Business Details
43 Years
experience
Accredited Massage Therapy Programs in Santa Ana
Founded in 1983, the American Institute of Massage Therapy (AIMT) has established itself as a leader in massage therapy education. Our mission centers on delivering high-quality, affordable programs designed to meet rigorous medical standards while fostering personal and professional growth. With a curriculum developed by Dr. Marquetta K. Hungerford, a pioneer in sports massage with over 40 years of experience, we integrate Western and Eastern techniques to prepare graduates for diverse careers in physical medicine and wellness. Our programs, accredited by COMTA and approved by CAMTC, emphasize hands-on training, small class sizes, and practical experience through our public massage clinic.We prioritize student success through low tuition rates, financial aid options, and a 90%+ job placement rate over the past decade. Our faculty exceeds California's licensing requirements, ensuring graduates are practice-ready. AIMT's legacy includes contributions to Olympic sports massage and ongoing partnerships with professional associations like AMTA and ABMP, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the field through education and community engagement.
Services
Massage Therapist Program
Sports Massage Therapist Program
Massage Clinic Services
Financial Aid Assistance
Job Placement Services
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Curriculum developed by Dr. Hungerford, a pioneer in sports massage with 40+ years of experience.
- 90%+ job placement rate over the past decade.
- Small, intimate classes with hands-on training exceeding California's licensing requirements.
- Affordable tuition rates with federal financial aid options available.
- Public massage clinic offering practical experience and community benefits.
Associations and certifications
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
- California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)
- Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
- American Medical Massage Association (AMMA)
What people say
Excellent massages
Affordable prices
Friendly staff
Relaxing experience
Professional students
Services
Massage Therapist Program
Our 624-hour program teaches foundational massage therapy skills, including Swedish massage, sports massage, and clinical practicum. Students learn anatomy, business ethics, and advanced techniques to prepare for the MBLEx Exam and California certification. Graduates gain immediate employment readiness through hands-on training and SOAP documentation practices.
Sports Massage Therapist Program
The 1029-hour program expands on foundational skills with advanced sports massage, clinical pathologies, and Asian bodywork techniques. Students master pre-event, post-event, and rehabilitation protocols while gaining expertise in neuromuscular therapy. This specialized training prepares graduates for careers in athletic settings and high-demand therapeutic niches.
Public Massage Clinic
Students provide affordable, high-quality massages in a supervised clinic environment. Services include customized sessions for relaxation and therapeutic needs, offering clients professional-grade treatments while students develop real-world skills in client interaction and technique application.
Financial Aid Assistance
We offer federal grants, loans, and flexible payment plans to make massage therapy education accessible. Qualified students can utilize FAFSA, WIA, EDD, and SSD programs, ensuring financial barriers don't prevent career advancement in this growing field.
Job Placement Services
Our graduates benefit from a 90%+ placement rate through partnerships with local wellness centers, spas, and healthcare providers. We assist with resume building, interview preparation, and connecting students to professional networks in the massage therapy industry.
People
Dr. Marquetta K. Hungerford
Founder
Dr. Hungerford founded AIMT in 1983 with over 40 years of experience in physical therapy and massage. She pioneered sports massage at the 1984 Olympics and continues to influence the field through AIMT's curriculum.
Questions
What massage therapy programs does AIMT offer?
AIMT offers a 624-hour Massage Therapist Program and a 1029-hour Sports Massage Therapist Program, both preparing students for California certification and national exams.
Is AIMT accredited and licensed?
Yes. AIMT is COMTA-accredited, CAMTC-approved, and licensed by California's BPPE, ensuring programs meet rigorous educational and professional standards.
Does AIMT help with job placement after graduation?
Yes. AIMT maintains a 90%+ job placement rate through industry partnerships, career counseling, and networking opportunities with local wellness providers.
Are public massage services available?
Yes. Our student-run clinic offers affordable massages Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm, providing practical training while serving the community.
What financial aid options exist for students?
AIMT offers federal grants, loans, WIA/EDD programs, and flexible payment plans to ensure accessible education for qualified students.
How does AIMT's curriculum differ from other schools?
Our curriculum, developed by Olympic sports massage pioneer Dr. Hungerford, integrates Western and Eastern techniques with 40+ years of clinical expertise, emphasizing hands-on practice and holistic wellness.
