Clinical Massage Program


Massage on back of client

For More Information About the Clinical Massage Program

Please note starting with the 2024 Fall Cohort, a new exciting format for the Clinical Massage. This will allow more students into the program and still be extremely affordable. Additional hours will provide students with more exposure to the many facets of the massage industry.

For Students

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 include in-person classes and will be 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.

Information Session will be held Thursday, June 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Opportunity to take the TABE test will occur immediately after the session. Candidates with completed documents will have an interview scheduled on July 17 or 18. Finalists for the Fall Cohort will be notified on July 25 and will be scheduled for a Massage from our current graduates on their last day of clinic. Module I will begin on September 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon with orientation. CPR will be on September 5, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. with a $10 cost for the card. Sept. 9 will start the regular class schedule 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Attendance is mandatory for all classes.

All dates are subject to change due to circumstances or weather.

This 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. As part of the entrance process

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.

If you are interested in registering for the Clinical Massage class, call the Health Occupations office at (828) 398-7878 and provide your phone number and email address. Your name and email address will be put on the Clinical Massage email list and our office will send you an email reminder to the next information session for a Clinical Massage class. It is required that students 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.

  • 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 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

  1. Registration Fee for Each Module: $217.00 (Registration fee includes: tuition, insurance, technology, and supply fee).
  2. 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. Please note there are scholarships available to aid with these costs with prior arrangements made. Do not delay contacting sponsors!!!
    • Students may also pay with American Express, Master Card, or VISA
  3. Books: Approx. $194.40 (can order on the Internet or buy at A-B Tech Book Store)
  4. Uniform: Approx. $125.00 (Reed's Uniform Store or Country Casuals)
  5. Holster with bottles: Approx. $35.00 (Massage Warehouse)
  6. 3 sets of twin sheets for lab practice Approx. $50
  7. 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.
  8. You must pay for each Module before the start date.
  9. Books, uniforms, and holsters are a one-time purchase.

Costs After the Course

  1. MBLEx Exam: $265.00
  2. Application Fee: $20.00
  3. Finger Print Card: $40.00
  4. NCBMBT state license: $190.00

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.