Charleston School of Massage - Home

 

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Charleston School of Massage Overview

  • Located in beautiful Charleston, SC near the beaches. 
  • Premier school in Southeastern U.S.
  • Nationally Accredited by the Accrediting Council For Continuing Education & Training.
  • Career Programs Licensed by the South Carolina Commission On Higher Education. 
  • 604 Hour Therapeutic Massage Program.
  • 608 Hour Healing Arts & Clinical Massage Therapy Program.
  • Specialized Training Certificates in Massage (i.e., sports massage, medical or health care massage, energy work, massage with cancer patients,  pregnancy massage)
  • Small class sizes
  • Finish training in 6 months

 

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INTRODUCTION

The Charleston School of Massage is located in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is noted for white sandy beaches, tennis, golf and a variety of other sports and is home of Spoleto Festival, USA. The school is located minutes from historic downtown Charleston, Folly Beach, and Isle of Palms Beach.

In 2001, the school expanded its curricular offerings and also became known as the South Carolina School of Healing Arts. The institution is Nationally Accredited by the Accrediting Council For Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) , is a U.S. Department of Education listed school, and is an American Massage Therapy School Member. ACCET is one of a small number of accreditors that has specific standards in massage therapy training curriculum. We think massage training can be fun too.

Massage is a wonderful career. Massage therapists work in spas, salons, chiropractic and medical offices, on cruise ships, health and wellness centers, sports teams, rehabilitation centers, and also you can be self-employed.

We are a neuromuscular massage school located in Charleston, South Carolina. Graduates of the Charleston School of Massage are located in South Carolina, and Southeastern states, such as North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Students who may attend the Charleston School of Massage come from locations across the nation.  

The school is located on Highway 181 in Bayfront Shopping Plaza on James Island. We are located just minutes from Charleston and Folly Beach. Where the school is located is attractive to locals and tourists for massage appointments and students to gain experience in giving massages while students. Bayfront Shopping Plaza is a small strip shopping center with independent owned businesses. Lessees in the Plaza include a Massage Therapy and Healing Arts school, a Driving School, a Dog Grooming business,  and a Grill. The school is located immediately in front of Susan's Very Important Pet Grooming and next to James Island Driving School. The school has been in that location since the founding in 1997.

According to Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals in Your Massage & Bodywork Career, 2007 a common price range for massage is $40-$90 an hour, while some lavish spas charge even more. Massage therapists in private practice take home the entire amount, after deducting expenses and tax. Licensed massage therapists may work full-time or part-time for themselves or employers. Income is influenced by many factors including the experience of the therapist, the number of massages they provide each week, location, and the terms of employment.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Charleston School of Massage provides a caring environment to learn therapeutic massage in a creative and professional manner. We are a Charleston Trident area training and technical massage school. The school is committed to assist students to develop healing knowledge, personal skills and sensitivity, necessary to become successful therapists. All classes will include lecture, demonstration, discussion, and hands-on experience in the art and science of therapeutic massage technique to concentrate on the actual learning process.

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PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The school offers three modular programs in therapeutic massage and bodywork. These programs are:

Links:

604-HOUR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE PROGRAM: This is an advanced level massage technique program. You will learn full body massage. You will learn neuromuscular massage, muscle release, clinical and sports massage, and movement therapies. Our 604-Hour training provides a broad education in therapeutic massage. The program prepares students to work in a variety of wellness settings. The program is designed for those persons interested in employment specializing as an independent licensed massage therapist, in medical and chiropractic offices, in sports, or spa or salon. You may also work in wellness, spa or salon settings offering relaxation and muscle release massage techniques. 

Included in the 604-Hour massage therapy training are the following topics: Swedish massage; myofascial release; deep tissue and neuromuscular massage; oriental/Asian approaches such as shiatsu, reflexology, and acupressure; sports massage therapy; rehabilitation and movement; pain management; prenatal massage; nutrition; aromatherapy; musculoskeletal assessment; business and marketing; billing procedures; and many other subjects. 

This program prepares you for an advanced level career as a massage therapist.

All classes will include lecture, demonstration, discussion, and hands on experience in therapeutic massage and relaxation massage technique to concentrate on the actual learning process.

 

604-HOUR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE PROGRAM - Modules 1-6, 7A

MODULES 1-6

Massage History and Therapies

Introduction to Other Bodywork Methods

Anatomy and Physiology (Understand the basic structure and function of the human body covering the principle bones, muscles, organ systems, glands, skin, pathologies, and so on)

Anatomy Review

Anatomy and Physiology Workshop

Review

Therapeutic Massage Sessions (Swedish massage; Myofascial release; Neuromuscular and Deep tissue; Oriental and energy approaches, such as Reflexology (foot massage), Shiatsu, and Acupressure)

Introduction to Chair Massage Techniques

Hydrotherapy (Modern theory and therapeutic uses of heat and cold therapies to reduce inflammation and pain)

Musculoskeletal Assessment Procedures (Use of analytic procedures commonly used in massage therapy to determine when and how a massage is to be performed. Procedures covered include: history; assessment for muscle spasm, neuromuscular trigger points, and myofascial adhesions and so on; case management; body reading; and posture and environment)

