Program Catalog
The Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy provides a comprehensive program consisting of 630 in-class, live supervised instructional hours. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in massage therapy.
Try Out Our Class for Only $25 Introduction to Massage Therapy
- Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025
- 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Course Descriptions
Here students will learn about body organization, anatomical terminology, and the systems of the body. A general orientation to the healthy human body sets the stage for understanding musculoskeletal work.
This course helps students gain an awareness of how the body moves by learning the specific muscle and bone anatomy. Material is thoroughly presented and learned through multiple modes, especially through palpation of body tissues.
Massage therapists are in direct contact with a multitude of varied clients’ bodies. In this class, students learn how to work safely and effectively with many medical conditions.
Students will learn to:
- Communicate with clients by learning their medical backgrounds, expectations for a massage session, empathetic listening, and obtaining feedback.
- Create a treatment plan based on the client’s history, expectations, postural analysis, past massage/chiropractic experiences, and doctor’s recommendations.
- Develop, organize, and manage a client session.
- Keep accurate client records to document work accomplished and planned work for the future.
- Apply appropriate techniques using hands, fingers, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and hand-held tools.
- Develop palpation skills and knowledge of the anatomy of the muscles and bones simultaneously.
- Self-assess, utilize self-care and use good biomechanics.
- Set appropriate boundaries with clients.
- Use thermal therapies to supplement massage.
- Use Contemporary Western Massage techniques as well as Therapeutic Massage techniques as needed by clients.
- Use Sports Massage techniques to enhance athletic performance.
- Do a basic routine of chair massage as well as some advanced therapeutic techniques to use with clients in the workplace.
- Use Active Isolated Stretching both with clients and as self-care.
- Design sessions for special populations.
Students will be expected to complete at least 1 hour of massage practice outside of school hours as homework each week. Additionally, there will be typical assignments of reading and writing associated with class work.
Students are required to perform two 60-minute massages for instructors; one before the student clinic begins and the second prior to the last month of their program. These massages are scheduled outside of class time. Any instructor massages completed in the last month of a school program will be considered late and assessed a $40 fee.
Students need to learn the basics of business practices relevant to the practice of massage therapy. Business basics such as advertising, money management, and interviewing are some of the topics covered here. In addition, students will learn the law as it applies to massage therapy in Wisconsin and how to deal with various ethical situations in the massage practice.
​Since massage therapists are healthcare workers and could see a situation needing emergency procedures, certification classes in CPR and First Aid are required in massage training. Students who have current certifications in these disciplines with documentation showing they are current at the time of graduation may waive this class. Students may also opt to take these classes elsewhere if they provide proof of having done so. Additional fees apply.
About halfway into the program students will work with the public in the offices at the school. Instructors will supervise their work by observing and conferring with students afterward. This is an important step in helping the student gain confidence and competence in working with previously unknown people. It will also provide a valuable service to residents of the surrounding communities. The nominal clinic fees collected by the school help to keep tuition low. The last 10 hours of the clinic are for the practice of therapeutic techniques at the end of the program. WSMT graduates are often invited back for complimentary therapeutic clinic massages. Please be aware that students are expected to work with people in the clinic of all ages, races, sexes, and conditions (when appropriate for massage work) and that any clinic absences must be made up at a later time/date as arranged with the instructor. As a great help to gaining meaningful employment, WSMT provides a personalized Final Clinic Evaluation document for each graduate which can be included with applications and resumes. Employers appreciate this endorsement by the school of each graduate we are sending into the field.
Grading Scale
The following grades are given for work completed at Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy, Inc. Therapy, Inc.:
| Performance Level | Percent Grade | Letter Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 93-100% | A |
| Very Good | 85-92% | B |
| Satisfactory | 75-84% | C |
| Unsatisfactory | Below 75% | F |
This work includes homework, classwork, quizzes, exams, and practical bodywork. Students must maintain at least a C average in their work. In addition, all exams and bodywork scores below C must be redone once to achieve at least a C. The fee for retaking an exam or bodywork test is $40.00. Retakes must be scheduled as an appointment with the instructor within 2 weeks of the original test. Students who do not achieve at least a C on a retake will have the higher of the two scores averaged into their overall grade. Students who fail to appear for the testing appointments will fail the exam and will be charged the retake fee. Instructors will work with students to help them make tutoring arrangements if needed. Tutoring fees are $40.00 per hour and are the responsibility of the student. Progress reports will be issued monthly.
