Level I Program

Level I Massage Therapy Program

Level I Massage Therapy Program

A 375-hour foundation in hands-on massage training, practical science, client care, and your first step toward a confident massage therapy career.

Level I massage therapy program training is where your foundation begins. At our massage school in Virginia Beach, students build core skills in anatomy, hands-on technique, client care, and professional practice as the first step toward licensure and a real career.

Most students complete Level I in about 10 to 12 months. Students pursuing full Virginia licensure then continue into advanced massage therapy training (Level II) to complete the remaining 250 hours needed to graduate and move toward clear massage therapy program outcomes.

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Level I Highlights

front_handHands-On Training
school375 Foundation Hours
groupsSmall Class Support
scheduleDay & Evening Options

Program Overview

Build Your Foundation

Build real hands-on skill, understand the first investment, and see exactly how this Level I massage therapy program connects to the full 625-hour training path.

What Level I means: Level I is the first part of the program. It gives students 375 hours of foundational training. Students seeking full Virginia licensure continue into Level II to complete the remaining 250 hours and finish the full 625-hour requirement.
Why It Matters

Start with the first 375 hours.

This Level I massage therapy program focuses on building confidence through structured training, hands-on practice, and real client preparation. Students develop the practical base they need before moving into advanced massage therapy training, with a clear connection to the full licensure path.

  • task_alt
    Core technique Learn foundational massage work, draping, client communication, and session flow.
  • task_alt
    Applied science Study anatomy, physiology, and pathology in ways that directly support hands-on work.
  • task_alt
    Clear progression Complete the first 375 hours, then continue into Level II for the remaining 250 hours required to graduate.

Your Training Path

How The Program Works

A clear progression from your first conversation through Level I massage therapy training, advanced massage therapy training in Level II, and massage therapy program outcomes.

Step 1

Apply

Meet with the School Director and plan your start.

You Are Here

Step 2

Level I

Build core massage foundations in anatomy, technique, ethics, and client care.

Step 3

Level II

Expand skills through advanced training, specialty modalities, and deeper hands-on development.

Step 4

Graduate

Move forward with licensure preparation, real clients, and the next step in your massage career.

Enrollment

Choose the schedule that fits your pace.

View the Day and Evening Level I schedules with a live enrollment countdown for each start date.

Day Classes

Enrollment Open
Starts Tue, Sep 8, 2026 • 9:30 AM
Ends Approx. Apr 2027
Class Time 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Schedule Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Designed for students who want a daytime path through the first 375 hours of Level I training.

Why Level I Matters

Why Start Here

A practical first step for students who want stronger hands-on skills, better client confidence, and a clear path into the Level II stage of training.

school

Experienced Instructors

Learn from seasoned massage therapists who bring teaching experience, clinical insight, and practical guidance into every class.

front_hand

Hands-On Practice

Weekly supervised practice helps students refine technique, build confidence, and apply classroom learning in a real-world way.

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Career Support

Students gain guidance, practical opportunities, and connections to spas, clinics, wellness centers, and rehab settings.

Core Classes

Core Classes

Level I includes three core classes that build hands-on technique, body systems knowledge, and safe client decision-making.

Prerequisite for Level I: Acceptance into the program and a high school diploma or GED are required.

Hands-On Foundations

Basic Massage

AFSM-BMT-101
210 Hours

Foundational techniques, draping, and client care.

Develop a strong base in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, chair massage, safe draping, client communication, ethics, and therapist self-care.

View Syllabus
Body Systems

Anatomy & Physiology

AFSM-BAP-102
125 Hours

Applied anatomy for better massage decisions.

Study all 11 body systems in a practical way, with emphasis on the muscular, skeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems and how they affect hands-on work.

View Syllabus
Client Safety

Practical Pathology

AFSM-PAT-104
40 Hours

Disease, contraindications, and client safety.

Learn to recognize when massage is appropriate, when it should be adjusted, and when it should be avoided so client care stays safe and professional.

