A Career Dedicated to Healing
AVI's 625-clock-hour Massage Therapy program integrates massage theory and principles, anatomy and physiology, hands-on massage and bodywork techniques, professional practices, and business and career development. The curriculum is ELAP-aligned and SCHEV-approved.
Graduates meet or exceed the educational requirements to sit for a nationally recognized examination — the MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) — and to apply for licensure through the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Financial Aid is available for eligible students through Federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, Title IV, GI Bill, and WIOA workforce funding.
Course Breakdown
9 courses · 210 theory hours · 415 laboratory hours · 625 total clock hours
| Course | Theory | Lab | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT101 — Massage Theory & Principles History, modalities, physiological effects, indications, contraindications, therapist self-care |
17h | 10h | 27h |
| MT102 — Massage Professional Practices Ethics, scope of practice, HIPAA basics, Virginia laws & regulations, infection control |
10h | 10h | 20h |
| MT103 — The Therapeutic Relationship Client-centered communication, informed consent, cultural competency, trauma-informed practice |
20h | 20h | 40h |
| MT104 — Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Body systems, major muscles, bones & joints, common pathologies, massage indications & contraindications |
50h | 30h | 80h |
| MT105 — Assessment & Documentation Health history & intake, postural assessment, range-of-motion screening, SOAP notes, treatment planning |
25h | 25h | 50h |
|
MT106 — Massage & Bodywork Application
● Face-to-Face Only Body mechanics; Swedish full-body routines; deep-tissue, sports, hydrotherapy, stone therapy & chair massage; supervised clinic |
0h | 175h | 175h |
|
MT107 — Palpation & Movement
● Face-to-Face Only Surface anatomy, palpation of major muscle groups, joint structure, active/passive/resisted movement |
0h | 71h | 71h |
| MT108 — Adapting Sessions for Clients Modifications for older adults, prenatal clients, athletes, and common clinical conditions within scope |
30h | 50h | 80h |
| MT109 — Career Development Career pathways, business planning, marketing, client retention, resume & interview skills, continuing education |
58h | 24h | 82h |
| TOTAL | 210h | 415h | 625h |
MT106 and MT107 are delivered face-to-face only on campus. Minimum 400 hours of the program must be completed in person.
Delivery & Schedule
- Minimum 400 hours delivered face-to-face on campus
- Up to 225 hours of eligible didactic content via approved distance education (SCHEV-reviewed LMS)
- Day, evening, or weekend schedules available
- Approximately 36 weeks to completion (plus final evaluation)
- MT106 and MT107 are exclusively face-to-face — no remote option
Required Textbooks
Additional references: current massage-therapy research, AMTA/ABMP publications, and Virginia massage laws & regulations.
Grading Scale
| Grade | Percentage | Standing |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90% – 100% | Excellent |
| B | 80% – 89% | Good |
| C | 70% – 79% | Satisfactory |
| F | Below 70% | Unsatisfactory |
Minimum "C" average (70%) is required to graduate. Successful completion of all required practical evaluations and all 625 clock hours are required.
Grade Weight Distribution
Flexible Learning Options
Program is approximately 36 weeks plus a final evaluation week. Contact admissions for current start dates and class schedules.
Funding Options Available
- Title IV Federal Student Aid
- Federal Pell Grants (need-based, no repayment)
- Federal Direct Loans (subsidized & unsubsidized)
- GI Bill® for veterans and military families
- Virginia Career Works / WIOA
Virginia Massage Therapy License
Massage therapy in Virginia is regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Graduates of AVI's 625-hour program are prepared to sit for the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), the most widely accepted state licensure exam.
- Complete 625-hour AVI program
- Pass the MBLEx (or another accepted exam)
- Apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for licensure
- Meet all state continuing-education requirements to renew
Career Opportunities
Where your Virginia massage therapy license can take you