Student records will be kept permanently by the school. They are accessible to students by appointment only, and to authorized school personnel. The school maintains confidentiality by keeping the records locked. Students may obtain transcripts by sending $20.00 with a request in writing.
Our grading scale is based on guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Policies & Regulations
Code of Student Conduct
The Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy expects that students preparing for a professional career will conduct themselves in a professional manner while in school. This includes treating students and instructors with respect, handling problems calmly, using appropriate language, being honest in their work, and avoiding anything which interferes with the learning of others. In addition, students are expected to come to school clean, with short nails, rested/ready to work, and wearing appropriate dress for professional massage work (see dress codes below). Students should not come to school while sick, nor under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes are not allowed in the school building nor on the school grounds. No cologne or scent is allowed. All table linens used at the school must be sanitized with unscented products. In addition, the use of personal electronic devices during class time is prohibited except for rare emergency family situations which must be cleared with the instructor at the beginning of class. Videography and recording of classes is prohibited.
Dress Codes
WSMT reserves the right to send inappropriately dressed students home for the day, counted as an absence. If you are in doubt about your clothing, bring another set for the instructor to approve to avoid dismissal for the day.
Dress Code for Class
Standard fit scrubs pants and top, or khaki-type pant or clean, not faded nor ragged jeans with short-sleeved shirt top with high neckline. Undergarments are required and should be covered. Undergarments must hide private body areas including nipples, breast/buttock cleavage, and genitalia. Also allowed are khaki shorts covering at least half the thigh. Shoes should be clean sport or sturdy/comfortable street shoes. Sport sandals with backs are allowed. Feet must be covered. Not allowed: yoga pants, leggings, sleeveless tops, tops or pants with big bold graphics/statements, flip flop-style shoes, heeled dress shoes, caps/hats. All jewelry on the hands/wrists/arms and any jewelry that hangs down low enough to touch the client must be removed. Valuables should not be brought to WSMT. WSMT takes no responsibility for loss of student valuables if brought to school.
Dress Code for Clinic
Clean, standard fit scrubs pants and top with shoes and jewelry as described above. No cologne or scent is allowed. In addition, all table linens used at the school must be sanitized with unscented products.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all class hours. They may be absent for illness or pressing family matters only. Students are expected to call the school or their instructor if they are going to be absent. They may be absent 16 hours total over the course of the program for any reason. All missed clinic hours must be made up whether they fall within the 16 absent hours or not. If a student is absent more than 24 hours he/she may be dismissed from the program. Any time missed must be made up by the student in coordination with the instructor. This may mean coming to school more times than the regular days and/or traveling to other locations where an instructor is working. If the instructor must spend extra time with the student to make up the information missed, the student will be assessed a $40.00 per hour fee due at the time of make-up. Students who fail to keep make up times and/or who fail to pay the fee will be dismissed. Teachers record any absences from class time in students’ grade record.
All classes will start on time and students are expected to be present and ready to participate at the appointed starting time. Tardiness will result in minutes missed counted as absence. Teachers record any minutes missed from class time in students’ grade record and these contribute to any absence time.
Students are expected to complete the course of study in the appropriate time. Cases of leave of absence involving serious illness or family hardship will be determined on an individual basis. Students who need a leave of absence should meet with the Director to make arrangements. Leaves of absence involve breaking from the current class and joining another class at a later date. WSMT requires all leaves of absence be completed so that the student graduates within 1 year of their original graduation date.
Students are expected to notify the school if they intend to withdraw from the program. Any student who fails to attend school for 5 consecutive days without communication is assumed to be withdrawn.