View Syllabus

Cost Overview

Level I Tuition

These costs apply to Level I only. Students continuing toward Virginia licensure complete Level II separately to finish the full 625-hour path.

Best Value

Pay in Full

One-time payment for the 375-hour Level I program after the enrollment fee.

Level I Tuition $6,000
  • Enrollment fee$100
  • Level I tuition$6,000
  • Lowest Level I costBest value

This estimate covers Level I only. Estimated starting cost with the optional textbook is $6,310 before any recommended equipment.

Flexible Plan

6-Month Plan

Six monthly payments for the 375-hour Level I program after the down payment.

Down Payment $3,500
  • Enrollment fee$100
  • Total financed$2,550
  • Monthly payment (6 months)$425

Based on a $6,000 tuition total with a $50 finance charge, the 6-month plan finances the remaining balance of $2,550 after the down payment. No credit checks. No outside lenders. Credit card payments incur a 5 % convenience fee.

Level I onlyDay or evening starts

Level I Textbook

$210

Optional add-on cost for the Level I portion.

Massage Table

$600

Recommended personal-use equipment.

Continue Your Training

Continue Into Advanced Massage Therapy Training (Level II)

Level I massage therapy training builds the foundation. Advanced massage therapy training in Level II completes the path with electives, specialty work, and the remaining 250 hours.

How It Connects

What comes next

Once students complete Level I massage therapy training, they continue into advanced massage therapy training (Level II) for electives, specialty training, and the remaining hours needed to finish the full 625-hour program.

  • task_altLevel I massage therapy training builds technique, anatomy knowledge, and client readiness.
  • task_altAdvanced massage therapy training (Level II) adds specialty work, electives, and hands-on growth.
  • task_altTogether they complete the full 625-hour track for students pursuing licensure.

Career Planning

Career Paths

Level I starts the process. Students pursuing these career paths continue through Level II to complete the full training track.

Level I massage therapy program hands-on training

Private Practice

Build your own client base and shape a business around your specialties, schedule, and long-term goals.

Massage therapist supporting rehabilitation and physical therapy work

Support PT

Work alongside rehabilitation professionals in settings focused on mobility, recovery, and client progress.

Massage therapist working in a chiropractic setting

Chiropractic Care

Use bodywork to support care plans that improve mobility, reduce pain, and complement chiropractic treatment.

Massage therapist working in spa and wellness settings

Spa & Wellness

Provide restorative services in environments focused on stress relief, comfort, and ongoing client care.

Affiliations

Approved & Trusted

AMTA Member BBB Accredited Business NCBTMB Assigned School NCBTMB Approved Provider SCHEV Certified Institution

Frequently Asked Questions

Level I Questions

A few common questions about how Level I works and how it connects to the full program.

Is Level I enough for Virginia licensure?
No. Level I is the first 375 hours of training. Students pursuing the full Virginia licensure path continue into Level II to complete the remaining 250 hours and finish the full 625-hour program.
How long does Level I take?
Most students complete Level I in about 10 to 12 months, depending on the schedule they choose and how they move through the program.
Can I choose a day or evening schedule?
Yes. The page lists both day and evening start options so students can choose the training pace and class times that fit their routine.
What happens after Level I?
After Level I, students move into Level II for electives, specialty training, and the remaining hours needed to complete the full 625-hour training track.

Student Testimonials

Real Feedback From Real Students

Supportive instruction, hands-on training, and real career confidence.

★★★★★ school

“The hands-on training made everything click. I felt prepared and supported from day one.”

— Graduate

★★★★★ workspace_premium

“Small classes and real feedback helped me improve fast. The instructors genuinely care.”

— Current Student

★★★★★ support_agent

“Level I gave me the foundation, and I could already see where Level II would take me next.”

— Alumni

Ready to Take the First Step?

Talk With Our Team

Questions about scheduling, tuition, or whether you should start with Level I or plan for the full 625-hour path? Our school director can help you choose the right next step with confidence and explain how Level I connects to massage therapy program outcomes.

Small class supportDirector guidance
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Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Our school director can help you understand Level I, Level II, and the full 625-hour training path.