My career as a Massage Therapist began 28 years ago, as a graduate of the Academy of Healing Arts of Denton, TX. It was Divine intervention that led me to pursue massage therapy as a career, and more so that led me to my first Fascial Release seminar. Which fostered a fascination with the fascia and the expansion of my career to include teaching. I hope to inspire the same fascination, awe, and respect of the body, in others.
Laurel King, LMT, MTI
Flexible Class Schedule
We offer day classes, night classes, multiple start dates, and an accelerated program to help you begin your new career faster! When you build your schedule, you can choose from:
- Day Classes (Monday-Thursday, 10 AM To 2 PM)
- Night Classes (Monday-Thursday, 6 PM To 10 PM)
- Accelerated Program (Both Day Classes And Night Classes)
Experienced Faculty
We are incredibly proud of the Massage Institute of North Texas faculty. Each faculty member brings unique insight and experience to your training, and they pour their hearts and souls into your education. The goal of every faculty and staff member is to give you all the skills necessary to pass your board exam and help you flourish in your career.
Student For Life Program
Once you join Massage Institute of North Texas, you will always be our student! As a graduate of our programs, you are always welcome to return and repeat any course you have already taken for FREE! We want to help you keep your knowledge and skills up to date to continue to achieve your full potential.
Mastery Program
In addition to our Professional Program, Massage Institute of North Texas also offers a Mastery Program. The Mastery Program provides you with additional clinical hours to fine-tune your skills, gain additional exposure with seasoned licensed therapists, and have more one-on-one instructor time during your internship.
Instructors are available for tutoring or study groups at no additional charge on Thursdays between 2pm - 6pm!
Get Started
We are thrilled to have you join Massage Institute of North Texas! We are more than just a massage school — we provide a solid foundation in the art, practice, and principle of massage therapy. We genuinely believe in the healing power of our profession, and our education programs reflect that passion.
Here is how you can start:
- Schedule An Appointment With Our Admissions Office For A Tour Of Our Beautiful Facility
- Choose The Program That Best Fits Your Needs And Schedule (Professional, Accelerated, Mastery, Day Classes, Night Classes)
- Download, Print, And Complete The Enrollment Agreement, Or Pick One Up In Person
- Provide Us With A Copy Of Your Driver’s License And Social Security Card Submit A Non-Refundable Application Fee Of $100 And A Permit Fee Of $25 To Hold Your Place In Your Chosen Class.
- Submit A $650 Supply Fee
- Pick A Start Date!
Our Programs
Massage Institute of North Texas offers 3 education programs: Professional Massage Therapy Program, Mastery Massage Therapy Program and Neuromuscular Therapy Certification Program:
Professional Massage Therapy Program
- The Professional Massage Therapy Program is a 500-hour program that includes all classes and allows for a 50-hour internship. Tuition for the Professional Program is $5,600.
Mastery Massage Therapy Program
- The Mastery Massage Therapy Program is a 570-hour program that includes all classes and allows for 120 hours of internship. Tuition for the Mastery Program is $5,600, but we offer the opportunity for a $1,000 scholarship. For as little as $4,600, you can get on the path to becoming a licensed massage therapist!
Neuromuscular Therapy Certification Program
- The Neuromuscular Therapy Certification Program is a 650-hour program that teaches advanced therapeutic skills for quick and efficient results that will offer your clients lasting relief. This course combines structural posture analysis, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. NMT can integrate well into any practice setting and is frequently included in mainstream medicine, integrative medicine, chiropractic care, and multidisciplinary clinics worldwide. Tuition for the program is $6875. NMT is highly effective for clients who present with chronic pain and is often successful in reducing or eliminating even longstanding painful conditions. Some of the techniques can also be applied to acute injuries and for post-surgical care; may help to improve performance and to prevent injuries. This certification will set you apart in the industry.
