Massage Therapy Program

Help Others Heal and Relax by Learning Massage Therapy

Our 600-hour Massage Therapy Program teaches a wide range of techniques and modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage, alongside anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, so you understand the science behind the work. You’ll practice in our student spa under the direct supervision of licensed instructors, building the hands-on confidence needed for a professional career. Available at both our Atlanta Buckhead and Dunwoody campuses.

Learn the power of touch, the art of healing.

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Curriculum and Skills

Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology
Pathology
Chair Massage
Shiatsu
Swedish Massage
Reflexology
Thai Massage
Aromatherapy
Deep Tissue Massage
Eastern Theory & Practice
Neuro Muscular Massage
Massage in Medicine
Trigger Point
Hydro Therapy
Sports Massage
Prenatal Massage
Lymphatic Drainage
Dynamic Cupping
Somatic Therapies
Motion Stretching
Basic Pharmacology
Himalayan Salt Massage
Spa Therapies
Orthopedics
Professional Standards
Business & Ethics
MBLEx Boot Camp & Exam Review
And Much More!

Comprehensive Massage Therapy Curriculum Prepares You for a Future Career

Our program fully meets Georgia state licensure requirements and goes beyond them, including a 50-hour clinical internship in our student spa, designed to feel like a luxury wellness environment. ESI founder Elaine Sterling is a licensed, internationally trained massage therapist, and her global perspective shapes the curriculum. Alongside foundational technique and anatomy, students learn modalities from around the world, including Shiatsu and Thai Massage, taught by licensed massage therapists and spa professionals committed to your success.

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Massage Therapy Program

Program at a Glance

600 Clock Hours

Meets GA licensure requirements across A&P, Technique, & Professional Standards

GA Licensure Aligned

Curriculum mapped to state board competencies and MBLEx readiness

Hands-on Training

Supervised on-campus clinic with defined service mix and SOAP documentation

Pro Tools & Kit

Apple iPad, massage table & bolster, ABMP membership, Milady CIMA access

Full-Time and Part-Time Schedules Available

The 600-hour program can be completed in as little as seven to twelve months, with full-time and part-time schedules available at both campuses.

Full-time schedule: Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Part-time schedule: Tuesday through Thursday, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Saturday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

E-Learning to Complement Your Massage Therapy Education

Students have access to many e-learning applications as part of the Massage Therapy Program, including:

Qnity: An online financial literacy course for beauty professionals.
Milady CIMA: Skill-based learning delivered on the CIMA digital platform and via the Milady textbook.
MBLEx Exam Prep: Personalized online tutoring for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam.
CPR Training: Online training to receive a CPR certification.

What Opportunities are Available to Graduates of the Massage Therapy Program?

At Elaine Sterling Institute, we aim to make the transition between school and the workplace as smooth as possible. Learning how to be a massage therapist can be the beginning of a long-term professional career in the wellness industry.

Your education could take you to spas, chiropractic offices, or clinical and holistic health centers. We have a very active job placement department at our school that helps students network with industry leaders, learn job skills, and connect with potential employers.

See What Our Students Have To Say

Janice Laster

Just wanted to touch base with you and say thank you so much for your classes at TIEGA!! EVERYONE LOVED YOU!!! You are a wonderful educator, knowledgeable and entertaining, especially in the way you teach!! We are looking forward to the GACTE Conference in July! Take care and again thank you very much!

Janice Laster

Natasha Harvey

I have really enjoyed Ms. Gina's online class! She is an awesome teacher and breaks down the material for comprehensive and does not overwhelm.

Natasha Harvey

Cher Clark

Elaine, it was my pleasure to get to know you and have you as my mentor during my time as your student during my introduction to esthetics. Without your expertise and approval I may not have had the confidence I needed to face such a major career change. Thank you so much!

Cher Clark

Lisa Easton

Elaine Sterling has not only been a great instructor, but has continued to lead her students. I now own a medical spa and Elaine continues to provide guidance and clinical advice for me. I appreciate and admire her ambition in this field and look forward to her continued support.

Lisa Easton

Marisa Costigan

I am really glad I took the laser class offered at The Elaine Sterling Institute. Elaine’s school is very nice & professional. Tony Stanfill is an excellent instructor and she is very thorough in teaching laser safety and education. I thought there was plenty of hands on experience with the different lasers. After taking the class, I got offered a position at a dermatology practice.

Marisa Costigan

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Massage Therapy Program

How much is tuition?

Tuition for the Massage Therapy Program is $10,200. The fee for the kit, books, and supplies is $2,940. Total cost is $13,140.

Can I apply for financial aid?

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. You can apply by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Our school also has tuition payment plans, if you would like to pay tuition over a series of payments rather than all at once.

What do students receive in their kit?

Massage therapist students receive the following items:

Apple iPad
Trail Guide to the Body textbook, workbook and flashcards
Massage Therapist Guide to Pathology book
Applied Anatomy and Physiology book
CIMA Milady Book
Prosper U Fast Track business course
Qnity – Financial Literacy Course
Vitality Project course
Beautista Access
ESI Jacket
Stool
Bottle
Holster
Sheets
Blankets
Massage Table

Student kits are subject to change.

How soon could I start?

If you meet our admissions requirements and you complete our enrollment process, you could start the Massage Therapy Program within one month. Monthly start dates with day and evening schedules are available. Begin the enrollment process whenever you are ready!

What kind of business and ethics are taught in this program?

We prepare students for the business of massage therapy, including financial management strategies and making a business plan. Part of this section of the curriculum covers Georgia laws that relate to massage therapists and the wellness industry. We also discuss the Code of Ethics and how that can apply to your future career.

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How to Enroll in Our Massage Therapy Program

Your dreams of becoming a massage therapist can start coming true at Elaine Sterling Institute!

Take a look at our admissions requirements:

You must be 17 years of age or older.
You need a high school diploma or GED.
You need a valid government ID.
You may need additional docs for VA, international, or M1 visa, when applicable.

Do you meet the requirements? Begin the enrollment process by contacting us and requesting more information about the massage therapy program. Our admissions team can help answer your questions, guide you through the enrollment process, and schedule a tour of one of our schools.