Therapeutic Massage Training for Your Future Career
Irene’s Myomassology Institute offers a nationally accredited massage therapy program in Southfield, Michigan, that prepares you for a successful career as a Licensed Massage Therapist. You will build a strong foundation in therapeutic massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, professional ethics, business practices, and client-centered care.
Through hands-on classroom training, practical experience in Irene’s Student Clinic, and support from dedicated staff, you will develop the skills, professionalism, confidence, and heart needed to serve clients with care. Irene’s also introduces you to holistic health practices that support personal growth, whole-person wellness, and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection.
For many students, Irene’s is more than a school. It is a meaningful, confidence-building step toward a rewarding massage therapy career.
Massage Therapy Training & Licensing Support
Drawing on generations of knowledge, formal education, and experience, Irene Gauthier developed a massage therapy curriculum that continues to set Irene’s students apart. Students learn research-based information on the effects and benefits of massage therapy, along with practical skills they can apply confidently in professional settings. Irene’s also introduces students to valuable concepts from holistic health and wellness while keeping the primary focus on strong, career-centered massage therapy education.
Our commitment to student success continues beyond the classroom. Irene’s provides support for students preparing for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, also known as the MBLEx, along with guidance through the Michigan massage licensing process.
Irene’s graduates consistently pass the licensing exam at rates higher than both state and national averages. Many Detroit-area massage therapy employers know and value Irene’s graduates, and our Lifetime Job Placement services provide ongoing support as graduates begin and grow their careers in massage therapy.
Fall 2026 Enrollment
- Classes begin mid-October
- Choose from day or evening schedules
- Financial aid offered to those who qualify
- Apply soon to be considered for October
“I’m a past graduate of Irene’s and I will shout the school’s praises until I die. It was by far the best experience of my life. It was truly life changing, not only for me but for all my former classmates. I watched it transform a lot of people personally, for the better. The knowledge the staff has and shares, the friendships you make, the massages you get weekly and watching them change and get better each week, the positive energy that’s in air – you feel it as soon as you step into the school. It’s where you want to be, to learn everything there is to know about massage. Thank you, Irene’s, for all of it!” – Kim R.
Support From Enrollment to Employment
At Irene’s, students are supported throughout their massage therapy education. Our staff helps with class registration, progress reports, tutoring resources, financial aid questions, elective enrollment, clinical event sign-ups, career preparation, and job placement assistance.
From your first questions about massage school to your first professional opportunities after graduation, Irene’s team is here to help you stay informed, encouraged, and on track.
Irene’s Michigan Massage Therapy School
Irene’s massage therapy program provides a comprehensive education in therapeutic massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, professional ethics, and hands-on clinical practice. Students learn how the body functions while developing practical skills they can use confidently in professional massage therapy settings.
Many of the techniques taught at Irene’s are distinctive to our school and rooted in Irene Gauthier’s decades of experience, formal education, research, and intuitive understanding of therapeutic bodywork. Irene developed a wide range of techniques to support her clients’ healing and well-being, many of which are included in the textbook she wrote for her Metro Detroit massage school.
This unique approach is one reason employers and clients often say that massage from an Irene’s graduate feels different. Irene’s Myomassology curriculum combines therapeutic massage education, holistic awareness, and client-centered care in a way that is offered only at Irene’s Myomassology Institute in Southfield, Michigan.
Flexible Massage School Schedules
Irene’s offers flexible massage school schedules designed for adult students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Day and evening classes are available, giving you options as you prepare for a new career in massage therapy.
Our admissions team can help you explore the schedule that best fits your goals and daily life.
Massage School Scholarships and Financial Aid
Irene’s is committed to helping qualified students understand the financial aid, scholarship, and funding options that may be available for massage school. Our staff provides information and assistance to help you explore eligibility, complete required steps, and feel more confident about the financial aid process.
The Kempley Massage Scholarship provides up to $2,000 toward tuition for qualifying students. Irene’s also participates in federal financial aid programs and can accept Veterans educational benefits. Additional funding sources may include Michigan Works, UAW, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, AmeriCorps, Michigan Education Trust, private scholarships, and private loans.
Hands-on Massage Instruction
Your massage classes include instructor demonstrations and extensive opportunities to practice therapeutic massage techniques with a class partner. You will also receive the added benefit of regularly experiencing massage yourself, helping you understand how techniques feel from the client’s perspective.
During classroom practice, instructors are present to guide you, offer feedback, answer questions, and help you develop safe, effective, professional hands-on skills. Students learn not only how to perform massage techniques, but also why those techniques may be beneficial, using research-informed information on the effects of massage therapy, anatomy, physiology, and client-centered care.
Intriguing Elective Classes
In addition to the techniques learned in the core curriculum, Irene’s massage school offers more than 30 elective subjects. Some electives introduce specialties and modalities that can enhance a therapeutic massage session, while others are designed for personal growth, holistic awareness, and expanded understanding.
These electives allow students to explore areas of interest, broaden their skills, and shape a massage therapy education that reflects their personal and professional goals.
Fall 2026 Enrollment
- Classes begin mid-October
- Choose from day or evening schedules
- Financial aid offered to those who qualify
- Apply soon to be considered for October
Expert Instructors
Irene’s instructional team brings together professional massage therapy experience, classroom teaching expertise, clinical reasoning, and a strong commitment to student success. Collectively, Irene’s faculty represents approximately 191 years of massage therapy practice and 161 years of teaching experience.