Our Calendar
Tuition and Fees
The Professional Program, Mastery Program, and Neuromuscular Therapy Certification Program will prepare you for your board exam and offer additional advanced modalities. The tuition price does not include the $100 application fee, $25 permit fee, or the $650 supply fee. Supplies covered by the supply fee include:
- All Textbooks (4)
- One Bottle Of Lotion, Oil, And Cream
- One Set Of Massage Table Linens
- One Face Rest Cover
- CPR & First Aid Training
- Worksheets, Study Material, And School-Developed Workbooks As Needed
- Massage Lubricant Samples
- ABMP Membership
- ABMP Insurance Exam Coach (Comprehensive Study Guide Testing Software)
*There Is An Additional $200 Supply Fee For The Neuromuscular Therapy Certification Program Textbook. Students are also responsible for the cost of: Black Scrubs (School Dress Code) Additional Linens Exam Fees Licensing Fees
Students are also responsible for the cost of:
- Black Scrubs (School Dress Code)
- Additional Linens
- Exam Fees
- Licensing Fees
Payment Options
Your education is an investment, but Massage Institute of North Texas wants to make financing your education as simple as possible. As such, we offer the following payment options for our students:
- Option A: Pay In Full With Cash And Receive A $300 Tuition Discount.
- Option B: We Offer In-House Installment Payments For The Duration Of Your Schooling At No Interest. Payments Will Be Set Up As An Automatic Draft To Be Charged On The Same Day Monthly. Payments Are Divided Over The Number Of Months Your Program Will Run; All We Need Is $750 Down.
- Option C: We Can Also Set You Up On An Automatic Monthly Payment Plan With A Bank Account Or Credit Card, So You Don’t Have To Write Monthly Payments.
We also work with the following organizations. Please speak with our Admissions Office on the assistance and certification process:
- Texas Veterans Commission
- Texas Workforce Commission
- Department Of Assistive And Rehabilitative Services
Massage Institute of North Texas is approved to train veterans and other eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code Montgomery GI Bill. Eligible students may use the Post 9/11 GI Bill for non-college degree (NCD) programs. Benefits pay up to 100% level including actual net in-state tuition cost and fees at public NCD institutions like Massage Institute of North Texas.
Business Ethics
45 Hours
From advertising practices to maintaining tax documents, this dynamic and insightful course will equip you to build a massage practice you can be proud of and enjoy. In addition, we will discuss industry ethics, the scope of practice for massage therapy, and laws pertaining to all businesses.
Hydrotherapy
20 Hours
Students will learn to use hydrotherapy safely and effectively through demonstrations and hands-on practice. Types of hydrotherapy to be discussed include whirlpool, hot and cold packs, steam, body wraps, body scrubs, HydroFacials, and the various types of showers.
Anatomy & Physiology
75 Hours
We utilize animated videos, exercises, and class projects to help students better comprehend the structure and function of the human body. Our textbooks are specifically designed for massage therapy students and correspond with full-color, animated presentations used in class.
Pathology
40 Hours
Pathology is the study of human disease and the effects of disease on the human body. This information is vital to the massage therapist because there are conditions where massage would require caution or may not be recommended. It is also critical to recognize potential pathologies and inform clients of their risks.
Kinesiology
50 Hours
Understanding the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on the muscular and skeletal systems is of utmost importance for skilled massage therapists.
Internship
50 Hours For Professional, 120 Hours For Mastery And Neuromuscular Therapy Certification Programs
Your clinical internship will be the most rewarding part of your massage therapy education. You will complete the internship in our facility, providing massage and spa services to our established clientele.
Massage Techniques
200 Hours
This course teaches the art of massage therapy. We begin with basic Swedish Massage strokes and gradually work students into providing a wonderful, relaxing massage. This subject aims to impart the science and art of massage therapy to every student to provide a relaxing massage, taking into account that every client is an individual and has individual needs for their massage. Once the student is confident in their Swedish skills, we introduce several other vital techniques such as deep tissue trigger point therapy, chair massage, and sports massage.
September
Shoulder/Scapular Rotations
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith, LMT, MTI, CNMT
Class Date: 9-10-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to treat & alleviate the pain associated with the following conditions for your clients:
- Rounded Shoulder Syndrome
- Forward Head Posture
- Entrapment of the Brachial Plexus
- Chronic Rotator Cuff Dysfunction
- Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Massage For Tension Headaches
Instructor: Dr. Rick Robinette, PhD, MPH, MBA
Class Date: 9-23-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
One of the most common problems that clients experience is pain located around the head, face or jaw regions.
Muscle tension - whether from trauma, postural overload or repetitive movements is frequently one of the key contributing factors to headache.
These techniques can help ease both the muscular and connective tissue components which are contributing to these painful headache problems.
