East West College

Touch people's lives...help...heal...grow.

Welcome to East West College--a thriving community of teachers and students where educational excellence and a commitment to healing come together to create an extraordinary learning environment. Our experienced faculty, professional curriculum and rich resources offer you a tremendous opportunity to become a successful massage therapist.

Deep roots and a powerful vision

Thirty years ago, our Founder and President, David Slawson, encountered the transformative healing power of massage therapy and began his own journey as a practitioner and leader in the alternative health care community. His vision led to the creation of East West College, now the oldest massage school in the western United States, and an international center for training in the art of massage and bodywork.

An expert faculty and creative curriculum

East West College curriculum is constantly being upgraded, incorporating the latest new research, books, multi-media resources, and massage and bodywork techniques.

Our teachers include massage therapists, naturopathic and chiropractic physicians, and other professionals who combine decades of experience with passion and enthusiasm for teaching. Most of our faculty members maintain active professional practices and continually develop new skills to share with their students.

We train you for what's really important

The massage therapy programs at East West College are designed to help you pass the state and national exams required before you can become a practicing massage therapist. Our programs meet or exceed the requirements of most licensing boards in the United States. Our graduates enjoy a pass rate that is currently more than 20% higher than the national average on the National Certification Exam. We train you to achieve what's most important--being licensed to actually practice massage!

Our Mission

The mission of East West College is to educate and enrich our community through the art and science of massage.

Core Identity

In our interactions with all members of our community, the staff and faculty of East West College strive to model attributes that are essential to success for professional massage therapists. These include: communicating clearly and respectfully; engaging in critical thinking; being creative problem solvers; having clear and appropriate boundaries; and being warm, open and nurturing.

Educational Philosophy

East West College is committed to providing a high quality education for individuals seeking to become skilled, caring, professional massage therapists. Our program combines a solid foundation in the understanding of the human body with the ability to create effective, personalized treatments. Our courses balance the development of basic knowledge and skills in eastern and western bodywork with the opportunity to explore areas of personal interest. Our faculty provides experienced and compassionate teaching in a learning environment that fosters each student's personal and professional growth.

At East West College, students gain in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and pathology, and develop competence in a variety of massage modalities. This technical knowledge is supported by education in ethical practices, effective communication skills, individualized treatment planning approaches and professional practice strategies to meet the student's personal goals. Students' experience in hands-on sessions and the East West College Clinic develops confidence in their ability to bring nurturing, respectful touch to those around them. Throughout the program, students are encouraged, challenged and inspired to integrate their abilities to engage in critical thinking and to follow their intuition. This comprehensive approach prepares students to become successful members of the community of professional massage therapists, and to bring their healing touch to the world.

COMTA Accreditation

East West College is one of the few schools in the West (and the only one in Oregon) accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

The Essentials

• COMTA-accredited programs begin every January, April, July and October.

• Students complete their education in 12 to 15 months with classes offered during the day or evening.

• The 800-hour Massage Therapy Program and is designed to give students an excellent education in the fundamentals of therapeutic massage and bodywork, preparing them to take the state board exams for which they qualify. Alumni support services include job placement, continuing education classes and special events that promote alumni practices.

• East West College is eligible to receive federal financial aid and is approved by the United States Department of Education and licensed by the Oregon State Education Department. Our skilled financial aid staff will work with you to create a financing package that meets your needs.

• East West College is eligible to receive federal financial aid and is approved by the United States Department of Education and licensed by the Oregon State Education Department. Our skilled financial aid staff will work with you to create a financing package that meets your needs.

A learning environment that supports your unique abilities

East West College classes are offered in a large, modern, well-equipped, and beautiful massage training facility. Professionally designed with environmentally conscious materials, our spacious classrooms, library, study rooms, lounge and bookstore offer a warm, welcoming place to learn and connect with students and staff.

Our commitment to each student's success includes small class sizes (average of 16 students), dedicated faculty and a creative curriculum that allows you to develop your own unique healing style while you train. For admissions requirements, please Request Information.

Be nurtured by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest

Known as "The City of Roses," Portland, Oregon is ideally situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountain Range. Acclaimed as "one of the best places to live in the United States," the city's charming neighborhoods, lively downtown, and excellent mass transit are surrounded by the natural beauty for which the Pacific Northwest is famous.

You are invited to a hands-on experience

You are invited to visit the college, meet our faculty, talk to our students, and experience the "Career Preview Day" and "Intro to Massage" class we offer to everyone considering massage as a career. Our admissions staff is an excellent resource and will help you take the next step toward this new, exciting and fulfilling career! To learn more, click Request Information.

Contact Us Today!

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.