Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most commonly asked questions we hear at Irene’s massage school. We are always happy to provide you with more information. Give us a call at 248-350-1400 or come visit us for a tour of the campus.
Q. Is Irene’s nationally accredited?
A. Yes, Irene’s is accredited by ACCET. 
The school also holds the credentials listed below.
- Approved by the State Massage Therapy Board
- Licensed by the State of Michigan since 1987
- Certified by IMF
- Institutional Member of the ABMP
- School Member of the AMTA
- Research Donator for the MTF
- Founding Member of the AFMTE
- Approved by THE FSMTB
Q. Will the school prepare me for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx)?
A. Irene’s offers comprehensive support to students preparing for the MBLEx. Our graduates consistently pass the exam at rates higher than both the national and state averages. Staff members are available to walk you through the application process all the way through to scheduling your test.
Q. When do classes start?
A. Irene’s massage classes conveniently start three times each year, Winter, Summer, and Fall.
Q. Will the school assist me in getting a State Massage Therapy License?
A. Irene’s staff are happy to walk you through the state licensing process, including completing the application and submitting required documentation. We can also assist you with an out-of-state application if you plan to relocate.
Q. Does Irene’s have career fairs?
A. Exclusive career fairs are hosted for Irene’s alumni every year.
Q. What are Irene’s instructors’ qualifications?
A. Irene’s teachers have years of teaching experience. Each massage teacher is State Licensed. Every instructor at Irene’s is an authority in the subject they teach. With highly qualified instructors in every class, students enjoy the opportunity to acquire skills from experts.
Q. Does Irene’s have a student massage clinic on-site?
A. By practicing in an on-site professionally run massage clinic, Irene’s students gain experience working on the public under the guidance of faculty members.
Q. Does Irene’s have flexible massage class schedules?
A. Irene’s understands that it can be challenging for busy adults to gain an education. We have flexible schedules allowing students to work full-time while in school. Day or evening classes are available.
Q. What is Irene’s Placement Rate?
A. Irene’s Placement Rate is 76%
Q. How much is Irene’s tuition?
A. Irene’s tuition is $20 per clock hour. The total tuition for 640 hours is $12,795.
Q. Are Irene’s class schedules flexible?
A.Yes, Irene’s classes are offered in the day or evening.
Q. What kind of jobs can massage therapists get?
A. Irene’s graduates work in a variety of environment.
- Private Practice
- Chiropractic Offices
- Hospitals
- Wellness Centers
- Spas
- Physical Therapy Clinics
- Massage Therapy Group Practices
- Fitness Centers and Gyms
- Sports Teams or Training Facilities
- Corporate Wellness Programs
- Traumatic Brain Injury Home Calls
Q. Do I need previous experience to attend massage School?
A. No prior experience is necessary.
Q. Can I tour the school before enrolling?
A. Yes! Come Visit Us! We love guests, and, well, we must admit, love showing off our campus. We invite you to visit Irene’s to see our classrooms and get a feel for our environment.
Q. Does Irene’s have Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veteran’s Benefits to help pay for school?
A. Irene’s has a financial aid department that assists students in securing all the funding they are eligible for. Our Kempley Massage Scholarship provides up to $2,000 for qualified students who need additional help with tuition. We are proud to offer VA Educational Benefits to help veterans with school expenses.
Q. How long has Irene’s been teaching massage?
A. Irene’s has been a State Licensed Massage School since 1987. Irene began teaching massage in her own basement in 1976!
Q. Does Irene’s help graduates find jobs?
A. Our school’s alumni have access to lifetime placement services. Irene’s has a full-time Placement Director to assist them in finding massage jobs. With our outstanding reputation, employers prefer to hire our graduates over any other school!
Q. Does the school have staff to guide students through school?
A. Irene’s has a full-time Student Advisor on staff to support student progress.
Q. Are Irene’s class hours supervised?
A. All of Irene’s 625 hours are supervised with faculty present. We do not charge students for homework hours.
Q. What is Irene’s campus like?
A. Our state of the art facility was designed to provide an ideal space for learning. With 17,500 square feet, the school boasts five classrooms and a professional student clinic. We also have a store that stocks the Massage Supplies a professional therapist would want such as charts, oils, tables, sheets and even healthy snacks.
Q. Does Irene’s have elective classes?
A. In addition to their therapeutic massage program, students choose from over 40 different elective subjects.
Q. What is Irene’s MNLEx Pass Rate?
A. Irene’s Overall MBLEx Pass Rate is 90%
Q. What is the MBLEx
A. The MBLEx is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. FSMTB. To become state licensed, one must successfully pass the MBLEx. The FSMTB requires students to attend an approved Massage Therapy to sit for the exam. Irene’s students have a 90% overall pass rate.
Q. What is Irene’s Completion Rate?
A. Irene’s has a 77% Completion Rate
Q. How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist?
A. Irene’s has a one year program.
Q. How many hours of massage therapy training does Michigan require?
A. The State of Michigan requires a minimum of 625 hours of training. Michigan curriculum rules include instruction in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage and bodywork theory/application, professional practice/ethics, and supervised student clinic experience. Irene’s program is 640 hours.
Q. What makes Irene’s Different?
A. The school was founded by Irene Gauthier, has more than 40 years of experience, and is ACCET accredited. The curriculum provides strong hands-on training, research-based education, skilled instructors, MBLEx support, a student clinic, career services, extensive employer relationships, and Lifetime Job Placement.