Business Details
Massage Therapy School in Raleigh, NC
The Healing Arts & Massage School is dedicated to empowering individuals through holistic education in natural healing arts and massage therapy. Founded on the principle of 'Healing from the Heart through the Art of Touch,' our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as licensed massage and bodywork therapists while fostering self-awareness and community well-being. Our programs blend modern education with Socratic methods, emphasizing anatomy, physiology, pathology, and specialized techniques like reflexology, reiki, and sports massage.With small class sizes (maximum 10 students), personalized instruction, and a faculty of experienced professionals, we prepare graduates to meet state licensing requirements and excel in diverse therapeutic settings. Our continuing education courses, approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), ensure licensed practitioners stay current with industry advancements. Through student-led clinics and public services, we extend healing benefits to the community while maintaining rigorous ethical and professional standards.
Services
Massage Therapy Education
Continuing Education Courses
Student Massage Services
Licensed Therapist Appointments
Chair Massage Events
Gift Certificates
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of combined experience in massage therapy education and practice.
- Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention with a maximum of 10 students per program.
- We provide NCBTMB-approved continuing education courses for licensed massage therapists.
- Our curriculum includes advanced techniques like reflexology, reiki, and sports massage.
- We serve elite athletes, including NCAA Division I and Olympic competitors, through clinical partnerships.
Associations and certifications
- North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
What people say
Knowledgeable instructors
Excellent continuing ed classes
Life-changing education
Affordable student sessions
Professional staff
Services
Massage Therapy Education
Our 650-hour licensing program prepares students for North Carolina state licensure through comprehensive training in anatomy, pathology, and techniques like reflexology, reiki, and sports massage. The curriculum includes clinical practice with elite athletes and holistic communication skills, ensuring graduates meet industry standards and ethical guidelines.
Continuing Education Courses
Approved by the NCBTMB, our continuing education courses cover advanced modalities such as craniosacral therapy, hot stone massage, and positional release techniques. Designed for licensed therapists, these classes enhance skills in deep tissue work, lymphatic drainage, and energy healing while fulfilling license renewal requirements with flexible day and evening schedules.
Student Massage Services
Students provide lymphatic massage, reflexology, and chair massage under faculty supervision, offering affordable sessions for the public. These services focus on detoxification, stress relief, and foundational therapeutic techniques, adhering to strict guidelines prohibiting tips or compensation for student practitioners.
Licensed Therapist Appointments
Experienced licensed therapists deliver specialized treatments including prenatal massage, sports therapy, and myofascial release. Each session integrates personalized care with evidence-based practices, addressing chronic pain, injury recovery, and holistic wellness through tailored modalities and client-centered communication.
Chair Massage Events
Corporate and community events feature chair massage services within a 10-mile radius of our Raleigh campus. Therapists provide 15-20 minute sessions targeting stress relief for the back, shoulders, and hands, with customized pricing based on travel distance, number of practitioners, and event duration.
People
Keith Bouchard
Founder & Director
With 35+ years of experience, Keith is a licensed naturopath and massage therapist who founded the school in 1988. He specializes in sports massage for elite athletes and integrates nutrition and energy therapy into his practice.
J.J. White, Jr.
Instructor & Therapist
A 2004 graduate of the school, J.J. offers lymphatic, Swedish, and sports massage techniques. He serves as an advisory board member and combines clinical practice with teaching responsibilities.
Josh Larimar
Academic Advisor
A 2020 graduate, Josh teaches anatomy and ethics while maintaining a practice at a Raleigh chiropractic clinic. He previously trained snow sports coaches and now focuses on mentoring future massage therapists.
Elizabeth Barnacz
Instructor & Therapist
A 2022 graduate, Elizabeth specializes in reflexology, Thai massage, and Ayurveda. She teaches anatomy and pathology while offering guided stretching and holistic treatments at her wellness practice.
Colleen Bouchard
Office Manager
With 20+ years of small business experience, Colleen manages operations and leverages her organizational skills to support the school's administrative functions since joining in 2018.
Questions
What is the tuition for your 650-hour licensing program?
Tuition is $10,950, with a 25% deposit required. Books cost approximately $400. Payment plans and full-payment discounts are available.
How do I start the enrollment process?
Schedule a tour and interview with the program director. Daytime programs begin in August; evening programs start in April.
Can students provide massage services to the public?
Yes, students offer lymphatic, prenatal, reflexology, and chair massage sessions. Appointments can be booked online up to 18 hours in advance.
Are tips allowed for student practitioners?
No. North Carolina regulations prohibit students from receiving fees, tips, or compensation during clinical training.
Do you offer continuing education for licensed therapists?
Yes, we provide NCBTMB-approved courses in advanced techniques like craniosacral therapy, hot stone massage, and sports injury treatment.
What are the prerequisites for enrollment?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. No prior massage experience is required.
