Massage Certification

Five Branches University offers massage certification programs at both its Santa Cruz and San Jose campuses. The massage certification program is based on Asian styles of bodywork and energetic therapy and qualify a person to obtain California and National massage certification and license to practice. Our two campuses are located approximately 30 minutes apart, allowing students to complete their program classes in either or both campuses.

The San Jose Campus, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and the Santa Cruz Campus overlooking the Monterey Bay and Pacific ocean, offer 3 levels of massage certification focusing on Chinese, Japanese and Thai styles of medical massage.

Students may enroll in the Level I-250 Hour Certification Program, the Level II – 500 Hour Certification Program, or can choose to take courses individually as seminars. Students may be begin the program at any time.

Overview

• You will receive a Certificate of Completion after each course fulfilled.
• Classes begin with the Acupressure Program, which is foundational and introduces you to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Anatomy, Qi Gong, Acupressure, and Business and Ethics.
• You may select from a wide variety of electives to complete the 250-500 certifications.
• Classes are reasonably priced at $12.00 per hour.

Level I – Asian Bodywork Practitioner: 250 Hour Certificate Program

The 250 Hour Asian Bodywork Practitioner Certificate Program meets the requirement to practice in many municipalities throughout the Bay Area, including San Jose and Santa Cruz, California. This level also qualifies you to apply for the California State Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP) license, which will allow you to practice statewide.

Required Courses                                                                      Hours

Level II – Asian Bodywork Therapist: 500 Hour Certificate Program

This level meets the requirements for national certification, preparing you to sit for the Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) exam. This provides you with recognition as a Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy by the NCCAOM.

Prerequisite: Completion of the 250 hour certificate

Required Courses                                                                        Hours

Level III-Asian Bodywork Clinician: 650 Hour Certificate Program

This level leads to national certification, and meets the requirements for the National Certification Exam (NCE) given by the NCBTMB. This certification is ideal for the therapist who wants to establish their bodywork practice within a clinical setting.

Prerequisite: Completion of the 500 hour certificate

Required Courses                                                                        Hours

Please contact the program director, Phan Goh, at 408-345-2654 if you would like to get more details.