October
Scar Tissue Management
Instructor: Dr. Rick Robinette, PhD, MPH, MBA
Class Date: 10-14-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Trauma - whether from soft tissue injury or surgery - leaves its mark in the connective tissues... too frequently resulting in limitation, discomfort, and more.
Neuromuscular Massage Therapy - Pelvic Rotations- Anterior
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith, LMT, MTI, CNMT
Class Date: 10-22-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to treat and alleviate the pain associated with the following conditions for your clients:
- Chronic Pain/Weak Low Back
- "Swayback" Posture
- Forward Head Posture/Headaches
- Chronic Tight Calf Muscles
- Hard to Build Up Abdominal Strength
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
November
Foot Reflexology
Instructor: Dr. Rick Robinette, PhD, MPH, MBA
Class Date: 11-11-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Feet take on the weight of the world, and - for most people - not much feels better than a good massage that's focused just on them.
Both general and specific work are usually appreciated, and not much gets more detailed than foot reflexology, where key locations for related organs and structures can be effectively targeted.
Come learn how to optimize foot massage by blending in reflexology!
Neuromuscular Massage Therapy - Pelvic Rotations- Posterior
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith LMT, MTI, CNMT
Class Date: 11-19-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to treat and alleviate the pain associated with the following conditions for your clients:
- Rounded Shoulder Syndrome
- "Slouched" Posture
- Forward Head Posture
- Chronic Tight Hamstrings
- Sciatica
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
December
Scoliosis
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith LMT, MTI, CNMT
Class Date: 12-10-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to properly assess, treat, and help minimize the pain associated with this condition for your clients:
- Access the difference between a C & an S curve
- Treat each section of the vertebral column properly
- Learn proper bolstering techniques for your client's comfort
- Treat the "cause" of pain, not just the "symptoms"
- Learn stretches to teach clients for home care
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Prior Continuing Ed
Lymphatic Massage
Instructor: Dr. Rick Robinette, PhD, MPH, MBA
Class Date: 8-12-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
The pain and discomfort of tissue swelling can frequently be helped with the right type of massage. Certain techniques, when done correctly, are able to drain congested areas of the body.
Learn some ideas for working with most kinds of edema and fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage techniques can help with sinus problems, soft tissue injuries, headaches, improve immune function, and more.
Sports Massage For Active Clients
Instructor: Dr. Rick Robinette, PhD, MPH, MBA
Class Date: 8-26-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Sports massage isn’t only for professional athletes or gym rats. Whether your client is an athlete, actively engaged with regular workouts, or just stays busy with his or her physical body, sports massage is an approach that offers great advantages for all.
The techniques you will learn can help address exercise overload concerns, especially for the leg, arm, and back musculature.
Elastic Therapy Taping
Instructor: Dr. Rick Robinette, PhD, MPH, MBA
Class Date: 8-6-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $175
The range of applications for this state-of-the-art treatment called Elastic Therapy Taping is amazing! From swelling to soft tissue pain, every massage therapist needs to know how to do this. Your clients will really benefit from this 21st century approach to their injuries and conditions.
In this class you will be shown taping methods for problems such as: low back spasm, knee injuries, rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle or foot edema, and plantar fasciitis.
Prenatal Massage
Instructor: Dee Vickers LMT, BCTMB, M.ED
Class Date: 7-30-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn the techniques and precautions necessary to work with a healthy, pregnant woman, all the way through her labor and delivery!
Thoracic Release Techniques
Instructor: Dee Vickers LMT, BCTMB, M.ED
Class Date: 7-29-23
Time: 2:30pm to 6:30pm
CE Hours: 4
Cost: $100
Learn the proper way to release the anterior thorax to help relieve your client's aches and pains by using specific myofascial techniques designed to put their muscles and ligaments back in balance.
- Learn proper myofascial techniques for anterior thorax bodywork
- Learn the necessity of muscle mobility in the thorax for proper postural balance
Please bring a set of sheets, lotion or creme and wear comfortable, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing.
Psoas Release Techniques
Instructor: Dee Vickers LMT, BCTMB, M.ED
Class Date: 7-29-23
Time: 9:30am to 1:30pm
CE Hours: 4
Cost: $100
Learn the proper way to release the psoas and help your clients find relief from these common related issues: frequent low back pain, sacroiliac pain, sciatica, knee pain, menstruation pain, digestive issues, pelvic tilt, leg length discrepancies, kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and more.
