Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Path to Massage Therapy Certification in Oakland
Since 1973, McKinnon Body Therapy Center has been dedicated to providing high-quality massage therapy education to the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Our certificate programs and courses are designed to offer both aspiring and established professionals a comprehensive foundation in massage therapy, with a focus on technical expertise and compassionate care. With over 25 highly skilled instructors and more than 2,000 hours of coursework available, we empower students to customize their educational journey to suit their individual goals.Our mission is to create a positive learning environment that fosters intuition, creativity, and individuality, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field. We pride ourselves on offering affordable, flexible programs with interest-free payment options, and our commitment to excellence is reflected in the 100% first-time pass rate for our graduates on the MBLEx exam in 2019. Through state-of-the-art training programs, we aim to set the stage for successful and rewarding careers in massage therapy.
Services
Tui Na
Craniosacral Therapy
Thai Massage
Reflexology
Prenatal Massage
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- 50 years of experience training massage professionals since 1973
- All instructors are current practicing bodyworkers with diverse expertise
- Flexible scheduling options including evenings, weekends, and intensives
- 0% interest payment plans with no large student loans required
- 2019 MBLEx first-time pass rate: 100% vs. national average 71%
Associations and certifications
- Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
- California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
What people say
Family feel
Small classes
Experienced teachers
Affordable prices
Extensive modalities
Services
500-Hour Program
Our foundational massage therapy program meets California's 500-hour requirement for Certified Massage Therapist status. Students receive comprehensive training in Swedish massage, anatomy, and clinical techniques while learning business skills for professional practice. The program includes personalized feedback and preparation for certification exams.
658-Hour Program
This enhanced program exceeds state requirements with additional training in deep tissue therapy and COMTA-endorsed curriculum. Designed for graduates seeking national exam preparation and broader recognition across states, it includes advanced coursework in common conditions and professional development for massage therapists pursuing licensure.
Tui Na
Traditional Chinese meridian massage combining acupressure and therapeutic techniques to address muscle tension and energy flow. Our program teaches both table work and barefoot applications while covering over 20 hand techniques and range-of-motion methods for treating various client populations.
Craniosacral Therapy
Hands-on therapy focusing on the craniosacral system to promote relaxation and stress relief. Students develop advanced palpation skills to detect subtle body movements and learn full session protocols that can be integrated with other massage modalities for comprehensive treatment.
Thai Massage
Dynamic body-mind therapy combining yoga stretches with acupressure techniques to improve joint mobility and energy flow. Our curriculum progresses from fundamentals to advanced applications addressing structural injuries and emotional patterns through systematic bodywork sequences.
People
Erica Straus
Massage Therapist & Instructor
With background in zoology and science law, Erica transitioned to massage therapy after personal health challenges. She specializes in deep tissue, sports massage, and prenatal care while bringing analytical rigor to her teaching approach at McKinnon.
Questions
How long will it take to complete my massage therapy program?
Our 500 & 658-hour programs must be completed within 24 months, though many students finish in about a year with flexible scheduling options.
What are California's massage therapy certification requirements?
California requires 500 hours from an approved school. While CAMTC certification is currently voluntary, many employers and cities require it.
What payment options are available for tuition?
We offer paying in full with discounts, interest-free payment plans, and 5% off when paying as you go through the program.
Do you offer job placement assistance after graduation?
We post openings from employers who prefer McKinnon graduates on our website and bulletin board, though we don't directly place students.
Are textbooks included in tuition costs?
Textbooks are purchased separately, though we sell required texts at school and many students find cheaper copies online.
Is McKinnon nationally accredited for massage therapy education?
We're approved by California's BPPE and CAMTC. While there's no national massage licensure, our hours are widely accepted across states.
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