Energy Exchange (Reiki)

Nutrition and Herbal Therapies (Providing practical understanding to students how nutrition affect them and their client's health)

Rehabilitation and Movement (Students learn how to develop knowledge in how to assist clients in movement by improving flexibility, muscle tone, and endurance)

HIV/Aids Education

Marketing, Business and Ethics (Information is provided for practice business and management methods for the successful massage therapist, including advantages of various employment opportunities and state licensing and professional issues)

First Aid and CPR

Aromatherapy (Use of aromatic extracts from flowers, herbs, and trees can add a whole new dimension to massage)

Prenatal Massage (Pregnancy massage)

Sports Massage (Techniques used for massage at athletic events, including joint mobilization and treatment possibilities of common injuries)

Supervised Internship (Internship in an on premises school massage facility)

MODULE 7A

Clinical reasoning

Billing for services

 

608 HOUR HEALING ARTS AND CLINICAL MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM - Modules 1-6, 7b

This massage therapy training has the same coursework of Modules 1 -6  of the 604-Hour Program, but with one major addition, a 100 hour specialization in healing arts therapy.

This program has a focus on advanced Asian healing arts techniques and massage, and other techniques utilized in spas, physician offices, and wellness centers. These healing arts therapies and methods include techniques, which are used in day spas, wellness centers, medical day spas, healing arts spas, employment with physicians specializing in chiropractic, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, and dentistry, athletic and recreation centers, and destination and amenity hotels and spas. This program trains students in procedures, descriptions and communication skills with other spa personnel (physicians and dentists, and other non-health practitioners such as estheticians, etc.), and an overall of procedures performed in spas.

Practitioners can increase their employability in spas by learning to provide a variety of body treatments customarily offered in spas to be used in combination with traditional massage therapy techniques. In addition, spa therapies offered in conjunction with massage treatments are becoming increasingly popular and attractive to both therapists and clients. Spa therapies include education and training in advanced hydrotherapy procedures of body and face care. Students will learn how to make and apply aromawraps, body masques, hot stone massage, and a variety of other body care treatments.

This program prepares you for a professional advanced-level career as a massage therapist.

All classes will include lecture, demonstration, discussion, and hands on experience in therapeutic massage technique to concentrate on the actual learning process.

 

COURSE LISTINGS OF HEALING ARTS PROGRAM

Advanced Asian Healing Arts - Continuation of the basic course in Asian healing arts. Advanced acupoint and meridian therapy work are explained for clinical applications in spa and health care settings.

Body Wraps/Masques and Herbal Treatments

Herbal Massage Therapy (Hot Stone Massage)

Exfoliation and Healing Arts Spa Therapy (Spa treatments are used for a variety of purposes to improve the health of the skin. These treatments in conjunction with scrubs enhance the health of the skin)

Face Steam Hydrotherapy Procedures (Hydrotherapy treatment methods moisturize, eliminate body and skin toxins, and help to revitalize and preserve the natural health of the skin)

Parafango (Use of herbal preparations and hydrotherapy to cleanse the skin) Parafango body wraps are shown to eliminate toxins from the superficial and soft tissues, for pain relief, and to improve general health.

Pathology

Healing Arts Spa Therapy Procedures, Business Operations, and Skin Products Procedures for retailing, using and applying herbal spa therapy, body care and massage products by students are described and shown. (Procedures are shown using spa procedures including scrubs and clinical spa therapy)

Supervised Internship

 

SPECIALIZED TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Students interested in training for a massage and complementary therapy specialty may enroll in advanced courses. Students must meet the admission requirements of the school. A completed application for admission must be submitted. Prospective students are required to schedule and attend an admission interview and course advising. Students declare a major during course admission and registration session. This specialized training certificate is also available to nurses, physical therapists, doctors of chiropractic, athletic trainers, and other health professionals.

Advanced professional studies are offered in massage therapy, bodywork, and complementary health care. The specialty training is accredited. You select the specialty training you are interested in. The world is your oyster. For example, you may select a major in sports and working with athletes, medical/health care and rehabilitative massage, and neuromuscular techniques. Other examples to choose are Asian massage (shiatsu massage, acupressure, and tuina massage), reflexology, spa management, aroma therapy, ayurveda, myofascial release, Thai massage, aromatherapy, and complementary therapy studies.

Please refer to the school catalog for specific details of school programs and policies.



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CLASS SCHEDULE

Classes generally meet Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. for the 608-Hour Healing Arts & Clinical Massage Therapy Certificate Program. Students registering for the 604-Hour Therapeutic Massage Certificate Program meet Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. and for the first two Thursdays of a module, 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. TBA. On Thursdays Module 7a is scheduled to meet  5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. TBA. 

The 608-Hour Healing Arts & Clinical Massage Therapy program is completed in six months. The 604-Hour Evening therapeutic massage class is completed in eight months.  

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Enrollees must submit a completed application for admission that consists of the following items:

Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Be a high school graduate, or have passed a high school equivalency exam. Applicants must submit a copy of their high school diploma or equivalent letter or college diploma, if applicable. Home schooling under certain circumstances may be applicable.         