- Overview of the psoas muscle
- Overview of the fascial connection to the psoas and diaphragm
- Learn proper techniques for psoas bodywork
Please bring a set of sheets, lotion or creme and wear comfortable, loose-fitting or stretchy
clothing.
Advanced Table Stretching
Instructor: Dee Vickers LMT, BCTMB, M.ED
Class Date: 7-28-23
Time: 4pm to 8pm
CE Hours: 4
Cost: $100
Table stretching provides deep relief for muscle tension & pain. This routine can be used as an independent modality, incorporated into a sports massage routine or used as an integration into a deep tissue massage.
- Learn proper procedures for effective stretching
- Learn safety precautions
- Practice advanced stretching techniques and palpation
Please bring a set of sheets, lotion or creme and wear comfortable, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing.
Simple Transverse Deviations (high/low pelvis)
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith, LMT, MTI, CNMT
Class Date: 6-25-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to treat & alleviate common postural distortions coming into your practice such as:
- Leg Length Discrepancies
- Posterior or Anterior Pelvic Tilt
- Hip Muscles That Are Too Tight or Too Weak
- Chronic Low Back Pain - One-Sided
- Chronic Groin Pain - One-Sided
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Lower Leg and Foot Symmetry
Instructor: Laurel King LMT, MTI
Class Date: TBA
Time: 10am to 5pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Myofascial therapy is a technique of releasing restrictions, adhesions, scar tissue, etc., that cause pain, reduced mobility, and trigger points in the muscles and fascia of the body.
This class focuses on developing the art of locating these points of restriction and becoming skilled at applying specific protocols for releasing them.
This class can be taken as a stand-alone continuing education class or as part of a 24-hour Myofascial Therapy Continuing Education Series.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Hip Symmetry
Instructor: Laurel King LMT, MTI
Class Date: TBA
Time: 10am to 5pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Myofascial therapy is a technique of releasing restrictions, adhesions, scar tissue, etc., that cause pain, reduced mobility, and trigger points in the muscles and fascia of the body.
This class focuses on developing the art of locating these points of restriction and becoming
skilled at applying specific protocols for releasing them.
This class can be taken as a stand-alone continuing education class or as part of a 24-hour
Myofascial Therapy Continuing Education Series.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Shoulder Symmetry
Instructor: Laurel King LMT, MTI
Class Date:4-22-23
Time: 10am to 5pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Myofascial therapy is a technique of releasing restrictions, adhesions, scar tissue, etc., that cause pain, reduced mobility, and trigger points in the muscles and fascia of the body.
This class focuses on developing the art of locating these points of restriction and becoming skilled at applying specific protocols for releasing them.
This class can be taken as a stand-alone continuing education class or as part of a 24-hour Myofascial Therapy Continuing Education Series.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Process of Postural Analysis
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith LMT, MTI, CNMT
Class Dates: 4-23-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Take this as a stand-alone class or as a part of our Neuromuscular Therapy Series. Analyzing postural distortions allows the therapist freedom from chasing patterns. Learn how this process will benefit you in your practice.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil to class.
Simple Transverse Deviations (high/low shoulder)
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith LMT, MTI, CNMT
Class Date: 5-21-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Space is limited. Call us at 972-353-8989 to register.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme or oil with you to class.
Learn how to treat & alleviate common postural distortions coming into your practice such as:
- Temporal occipital headache pains
- Impossible to reach, “under the scapula” pain
- Chronic shoulder and neck pain due to sitting all day
- “Frozen shoulder” symptoms (depending on the source)
Our Continuing Ed Providers
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Laurel King, LMT, MTI
My career as a Massage Therapist began 28 years ago, as a graduate of the Academy of Healing Arts of Denton, TX. It was Divine intervention that led me to pursue massage therapy as a career, and more so that led me to my first Fascial Release seminar. Which fostered a fascination with the fascia and the expansion of my career to include teaching. I hope to inspire the same fascination, awe, and respect of the body, in others.
