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Program Details

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.

  • Meets all Georgia state licensing requirements
  • Prepares you for the MBLEx licensure examination
  • 50-hour clinical internship with real clients
  • ABMP membership included in your student kit
  • Day & evening classes at both Buckhead and Dunwoody campuses

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The Curriculum

What You'll Master

01
Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology

Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology

Study the skeleton, body systems, histology, and terminology in 125 hours of instruction.
02
Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage

Master effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and other core techniques.
03
Deep Tissue & Myofascial Release

Deep Tissue & Myofascial Release

Work deeper with deep tissue and myofascial release techniques.
04
Neuromuscular & Trigger Point

Neuromuscular & Trigger Point

Learn neuromuscular therapy, trigger point therapy, and orthopedic assessment.
05
Sports Massage & Stretching

Sports Massage & Stretching

Apply sports massage with assisted, passive, and proprioceptive stretching.
06
Eastern Theory & Thai Massage

Eastern Theory & Thai Massage

Explore Thai massage, acupressure, polarity, and Eastern theory.
07
Spa Therapies

Spa Therapies

Offer hot stone, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, prenatal massage, exfoliation, and wraps.
08
Pathology

Pathology

Learn contraindications, tissue injury and repair, and common diseases and disorders.
09
Professional Standards

Professional Standards

Practice draping, intake interviews, SOAP notes, and universal precautions.
10
Business, Ethics & MBLEx Prep

Business, Ethics & MBLEx Prep

Learn Georgia laws, the Code of Ethics, business planning, and MBLEx review.

Envision Yourself as a Professional

Build a Career in the Growing Wellness Industry

At Elaine Sterling Institute, we aim to make the transition between school and the workplace as smooth as possible. 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.

  • Massage therapist in a luxury spa or resort
  • Massage therapist in a chiropractic or PT clinic
  • Massage therapist in a clinical or medical spa
  • Sports massage therapist
  • Entrepreneur or mobile massage therapist

Our Massage Therapy Program

Why Choose Elaine Sterling Institute?

Beyond State Requirements

Our program fully meets Georgia state licensure requirements and goes beyond them, including a 50-hour clinical internship.

 

Internationally Trained Founder

ESI founder Elaine Sterling is a licensed, internationally trained massage therapist, and her global perspective shapes the curriculum.

Real Clients in Our Student Spa

Complete 40 table massage sessions and 25 chair massage sessions with real clients under licensed supervision.

Full-Time & Part-Time Schedules

Complete the program in as little as seven to twelve months, with day and evening schedules at both campuses.

MBLEx Prep & ABMP Membership

Prepare with ABMP Exam Coach and MBLEx exam prep, plus your first year of ABMP membership and liability insurance.

Financial Aid

Flexible financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships available for qualified students.

Awards & Accreditations

Proudly accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and recognized as a CIDESCO School, Elaine Sterling Institute has spent 18 years shaping Atlanta’s beauty and wellness professionals, a proud recipient of the 2024 Golden School Award.

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

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

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 therapy students receive the following:

  • Apple iPad
  • ESI shirt and jacket
  • ABMP Membership
  • Canvas Me Portfolio
  • Massage Table
  • Bolster
  • Massage Tools
  • CPR Training
  • Milady CIMA
  • Qnity financial literacy learning
  • MBLEx Exam Prep
  • Textbooks: Trail Guide to the Body, Trail Guide to the Body Workbook, Applied Anatomy & Physiology, Business Mastery (5th edition), and A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology (7th edition)

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.

How long is the Massage Therapy Program?

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
Will I work on real clients?

Yes. Your 50-hour clinical internship includes 40 one-hour table massage sessions (including deep tissue and myofascial release, hydrotherapy, sports and stretching, hot stone, and aromatherapy) and 25 chair massage sessions, all under licensed supervision.

What is included with the ABMP membership?

Your first year of professional membership with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and liability insurance is included with your subscription to ABMP Exam Coach Plus, an online study tool and MBLEx test prep. Membership also includes ABMP Five-Minute Muscles, ABMP Student Life, graduate support, and resources like a job board, webinars, and video tutorials.

Will I be ready to take the MBLEx?

Our curriculum meets all Georgia state licensing requirements and prepares graduates for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), with an MBLEx boot camp and exam review sessions included.

Get Started

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:

  • Age 17 or Older
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid government ID
  • 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.

 

 

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