit.

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