Read More -
Dee Vickers, LMT, BCTMB, M.ED
Dee Vickers, LMT, BCTMB, M.ED., is a board-certified massage therapist, the former Director of Gould’s Academy of Massage, Nationally Approved Massage and Bodywork continuing education provider, and the owner and lead educator for Massage CE Education. She has been a professional educator for over twenty years and combing her passion for education and massage for over ten years. Her clinical specialty in private practice is TMJ disorder massage, fertility and pregnancy massage, rehabilitative bodywork. She received a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University in Education, as well as, her massage therapy certification from Gadsden State Community College. She interned under Patricia Casebere who was a direct apprentice of Dr. Janet Travell the founder of trigger point therapy. Her classes are a lively blend of hands-on skills, inspiring information, and light-hearted methods. Her approach to massage and bodywork education is hands-on with a focus on individual attention to participants. Mentoring massage therapists and building massage community are an integral part of her mission.
Read More -
Dr. Rick Robinette, PhD, MPH, MBA, LMT
For the past 37 years, Dr. Rick Robinette has acquired many diverse skills and ample experience related to sharing information on both the human sciences and soft tissue therapy. During this time, his accomplishments include teaching adult learners through primary educational facilities and via the provision of continuing education instruction with many venues across the United States, using live and media-based instruction. Rick has written a textbook for healthcare practitioners on an effective pain management approach, which was published by Pearson Education, Inc., with translations in both Korean and Italian. In addition, he co-produced an instructional video on healthcare treatment protocols for a special population (pregnant women), owned and managed a private health care practice, and has helped countless clients deal with pain, debility, or dysfunction from his direct therapeutic treatments. Dr. Robinette is currently an Associate Professor with the College of Health Sciences and an Adjunct Instructor with the College of Chiropractic at Parker University in Dallas, Texas. He teaches six courses for students in the Massage Therapy certificate program and an elective course on soft tissue therapy for students in the Doctor of Chiropractic program. He has earned a PhD doctoral degree in education (with a concentration in curriculum and instruction), a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree (with a concentration in epidemiology), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Read More
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Become a Certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist (CNMT)
Certification Course Length: 80 Total Hours
Instructor: Kathleen Lesh Smith, LMT, MTI, CNMT
This series consists of 3 (6 hour) workshops and 9 (6 hour) technique course and 1 (8 hour) clinical day. In order to become certified you must take the entire 80 hours. However, you may take the workshops or the technique courses individually and in any order (except for the master class and the clinical day which must come at the very end).
Neuromuscular Therapy combines structural posture analysis, Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy to the direct area of causation. This series is extremely hands-on and will teach you the skills for quick and efficient results that last longer.
Introduction to Myofascial Release
Class Date: TBA
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
“Fascia is the forgotten soft tissue in the bodywork world and is the easiest to treat!"
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Introduction to Neuromuscular Therapy
Class Date: TBA
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
"Neuromuscular therapy allows the therapist to treat the SOURCE of the pain, not just the symptoms."
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Process of Postural Analysis
Class Date: 4-23-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Analyzing postural distortions allows the therapist freedom from chasing patterns.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil to class.
Simple Transverse Deviations (high/low shoulder)
Class Date: 5-21-23
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to treat & alleviate common postural distortions coming into your practice such as:
- Temporal, occipital headache pains
- Impossible to reach "under the scapula" pain
- Chronic shoulder & neck pain due to sitting at a computer all-day
- "Frozen Shoulder" symptoms (depending on the source)
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Forward Head Posture
Class Date: TBA
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to properly assess, treat, and help minimize the pain associated with this condition for your clients:
- Rounded Shoulder Syndrome
- Text Neck / Blackberry Thumb
- Pelvic Rotations
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Headaches and Migraines
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ)
Class Date: TBA
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
Learn how to properly assess, treat, and help minimize the pain associated with this condition for your clients:
- All Types of Head Pain
- Ringing in Ears, Vertigo
- Shoulder, Neck and Back Pain, Stiffness
- Pain Around and Behind Eyes, Light Sensitivity
- Clenching and Grinding Teeth
- Clicking or Popping in the Jaw Joint
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Mastery Day- "Putting it all together"
Class Date: TBA
Time: 10am to 4pm
CE Hours: 6
Cost: $150
This course must be taken once all previous technique courses have been taken. Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.
Clinical Day - Last Class of the Series
Class Date: TBA
Time: 8am to 6pm
CE Hours: 8
Cost: $200
This class must be taken last and is 8 hours long.
Please bring a set of sheets and your choice of massage lotion, creme, or oil with you to class.