Professional Program

400-Hour Swedish Massage Therapy

Master the art and science of Swedish massage โ€” the foundational modality of Western therapeutic bodywork. A focused, rigorous program for students entering the profession with purpose.

๐Ÿ• 400 Training Hours
๐Ÿ“‹ Certificate of Completion
๐ŸŒฟ Foundational Modality
โฑ Approx. 6โ€“9 Months
Program Overview

The Foundation of Therapeutic Massage

Swedish massage is the cornerstone of Western bodywork โ€” and mastering it is mastering the art of therapeutic touch. The 400-hour Swedish Massage Therapy program provides deep, focused training in classical Swedish technique grounded in anatomical and clinical understanding.

This program is designed for students who want to enter professional practice with a solid foundational credential, for those who plan to upgrade to the 1000-hour LMT program, and for healthcare professionals adding massage to their scope of practice.

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are prepared for professional practice in spa, wellness, and complementary health settings.

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Program at a Glance

Total Hours 400 Clock Hours
Credential Awarded Certificate of Completion
Focus Area Swedish Technique
Practicum Hours 60 Hours
Format Day & Evening Tracks
Duration Approx. 6โ€“9 Months
Upgrade Pathway

Graduates of the 400-hour program may apply earned hours toward the 1000-hour LMT program. Ask admissions about transfer credits.

Core Technique

The Five Classical Swedish Strokes

Swedish massage is built on five precise, scientifically grounded hand movements. Mastery of these forms the bedrock of professional therapeutic touch.

๐Ÿ–

Effleurage

Long gliding strokes that introduce the tissue and promote circulation and lymphatic flow.

๐Ÿ‘

Petrissage

Kneading, wringing, and compression techniques that address deeper muscle tissue.

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Tapotement

Rhythmic percussion movements including cupping, hacking, and tapping for stimulation.

๐ŸคŒ

Friction

Deep circular or transverse pressure applied to specific structures like tendons and joints.

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Vibration

Fine oscillating movements that affect the nervous system and release chronic muscle tension.

Curriculum

Course of Study

400 hours of focused, structured training โ€” from foundational science to advanced Swedish application and professional practice.

1
Anatomy & Physiology Foundations
80 Hours โ€” Musculoskeletal system, organ systems, palpation basics
2
Swedish Massage Theory & Application
100 Hours โ€” Five classical strokes, sequencing, draping, body mechanics
3
Applied Kinesiology
40 Hours โ€” Joint mechanics, common postural patterns, therapeutic application
4
Pathology & Contraindications
40 Hours โ€” Recognizing conditions, intake forms, safety protocols
5
Hydrotherapy & Spa Techniques
30 Hours โ€” Heat and cold applications, wraps, aromatherapy integration
6
Professional Ethics & Practice
30 Hours โ€” Ethics, client boundaries, HIPAA basics, professional standards
7
Business & Career Readiness
20 Hours โ€” Building a clientele, workplace expectations, professional identity
8
Supervised Clinical Practicum
60 Hours โ€” Client sessions under faculty supervision in our student clinic
Career Outcomes

Where This Program Takes You

๐ŸŒฟ

Day Spas & Wellness Centers

The most common entry point for Swedish massage graduates โ€” high demand across New York.

๐Ÿจ

Hotel & Resort Spas

Luxury properties actively recruit NYMI graduates for their spa facilities.

๐Ÿ”ฌ

Medical Spas

Integrate Swedish massage into aesthetics and wellness treatment environments.

๐Ÿ’ผ

Private Practice

Build your own client roster as an independent practitioner in your community.

๐Ÿ“ˆ

Upgrade to LMT

Apply your credits toward the 1000-hour program and achieve full NY State licensure.

๐Ÿค

Complementary Health

Partner with chiropractors, acupuncturists, and integrative medicine practices.

Next Steps

Begin Your Swedish Massage Career

Our admissions team will walk you through start dates, scheduling options, and the upgrade pathway to the 1000-hour LMT program.