Ashland Institute of Massage

Ashland Institute of Massage is a small school with a big vision - educating hands, heart, and head for a holistic integration of Self and skills. Founded in 1988, AIM has the reputation of providing stellar education for massage therapists in a small-school environment and gorgeous locale. We have a six-month fast-track intensive schedule option, along with a 10-month evening and weekend program.

Our 650-hour massage program is designed to create excellent therapeutically-oriented massage therapists who have a deep understanding of the human body, strong assessment and treatment skills, and exceptional palpation ability. This program integrates the human sciences of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology with the technical practice of Swedish massage, Clinical Assessment and Treatment, Myo-Fascial Release, and Neuromuscular Therapy, as well as an understanding of connective tissue and its role in massage therapy. We emphasize Core Integration - the development of you as a person and as a practitioner - through self-awareness, somatic (body/breath) awareness, communication skills, ethics, and business skills.

Courses

Human Science - 224 hours

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Pathology

Massage - 334 hours

• Introduction to Palpation
• Swedish Massage
• Clinical Assessment and Treatment
• Neuromuscular & Deep Tissue Techniques
• Myo-Fascial Release
• Hydrotherapy
• Integrated Kinesiology
• Connective Tissue Theory and Practice
• Community Clinic

Professional Integration - 92 hours

• Core Integration —Ethics, Professional Development, and personal awareness
• Somatics Practice
• Practical Review (Preparation for State & National Exams)

Our Vision

Ashland Institute of Massage strives to integrate body, mind, and heart in our programs, believing that a mindful, holistic program creates a mindful, holistic practitioner. We believe that massage, as a healing art, has the potential to deepen the connection with universal healing energy. We honor the essential spirit in each of our students and support students' varied interests in applying their education, whether in private practice, a medical environment, or a spa setting.

We are committed to:

• Maintaining a culturally creative learning community comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and interests.
• Developing professional massage therapists who hold highly to the values of integrity, accountability, respect, compassion, and ethical practice.
• Creating a space for learning that is safe, fun, and interactive.

Educational Philosophy

We recognize that students enter the program with their own learning preferences and bring to their practice a diversity of skills and life experience. We believe that scientific understanding, clinical skill, self-awareness, intuition, and the ability to be present with your client are all important aspects of a competent practitioner.

• We value the integration of body, mind, and heart in learning and in practice. We structure our curriculum so that students experience this integration during their training through kinesthetic activities, intellectual stimulation, and awareness practices.
• We teach human sciences with the practice of massage therapy in mind. We provide a thorough working knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, along with the theory and practice of Swedish massage and complementary therapeutic modalities.
• We model professional, compassionate attitudes with a commitment to ethical interactions with our students, colleagues, and clients.
• We provide a safe, supervised, and supportive learning environment that promotes the health and well-being of our students.
• We support practitioners in broadening their skills and knowledge through on-going continuing education programs.

Location

Ashland Institute of Massage is located in Ashland, Oregon, a picturesque town of 20,000, nestled in the southern Rogue River Valley at the confluence of the Klamath, Siskiyou, and Cascade mountain ranges. Ashland has a sunny climate with very moderate rainfall. This progressive, health-conscious, and safe community is home to the nationally renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Ashland is known for its small-town ambiance, superb restaurants, abundant music and theater, and access to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking, skiing, kayaking, and mountain biking are all easily accessible from town. We are 1½ hours away from Mt. Shasta or Crater Lake National Park, 2½ hours from the Pacific Ocean, and midway between Portland and San Francisco.

Our Invitation

We invite your curiosity - take some time to consider how Ashland Institute of Massage may be in service to you in your development as a massage therapist. We welcome a conversation to respond to questions you may have. If you are interested in our program and would like to find out more, please Request Information and visit our website.