The Myotherapy Institute offers two programs of study in massage therapy.
The 1,000 hour Diploma Program
The 1,000-clock hour diploma program is the minimum course of study required to obtain licensure in Nebraska. Full time 1,000-hour diploma students complete the Massage Therapy Program in 10 months or 40 weeks while half-time diploma program students can expect to be enrolled for 15 months or 60 weeks.
The Academic Associate’s Degree in Massage Therapy
The Associate Degree of Applied Science in Massage Therapy exceeds the massage therapy licensing requirements in Nebraska with a total of 92 credit hours. Full time students will complete the program in 12 months while part time students are ready for graduation in 18 months. Degree students attend one additional quarter and focus on advanced massage, spa and bodywork techniques.
Both Massage Therapy Programs
Both Massage Therapy Programs are licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health. Students successfully completing either of the Institute’s Massage Programs are eligible to apply for Nebraska massage therapist licensure and the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork examination. This exam is the written portion of Nebraska’s massage licensing test. Students who pass this exam are allowed to become Nebraska licensed massage therapists and may choose to become nationally certified by NCBTMB.
In order that the student have a solid technical and scientific understanding and a way to communicate with allied health professionals, the Institute offers courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, sociology, communication, fine arts, hydrotherapy, business, and massage and bodywork.
The curriculum for both the diploma and associate degree programs are designed to teach types of massage with emphasis on effective techniques used to promote stress reduction and well being. More specific techniques are offered in the associate degree program for the purpose of reducing pain associated with muscle tension, fascial restriction and trigger points. The associate degree program also offers more opportunity to explore advanced hydrotherapy and spa treatments. Students are encouraged to seek continuing education after attaining licensure for more advanced forms of soft tissue therapy.
The Institute currently offers instruction and competency evaluation in five types of massage and six types of spa treatments. The Myotherapy Institute strives to prepare effective therapists as well as individuals that are successful in the marketplace. Business instruction includes, but is not limited to experience in small business management, bookkeeping, insurance, medical office procedures, hospital orientation, advertising, public speaking and marketing. Regional employers and potential business partners contact the school for student placement. A job site bulletin board is available.
The Institute is committed to facilitating good health and wellness among its students who will be working in the healthcare community. A philosophy of the Institute is that healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of others should also pursue healthy lifestyles themselves. For this reason the Institute includes in its curriculum courses in personal fitness, stress management, and mind-body awareness techniques. Classes may include Tai Chi, Yoga and meditation.