Q: When does the next class start?

Classes begin Winter, Spring and Fall every year. The upcoming start dates are: January 25, 2010, June 7, 2010, and September 27, 2010.

Q: When are classes held?

Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday.  We offer a day class that meets from 9:00am to 1:30pm and an evening class that meets from 6:00pm to 10:30pm Monday through Thursday.  There are no Friday, Saturday or Sunday classes.  In addition, 100 hours of intern clinics may be completed any time outside of regular classroom hours.

Q: What is the length of your program?

Our program is 9 months long, and classes are offered Monday through Thursday, plus 100 intern clinic hours.

Q: How many hours is your program?

700 hours.

Q: What is the cost?

Tuition is $8,000 plus a matriculation fee of $75. Books and miscellaneous supplies are not included in the tuition.

Q: What do I have to do to apply?

You must be 18 years of age. You need to complete and application form and supply all of the required information, including your high school diploma, physician's statement of health, official transcripts from any schools attended, current resume, biographical information, and two personal references. After this process is complete, you'll need to schedule an interview with the director. Please see our admissions section for a full description of the application process.

Q: Are you accredited?

We are authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the governing body for post-secondary schools in Tennessee.

Q: Do you have financial assistance?

We will work with you to find the finanacing--many of our students have had great success with loans from Ascend Credit Union. We are not approved for Title IV grants/loans.

Q: So, when I finish I get my license?

Actually, you'll receive a diploma stating that you have completed 700 hours of training.  You will then apply to the state for your license and applicants will need to pass a competency exam in order to get their license. We are confident our program will prepare graduates for that test. 

Q: How do I get my license?

We review the entire application process in our TN Law classes.

Q: Can I move to any state and practice?

Each state has different requirements.  We encourage students to become aware of various requirements prior to moving/completing our program. 

Q: Isn't there a National Certification?

Yes. however, this alone does not allow you to travel/practice nationwide. Even with this certification you may need to meet other requirements.

Q: Then what is the National Certification good for?

It is a legally defensible competency exam. Some states (including Tennessee) use this exam as part of their licensure process. 

Q: What types of job opportunities are available?

Lots! Most graduates go into private practice and open their own business.  Many others wind up working in massage clinics, doctors' offices, salons, day spa, gyms, business offices doing seated-chair massage, and some even travel the world doing massage in many locations.

Q: Can this field become overpopulated (like physical therapy)?

No.  Each person is going to seek out the therapist who meets their needs. Every graduate of our program learns the same information, yet each graduate has a style all his or her own.  As long as you're willing to put forth the effort to make yourself known, you will succeed.

Q: What's the average annual salary for people in this field?

Salaries can vary dramatically depending on the situation.  The range can be anywhere from $13/$14K to $25K starting out.  It all depends on the scenario. Now, once a therapist is established (for some this may take a year or so) it's not unheard of to make $30 to $40K.  Really, the sky is the limit. As long as you are willing to put forth the effort, the people will come.

Q: Do you offer a job placement service?

Although no direct placement is guaranteed, a current listing of available employment opportunities is kept on file.  The file and advisement service are available to all MBI students and graduates.

Q: Can I work as a massage therapist before I finish school?

You can do all the free massage you want.  You just can't be compensated for it without a license (a stipulation of Tennessee law). 

Q: How is your program different from the other schools?

1.  We offer a full time program that meets four days a week and allows you to finish in 9 months.

2.  We start hands-on classes by the second or third day.  Many other programs make you complete prerequisites prior to any hands-on work.

3.  You are given a syllabus on the first day of class that tells you what is going on every day in class.  In other words, we have put the curriculum together already - you just have to show up and participate.  Other programs have a college-style curriculum, where you have to decide/decipher what to take and when.

4.  And last but certainly not least, MBI was established by educators.  The program is based on many years of experience, knowing what students did and didn't want out of a program like this.

Q: How much at-home preparation/course work is there?

The academic work IS college level material. However, our instructors are experts at presenting this material in a fun and inviting fashion.  We also structure our classes so that the first two hours are typically lecture and the second two hours can include hands-on work.  And, because it's massage school, you're guaranteed to be getting at least three massages a week--that's not too bad!  On average we say you should expect to spend three to six hours outside of class per week depending on your study skills/habits.

Q: I haven't been in school in several years. I'm worried I won't be able to pass.

As long as you're willing to make the commitment to show up and participate, WE will commit to making sure you understand the information and pass the program. We do not "give" grades just to make sure everyone passes.  We will monitor your progress and intervene early if we have any concerns about your progress.

Q: I work full time…I don't know if I'll have enough time to work and come to class.

The majority of our students work full-time jobs while coming to class. You have to remember that although the information is college-level material, we're keeping it light and fun. And you'll be getting a massage at least three times a week, which always helps reduce YOUR stress. Finally, keep in mind that the program is 9 months and you'll be out and onto a new exciting profession.