Admissions Process

Living Essence Massage Institute is a leader in massage therapy education, providing an outstanding learning experience that empowers graduates to build fulfilling, lifelong careers.


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Our admissions and enrollment process is thoughtfully designed to support success by ensuring that every student is ready to thrive on their professional massage therapy journey. By fully understanding the curriculum, program expectations, financial investment, and career opportunities, students are empowered to take the necessary steps to build a strong foundation for educational success. 

The following 5 steps are our mutual commitment to establishing that Living Essence is the right place for you.

  1. Complete the pre-application form.

    Enrollment requires meeting state-mandated requirements included in the pre-application form: an official high school transcript, GED certificate, or High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

    Get started here!

  2. Schedule a visit.

    Visit our campus or schedule a virtual meeting to learn more about the 1,000-hour Living Essence massage therapy certification program, program costs, funding sources, student expectations, and post-graduation career opportunities.

    Schedule your meeting.

  3. Complete the school application form.

    The Living Essence application form is separate from the pre-application form outlined in step 1 above. It includes additional information required for admission, such as motivation for pursuing a career as a massage therapist and potential career goals.

    Start your journey today.

  4. Admissions Interview.

    After applications are reviewed, prospective students are invited to schedule an admissions interview. This offers an opportunity to reconnect, ask additional questions, ensure the Living Essence program is the right fit, and talk about enrollment dates.

  5. Complete Enrollment.

    Upon acceptance to the program, a meeting is scheduled with the Program Director to review timelines, program tuition, and to secure a seat in an upcoming class.

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Our team will provide guidance throughout the application process.

If you have questions about these steps, any part of your school application, deadlines, or anything else, please contact our admissions office at 607-238-2035 or info@LivingEssenceFLX.com for assistance.

Join us and transform your passion into a meaningful career.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Living Essence Massage Therapy Program is a comprehensive 1000-hour massage therapy certification program designed to train students in the art and science of massage therapy. It emphasizes holistic education, blending biological sciences, therapeutic techniques, and career development.

    This program meets the New York State Department of Education's requirements for licensure in massage therapy. Graduates are qualified to take the New York State licensing exam upon completion.

  • Incoming students may have the opportunity to begin the program every ten weeks (subject to enrollment capacity), creating opportunities for dynamic teamwork and collaboration, in addition to a more flexible set of annual matriculation dates.

  • The 1,000-hour curriculum includes:

    • Foundations: Anatomy, physiology, neurology, kinesiology, and pathology.

    • Massage Techniques: Swedish, Shiatsu, myofascial work, deep tissue, orthopedic massage, hydrotherapy, and more.

    • Beyond Business: Core business skills and career development for success and longevity in massage therapy practice

    • Clinical Application: Supervised clinics and a 3-week practicum in community facilities.

  • Living Essence Massage Institute combines the collective expertise of highly successful healthcare providers and master educators—representing decades of combined experience across a wide array of healthcare practice, education, and successful business ownership. Our meticulously crafted curriculum ensures both accessibility in learning and immediate transferability of skills to real-world practice. Students receive a highly personalized education that comes from our commitment to small class sizes, and the deep mentorship that emerges from our tight-knit community of experts who have worked together as part of the Ithaca area's wellness community for over 25 years. Located on a beautiful 10-acre campus in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of New York State, Living Essence Massage Institute provides a singularly unique educational experience.

  • Classes run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Students also participate in flexible clinic sessions some evenings and weekends.

    Student and community clinics operate 1-2 evenings each week and 1-2 Saturdays each month to allow for flexibility in accommodating students' schedules.

  • Clinics enable students to practice full massage sessions under the supervision of licensed, experienced professionals. Community Practicum takes place in the last 3 weeks of the program, where students work off campus to offer massage therapy services in diverse community settings.

  • Graduates are able to work in a private practice, the spa industry, medical centers, and other healthcare clinics, in athletic settings, and other wellness centers.

    Massage Therapy is one of the fastest-growing professions, with a remarkable 18% growth rate as cited by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics—4.5 times the average for all careers. Not only is massage therapy in high demand, but it also boasts one of the highest job satisfaction rates in the healthcare industry.

  • In addition to faculty guidance and mentorship, as well as a framework of student support built into the student experience, Living Essence coordinates with community services and providers to make support accessible for students.