Prospective enrollees must schedule and attend an admission interview.

Enrolling students must have and submit a school physical form. The school provides a form for your physician to complete.

*Criminal records or medical conditions may preclude a school graduate from employment. 

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SC LICENSING OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS

The licensing law states that to become a licensed massage therapist you must:  (1) be at least 18 years of age and have received a high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma; (2) have completed a 500 hour course of supervised study at an approved massage school; and (3) have received a passing grade on an approved examination. The State of South Carolina currently accepts the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board's MBLEx examination or either one of the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworks Certification examinations. Please contact the Board of Massage Therapy or the Massage Department for more licensing information for South Carolina or other states. The telephone number for the Massage Licensing Department in South Carolina is 803-896-4494. Please refer to the school catalog for further contact information.

Charleston School of Massage - Where real massage therapists train  

SIGN UP FOR CLASSES NOW!

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Hours of Operation

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
Monday 09:00 AM  to  05:00 PM 
Tuesday 09:00 AM  to  05:00 PM 
Wednesday 09:00 AM  to  05:00 PM 
Thursday 09:00 AM  to  05:00 PM 
Friday 09:00 AM  to  05:00 PM 
Saturday 09:00 AM  to  01:00 PM 
Sunday Closed  to  Closed 
E-Mail Address: charscms@bellsouth.net


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Our People

Denise Hendler 
Administrator 

Phone: 843-762-7727 

Co-founder and instructor at the Charleston School of Massage. Denise started in the field of therapeutic massage in 1982. Denise is a graduate of the Charleston School of Massage completing 600 hours of programs in Clinical Massage Therapy and Spa Therapy. She has over 1000 hours of professional training in full body massage, injury care, trigger point work, connective tissue massage, and exercise and aerobics at an accident and rehabilitation center. She managed that center for eight years. She has trained staff in therapeutic massage, hydrotherapy, general office procedures, and advertising. Denise coordinates and supervises the clinic activities at the school. Denise is a Licensed massage therapist. She passed the national certification examination in massage and bodywork therapy administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB) and, is a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Charleston Southern University in Business.
 
 
Dr. Mark S. Hendler 
Director 

Phone: 843-762-7727 

Mark is Founder and Director at the Charleston School of Massage. Dr. Hendler began in the field of massage therapy/bodywork in 1977 studying massage at Esalen Institute, San Francisco/Gamma School of Massage. In his massage training, Mark studied with such notables as Gunver Ingeborg (swedish massage) and Ed Jackson, M.D., MPH (deep tissue and therapeutic massage). Dr. Hendler has formally taught classes at Central Carolina Technical College and at Kennesaw State University. Mark has a doctoral degree from Saybrook Graduate School concentrating in psychology and the health sciences. Also, he has a doctoral degree from Life College in chiropractic. He is retired as a chiropractor. Dr. Hendler has completed postgraduate certification in Classical and Modern Acupuncture and Meridian Therapy. He was involved the the development of Rehabilitation Guidelines for Chiropractic (First Edition) and he wrote a chapter in the same publication. Mark passed the National Certification Examination in Massage and Bodywork Therapy administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB). Mark has over 20 years of clinical practice in massage and bodywork.
 

FACULTY:

 

Other faculty and staff are listed in the school catalog.

Other faculty include instructors from a variety of backgrounds and specialize in different fields of massage. Our faculty is comprised of other professionals including an M.D., an advanced massage therapy practitioner with training in perinatal massage, professionals with advanced knowledge in anatomy & physiology, and spa educated professionals.

 

 



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FINANCIAL AID
Code of Conduct
Financial aid is available to those who qualify for eligible programs. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive financial aid. Financial aid is awarded based on need. The financial aid officer can assist student with financial aid by appointments.

Students may apply for Stafford Loans. The interest rate on subsidized loans is currently fixed at 4.5% for all eligible students. Unsubsidized loans loans are fixed at 6.8% for eligible students. Students may also apply for Federal Pell Grants.

Our school can assist you with the processing of financial information for student assistance. 

GRANT PROGRAMS

The school is an eligible institution for dispursing Federal Pell Grants. This is an entitlement program, which means the grant dollars do not have to be paid back. If you defaulted on a previous student loan or if you hold a Bachelor's Degree you will not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

LOAN PROGRAMS

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: a low interest fixed rate loan for students to use attending school at least half-time.

Federal Unsubsidized Loan: a low interest fixed rate loan for independent students to use attending school at least half-time.

All loans must be repaid pursuant to applicable regulations.

Charleston School of Massage Federal School Code:035953

EDUCATION FINANCING PROGRAMS

The school has school financing plans available for your convenience.

 

 
 
Make a difference... 

...in a career you love!

 

 

 
MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC FACILITY 
Massage services are available. Appointments are scheduled for full body swedish and a variety of other relaxation massage therapy techniques . Appointments may be scheduled by telephoning (843) 762-7727 or by E-mail, charscms@bellsouth.net. Services are provided by our advanced students in private therapy rooms. If you reside in Charleston, SC or you are visiting or vacationing in beautiful Charleston, SC we welcome you.