Cancellation of classes due to weather may occur. It is the student’s responsibility to check their messages and/or local media to find out if class has been cancelled. Additional days/hours would be added if cancellation is necessary.
Probation, Dismissal and Re-admittance
Students who have an average grade below C or 75% will be considered to be on academic probation. As soon as the student’s average grade reaches C or 75% the student is no longer on academic probation. Students who are on academic probation and continue to fail one more month may be dismissed from the program. Clients who seek massage therapy deserve a therapist who has the knowledge necessary to perform the tasks well. Students unable to meet this requirement are probably not suited to massage therapy as a profession. This experience will give the student a better opportunity to find his/her true vocation.
Students who do not follow the Code of Student Conduct outlined above will be asked to leave for the day. Make-up of missed work will be the student’s responsibility. If extra instructor time is necessary for the student’s make-up the fee is $40.00 per hour to be paid at the time of the make-up. Any student asked to leave more than once may be dismissed from the program. In addition, any student who engages in illegal activity on school grounds is subject to immediate dismissal. The student may appeal by writing a letter of apology and asking to be reinstated. The student may be reinstated at the discretion of the Director. Any student who is dismissed may reapply for admission for the next term. Fees will apply.
Grievance Policy
We recommend that students who have concerns or complaints about other students, the faculty or administrative procedures should first talk to the person with whom they have concern. If resolution cannot be achieved, WSMT would like the student to talk to the director, Manda Johnson. In addition, students may always submit their written complaint to:
Department of Safety and Professional Services – Educational Approval Program, P.O. Box 8366, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705; www.dsps.wi.gov; dspseap@wisconsin.gov; (608) 266-2112.
Refund Policy
The student will receive a full refund of all money paid if the student:
- Cancels within the three-business-day cancellation period under SPS 406.03;
- Accepted was unqualified and the school did not secure a disclaimer under SPS 409.04;
- Enrollment was procured as the result of any misrepresentation in the written materials used by the school or in oral representations made by or on behalf of the school. Refunds will be made within 10 business days of cancellation. A student who withdraws or is dismissed after attending at least one class, but before completing 60% of the instruction in the current enrollment period, is entitled to a pro rata refund as follows:
| At Least | But Less Than | Refund of Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 unit/class | 10% | 90% |
| 10% | 20% | 90% |
| 20% | 30% | 90% |
| 30% | 40% | 90% |
| 40% | 50% | 90% |
| 50% | 60% | 90% |
| 60% | No | No Refund |
The school will make every effort to refund prepaid amounts for unused books and supplies. A student will receive the refund within 40 days of the termination date. A written notice of withdrawal is not required.
Veterans Refund Policy
When a veteran or other eligible student enrolled in a non-accredited school, fails or ceases to attend classes, withdraws or is discontinued from class attendance before completion, the school will refund a pro-rata portion of all charges that the length of the completed portion of the course bears to the total length of the course. The exact proration will be determined by the ratio of the number of days of instruction completed by the student to the total number of instructional days in the total course. Furthermore, an additional established fee, variously designated as an application fee, enrollment fee, or registration fee, in an amount not to exceed $10, need not be subject to proration. Where the established fee is more than $10, the amount in excess of $10 is subject to proration. (Authority: 38 CFR 21.4255)
“The non-refundable portion of registration fees will not exceed $10.00. All other charges to the student, including tuition, books and supplies issued by the school, registration fees in excess of $10, and other fees will not exceed the pro-rata portion of total charges that the length of the completed portion of the course bears to the total length of the course. This policy is in compliance with the requirements of 38 CFR 21.4255.”
Attaining Wisconsin State Licensure
Students of WSMT prepare to take the MBLEx given by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Students can apply for and schedule the exam any time they feel ready. WSMT helps students with this process by guiding students through the registration. Students must apply for Wisconsin state licensure and complete a computerized test covering the state statutes pertaining to massage work before graduation. WSMT helps students with this process by providing the paperwork and guidance for applying. State law requires proof of passing the statutes test to graduate from massage school. Graduates may also apply for a 6-month temporary license from the state which allows them to work under supervision while preparing for their national exam.
