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About
Training Ohio’s medical massage therapists since 1981.
For more than four decades, SHI Integrative Medical Massage School has helped students develop the knowledge, hands-on skills, confidence, and clinical understanding needed to build meaningful careers in massage therapy.
Located in Lebanon, Ohio, SHI offers a comprehensive 19-month Medical Massage Therapy program designed for students who want more than a quick path through school. Here, learning takes place over time—giving students the opportunity to practice, develop their touch, deepen their understanding of the human body, and become thoughtful, capable massage therapists.
There are faster ways to complete massage school.
SHI intentionally takes a different approach.
The 19-month program provides students with the time to learn, practice, revisit concepts, strengthen developing skills, and connect classroom knowledge with hands-on experience.
Because when you’re learning to work with the human body, understanding matters.
Located in Lebanon, Ohio, SHI offers a comprehensive 19-month Medical Massage Therapy program designed for students who want more than a quick path through school. Here, learning takes place over time—giving students the opportunity to practice, develop their touch, deepen their understanding of the human body, and become thoughtful, capable massage therapists.
Develop a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage theory, ethics, and professional practice.
Massage therapy cannot be learned from a textbook alone. Hands-on learning helps students translate classroom concepts into real skills.
As students progress, they begin connecting what they feel beneath their hands with what they have learned about anatomy, movement, structure, and function.
The goal is not simply knowing a collection of massage techniques. It is learning how to think, adapt, and determine an appropriate approach for the individual in front of you.
Massage therapists work with people of different ages, occupations, activity levels, health histories, goals, and physical needs.
That means good massage therapy cannot always come from following the same sequence every time.
At SHI, students develop a broader understanding of bodywork so they can begin learning to observe, think, feel, and adapt.
The result is an education intended to help graduates enter the profession with both a range of techniques and a stronger understanding of why, when, and how those techniques may be used.
There is something valuable about learning a hands-on profession from people who understand what it means to actually do the work.
SHI’s roots are in bodywork.
The school was founded by Dr. Sharon Barnes and has been part of Ohio’s massage education community since 1980. As SHI moves into its next chapter, the school’s longstanding focus on comprehensive, hands-on massage education continues.
Students aren’t simply entering a classroom.
They are becoming part of a community built around the practice, study, and continued evolution of massage therapy.
Choosing a massage school is a big decision, and we believe you should have the opportunity to ask questions, see the school, understand the program, and determine whether SHI feels right for you.
Learn about SHI, the 19-month program, curriculum, tuition, and the massage therapy profession.
Meet with SHI to discuss the program, expectations, and your goals
SHI’s Medical Massage Therapy program is designed as a comprehensive 19-month educational experience.
Developing massage skills takes practice. The extended format gives students time to learn concepts, practice techniques, develop palpation skills, strengthen their understanding of anatomy, and integrate what they are learning rather than simply moving through material as quickly as possible.
SHI Integrative Medical Massage School is located at 645 A Columbus Avenue in Lebanon, Ohio 45036.
Students generally enter massage school to learn the profession, so previous massage experience is not typically necessary. SHI’s specific admissions requirements should be reviewed on our Admissions page.
SHI’s curriculum combines foundational massage education with anatomy-informed bodywork and clinical techniques. Current program materials highlight Swedish massage, deep tissue work, Craniosacral Therapy, and Muscle Energy Techniques among the skills students encounter.
Students seeking massage therapist licensure in Ohio currently must meet State Medical Board requirements, which include passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
SHI’s curriculum is designed to provide professional massage therapy education, but specific SHI MBLEx preparation resources and pass-rate information will be added once confirmed.
SHI has historically offered evening instruction, making massage school potentially more accessible to working adults.
Yes. Prospective students are encouraged to learn more about SHI and schedule a school tour as part of exploring whether the program is the right fit.
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