Do you want to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in this growing Healthcare field?
With a total of 650 hours of instruction, A-B Tech's cost-effective Clinical Massage Program is a unique opportunity for those aspiring to enter a healthcare career. The Program is structured into three modules:
- Module I: Fundamentals of Massage Theory & Practice I
- Module II: Fundamentals of Massage Theory & Practice II
- Module III: Integrative Massage & Clinic
All modules are in-person classes and are conducted three days a week (M, T, W) from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. However, starting in the middle of Module II, students will have a clinic day on either Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. until the end of Module III.
An Information Session will be held to provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about the program and the documents needed to apply. The opportunity to take the TABE test will occur immediately after the Information Session.
Candidates with all completed documents will have the opportunity to schedule an interview. Finalists for the Cohort will be notified by phone call, attendance is mandatory for all classes. (All dates are subject to change due to circumstances or weather.)
The program provides classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences consistent with the standards of practice established by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT). Students are evaluated in all the areas and must maintain 80% at all times during the three modules.
Students will be expected to give and receive massages as part of the learning experiences. Interpersonal and social skills are also a must to properly address the needs of the client. The inability to fulfill these crucial components will result in not completing the program.
This course is designed to prepare students for the Massage Board Licensing Exam (MBLEx) which establishes eligibility to apply to the State Board for Licensure to practice in North Carolina as a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT).
Registration Information
This is a highly popular program with a growing waitlist.
To register for the Clinical Massage Program, call the Health Occupations office at (828) 398-7878. Provide your name, phone number, and email address and it will be added to the Clinical Massage waitlist. You will receive an email reminder for the next information session for a Clinical Massage Program.
Students are required to attend the Information Session. Due to the large volume of calls and emails from individuals interested in the Clinical Massage Program, it is necessary to implement an improved system for acceptance into the program. Evaluation of individuals’ documents along with interviews will be conducted to render the best candidates for this program.
Registration Requirements
All required documents must be presented before scheduling the interview. Interviews will be scheduled with the Coordinator of Clinical Massage. There will be no exceptions. Many of these items will be required for consideration to take the state exam.
The NC Board of Massage and Bodywork requires a Criminal Background check and moral character references for candidates to test. Also, anyone with infractions or suspensions regarding student conduct will not be able to take the state board test. For more information go to Rules And Regulations Of The North Carolina Board Of Massage & Bodywork Therapy.
Checklist for Clinical Massage
- Must register in person after being notified by either phone or email of admission to the program.
- Must submit proof of at least 18 years of age or older by an official U.S. government-issued, non-expired signature bearing photo identification. Examples include a driver's license, U.S. Military ID, or U.S. passport.
- Copy of High School diploma, high school transcripts, or GED
- A score of an 11th-grade reading level result or higher on the TABE Test. Call the Health Occupations Office (828) 398-7878 for an appointment to schedule a time to take this exam.
- Submit (2) references from persons not related to you indicating "good moral character." (Request forms from the Health Occupations Office or you can download the request form at Massage Reference.)
- Submit a physician's assessment stating that you are capable of being in an instructional program that is physically "rigorous and strenuous." (Request form from Health Occupations Office or you can download the request form at Physician Assessment.)
- Copies of immunization records should include TDAP, MMR, Varicella, TB, Hepatitis B, Influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. (COVID Vaccine is not required but suggested) Copies of blood tests can also be used for this record.
- Students who are accepted into the Clinical Massage Program are required to attend all hours of the Orientation for the class.
Interview with the Coordinator of the Clinical Massage Program. When you have gathered together all of the above documents and forms, you may call the Health Occupations Office (828) 398-7878 to schedule the required interview. If documents are incomplete you will not be considered for admission at this time.
Registration Fee and Other Expenses
Please note there are scholarships available to aid with these costs with prior arrangements made. Do not delay contacting sponsors.
- Registration Fee for Each Module: $267.00 (Registration fee includes: tuition, insurance, technology, and supply fee).
- Payment Options:
- Students should bring in the exact amount if paying with cash
- Write a check to A-B Tech for the exact amount
- Bring written authorization for payment from your organizational sponsor or the employer who will pay for your class.
- Students may also pay with American Express, Master Card, or VISA.
- Books: Approx. $299.00 (can order on the Internet or buy at A-B Tech Book Store)
- Uniform: Approx. $125.00 (Reed's Uniform Store or Country Casuals)
- Holster with bottles: Approx. $35.00 (Massage Warehouse)
- 3 sets of twin sheets for lab practice Approx. $50
- You will be provided with an A-B Tech Photo ID badge. You must purchase a badge holder with a clip. You will have to pay for a replacement if you lose it.
- You must pay for each Module before the start date.
- Books, uniforms, and holsters are a one-time purchase.
Costs After the Course
- MBLEx Exam $265.00
- Application Fee $20.00
- Finger Print Card $40.00
- NCBMBT state license $199.00
Approximate Total $1,800.00
If you have any questions regarding these registration procedures or have any further questions, please call the Health Occupations Office at (828) 398-7878.
