Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Premier Massage Therapy School in Austin
Founded in 1989 by pioneers David Lauterstein and John Conway, our institution has been a leader in massage therapy education for over three decades. We provide a comprehensive curriculum blending the art and science of therapeutic touch, preparing students for licensure and professional success. Our faculty comprises experienced instructors dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment that emphasizes technical proficiency, intuitive touch, and personal growth. With a 90.4% pass rate on the MBLEx exam, we prioritize hands-on training, business acumen, and lifelong learning.Our graduates are sought after for their expertise in clinical and relaxation massage, serving diverse settings from spas to healthcare clinics. We maintain affiliations with leading industry organizations and offer continuing education to advance therapists' careers. Our mission remains to cultivate skilled, fulfilled professionals who enhance wellness through healing touch.
Services
Massage Therapy Program
Continuing Education Workshops
Student Massage Clinic
Career Counseling
Job Placement Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of massage therapy education expertise in Austin
- 90.4% MBLEx pass rate exceeding national/state averages
- Integrated curriculum combining anatomy with hands-on techniques
- Compassionate instructors with real-world clinical experience
- Career services including job board and annual massage job fair
Associations and certifications
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
What people say
Strong foundation in massage
Supportive instructors
Memorable learning experience
Excellent career preparation
High job satisfaction
Services
Massage Therapy Program
Our 500-hour program prepares students for massage therapy licensure through integrated instruction in anatomy, physiology, Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, and business practices. Students gain hands-on experience in our supervised clinic while learning clinical assessment and therapeutic applications. The curriculum emphasizes both scientific knowledge and intuitive touch development.
Continuing Education Workshops
We offer NCBTMB-approved continuing education courses covering advanced techniques like Manual Lymph Drainage, Zero Balancing, and sports massage. Workshops are designed for licensed therapists seeking skill enhancement, with options ranging from 6 to 45 CE hours taught by industry experts. Courses combine theory with practical application.
Student Massage Clinic
Our student clinic provides affordable massage therapy sessions supervised by experienced instructors. Clients receive one-hour sessions for $55 while students complete required clinical hours. Services include Swedish, deep tissue, pregnancy massage, and therapeutic applications for pain relief and stress reduction.
Career Services
We offer career counseling, resume development, and business training to help graduates establish successful practices. Our annual job fair connects therapists with 30+ local employers, while our online job board lists opportunities in spas, clinics, and wellness centers across Central Texas.
Faculty Instruction
Our instructors are licensed massage therapists with specialized certifications in areas like oncology massage, sports therapy, and structural assessment. Many faculty members are alumni who combine professional practice with teaching, offering mentorship that bridges academic training and real-world application.
People
David Lauterstein
Co-Founder
Massage therapy pioneer with 45+ years experience, inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame, author of three industry books, and developer of the Lauterstein Method of deep massage.
John Conway
Co-Founder
Sports massage specialist with 40+ years experience, certified by AMTA, former education director for Texas AMTA chapter, and developer of sports massage protocols used in athletic training programs.
Tammie Culley
Clinic Director
19-year TLC graduate with expertise in medical massage therapy, certified in structural assessment, and experienced in collaborating with chiropractors and physical therapists to develop treatment plans for chronic pain conditions.
Tim Stahlke
Education Director
Licensed massage therapist with background in community development and education, combining therapeutic practice with a focus on mental and emotional health through massage therapy.
Brenda Bianchi
Massage Instructor
Certified instructor since 2015, specializing in biomechanics and Swedish techniques, with experience mentoring students and developing curriculum for anatomy and therapeutic applications.
Questions
What are the state requirements for massage therapy licensure in Texas?
Complete a 500-hour approved program, pass MBLEx and jurisprudence exams, and submit application with fees. 12 CE hours required every 2 years for renewal.
How long does the massage therapy program take to complete?
Choose from 6-month full-time or 12-month part-time schedules with flexible morning, afternoon, or evening classes to accommodate working students.
What career opportunities exist after graduation?
Graduates work in spas, clinics, healthcare settings, corporate environments, or private practice. 77% of therapists are self-employed according to AMTA statistics.
Do you offer continuing education for licensed massage therapists?
Yes, we provide NCBTMB-approved workshops covering advanced techniques like Manual Lymph Drainage, Zero Balancing, and sports massage with 300+ CE hours annually.
What makes your program unique compared to other massage schools?
Our integrated approach combines anatomy with hands-on techniques daily, emphasizing both scientific knowledge and intuitive touch development through our exclusive Lauterstein Method.
Is financial assistance available for students?
We offer no-credit-check financing options and accept VA benefits through multiple GI Bill programs to help students fund their massage therapy education.
Videos