Employment Assistance Services
The school maintains a general employment file at the school where we place information prospective employers send us about their job openings. We do not make specific referrals to prospective employers, the general employment file is available during our office hours for any massage therapist looking for employment. WSMT does not guarantee employment.
Program Overview
Full Time and Part Time Status
Full time evening class is 2 nights per week and 3 Saturday mornings for approximately 14 months. Full time day class is 2 full days per week for approximately 10 months. Full time accelerated class means 3 full days per week for approximately 6 months.
Part time means the student takes science classes (Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology) the first year (1 night per week in the night class for 30 weeks and ½ day in the day class for 30 weeks.) The second year the student takes the rest of the course.
Instructors
Visit our faculty page to learn more about our director & instructors.
Calendar
Visit our class calendar for available classes.
Tuition, Fees, Refunds
Tuition Includes:
- 630 hours of instruction/supervision/practice
- Massage table
- All required textbooks
Tuition Payment Schedule
Visit our tuition/fees page to check tuition payment schedules and options.
Students should also budget (prices approximate):
| Item | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Linens (3 sets of twin-size sheets recommended) | $45.00 |
| Oils/Lotions/Creams | $35.00 |
| Student Insurance (info provided on the first day of class) | $100 - $150 |
| CPR and First Aid Training | $100 - $150 |
| Fee for any make-up/tutoring time with instructors | $40.00/hr |
Additional fees for national exam, state license application, and temporary license.
Attaining Wisconsin State Licensure
Students of WSMT prepare to take the MBLEx given by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Students can apply for and schedule the exam any time they feel ready. WSMT helps students with this process by guiding students through the registration. Students must apply for Wisconsin state licensure and complete a computerized test covering the state laws pertaining to massage work before graduation. WSMT helps students with this process by providing the paperwork and guidance for applying. State law requires proof of passing the statutes test to graduate from massage school. Graduates may also apply for a 6-month temporary license from the state which allows them to work under supervision while preparing for their national exam.
Employment Assistance Services
The school maintains a general employment file at the school where we place information prospective employers send us about their job openings. We do not make specific referrals to prospective employers, the general employment file is available during our office hours for any massage therapist looking for employment. WSMT does not guarantee employment.
Admission Requirements
- Complete application for admission including tuition deposit check for $1000.00 made out to WSMT.
- Complete admission interview by scheduling an appointment with school.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have the physical, emotional, and mental capability to provide a massage.
- Have experienced at least 1 professional massage prior to application.
- Ability to meet financial obligations for tuition and supplies.
- Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Application deadline is the first day of class, but we encourage you to enroll as early as possible to insure a smooth beginning to your program.
Admission requirements must be completed prior to first day of class. Notification of admission will be by letter no later than 1 week after application is received. Advanced placement is not available. All portions of the program are specific to massage work and courses taken in other programs do not give the same information related to massage. Exceptions may be made for applicants who can demonstrate certification in medical fields, speak with the Director to determine if this is possible. Adjustments to tuition and requirements would be determined at that time.
Admission requirements must be completed prior to first day of class. Notification of admission will be by letter no later than 1 week after application is received. Advanced placement is not available. All portions of the program are specific to massage work and courses taken in other programs do not give the same information related to massage. Exceptions may be made for applicants who can demonstrate certification in medical fields, speak with the Director to determine if this is possible. Adjustments to tuition and requirements would be determined at that time.
Thank You
Thank you for your interest in the Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy! We look forward to engaging you in dynamic and practical education in massage therapy. We are constantly improving as we evaluate our programs as a result of analysis of our student exit surveys, implementation of our yearly institutional plan and the staff’s own continuing education. We hope you join us for an exciting learning journey! Feel free to call or email us with any questions you have about our program. We will happily answer your questions and offer you a tour of the school. In addition, arrangements may be made to have you observe a current class to give you an even better feel for the massage school environment.