Our instructors are Licensed Massage Therapists with advanced training and experience in therapeutic massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, professional ethics, lymphatic drainage, CranioSacral Therapy, fascia therapy, orthopedic massage, sports massage, oncology massage, prenatal massage, and trauma-informed care. Several faculty members also bring professional backgrounds in hospice and palliative care, structural integration, and teacher training.
A key strength of Irene’s faculty is the ability to connect classroom learning with real-world practice. Instructors emphasize critical thinking, client-centered care, professional communication, proper body mechanics, treatment planning, and career longevity. Together, Irene’s instructors offer students a well-rounded education rooted in experience, therapeutic skill, and a sincere commitment to helping future Licensed Massage Therapists grow with confidence.
What is Myomassology?
Myomassology is the term Irene Gauthier used to describe massage therapy education that includes therapeutic modalities beyond Swedish massage. At Irene’s, Myomassology is rooted in a strong foundation of therapeutic massage techniques, specialized modalities, anatomy, physiology, professional ethics, client-centered care, and hands-on clinical practice.
Students are also introduced to holistic health concepts that support personal awareness, wellness, and a research-supported understanding of the mind-body connection. Irene’s primary emphasis remains on preparing students for successful massage therapy careers through practical technique and research-based information on the effects and benefits of massage therapy.
Along with preparing for a massage therapy career, many students experience meaningful personal growth during their time at Irene’s. Students often graduate with greater confidence, healthier habits, and lifelong friendships.
Graduation, Licensing & MBLEx Support
As you approach graduation, Irene’s helps you prepare for the next steps toward becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist. Our full-time Career Services Director and support staff provide guidance for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, also known as the MBLEx, including application steps, scheduling, and what to expect on test day.
After graduation, Irene’s can help you understand the Michigan massage licensing process, including completing the application, submitting required documentation, and communicating with the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy. Irene’s graduates consistently pass the licensing exam at rates higher than both state and national averages.
For students planning to relocate, Irene’s also offers assistance in identifying massage therapy licensing requirements in other states and beginning the application process for out-of-state licensure.
An Irene’s Difference
Irene’s screens massage employers before recommending them to our students and alumni because where you begin your career matters. Businesses must meet Irene’s Minimum Employer Standards for professional conduct, ethical employment, and fair labor practices before gaining access to our alumni hiring resources. Through established relationships with massage employers in Michigan, our Career Services Department connects graduates with professional opportunities that respect their education, skills, and value as Licensed Massage Therapists.
Lifetime Massage Job Placement Assistance
Irene’s offers lifetime job placement assistance to all graduates through our full-time Career Services Director. Massage therapy employers throughout Southeast Michigan prefer Irene’s graduates, and many contact Irene’s directly when they are ready to hire. Alumni can access Irene’s exclusive Now Hiring page to view current massage therapy job opportunities.
Irene’s also hosts an exclusive massage career fair for alumni, bringing employers to campus to meet graduates who are ready to begin or grow their careers. Alumni seeking employment may also send their resume to Career Services, where our Career Services Director can share it with approved employers who are currently hiring.
As public interest in wellness, holistic health, and preventive care continues to grow, trained massage therapists can find opportunities in many professional settings. Irene’s Lifetime Job Placement Services are designed to support graduates not only with their first massage therapy job, but throughout their careers.
Irene’s Outcomes
Graduation & Licensed
%
88% of Irene’s students graduated and became state licensed.
Overall MBLEx Pass Rates*
%
90% Irene’s graduates pass the MBLEx licensing exam, above state & national averages.
Employment Rate
%
76% of Irene’s graduates were employed as massage therapists.
Approved Massage Employers
Over 225 local massage therapy employers prefer to hire Irene’s graduates.
Learn What It’s Like to Be a Massage Therapist.
Choosing the Right Massage School
Choosing the right massage school is an important step toward your future career. Irene’s created a guide to help prospective students understand what to look for when comparing massage therapy programs, including accreditation, licensing preparation, hands-on training, curriculum depth, student support, and career services.
If you are still exploring whether massage therapy is the right career path for you, you may also enjoy our blog, “Massage Therapy Career Outlook: Why Now Is the Time to Begin Training.”
Before you enroll anywhere, make sure the school you choose can prepare you for professional practice, state massage licensing requirements, and long-term success as a massage therapist.
Attending Irene’s is Unforgettable
Attending Irene’s Myomassology Institute is an experience many graduates never forget. Our alumni testimonials speak to the friendships, confidence, personal growth, and career preparation students often gain during their time at Irene’s.
For many students, Irene’s is where massage therapy careers begin and lives are transformed. We often hear from graduates, and even their families, that the experience helped them grow in meaningful and lasting ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Massage Therapy Program
What will I learn in Irene’s massage therapy program?
Irene’s massage therapy program includes therapeutic massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, professional ethics, business practices, client-centered care, and hands-on clinical practice. Students also explore holistic health concepts and elective subjects that support personal and professional growth.
What makes Irene’s massage therapy program different?
Irene’s teaches a distinctive Myomassology curriculum developed from Irene Gauthier’s decades of experience, formal education, research, and intuitive understanding of therapeutic bodywork. Many of the techniques taught at Irene’s are distinctive to the school and are offered only at Irene’s Myomassology Institute.
Is Irene’s massage therapy program nationally accredited?
Yes. Irene’s Myomassology Institute is nationally accredited by ACCET, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, and offers a massage therapy program designed to prepare students for professional practice as Licensed Massage Therapists.
Does Irene’s help students prepare for the MBLEx?
Yes. Irene’s supports students as they prepare for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, also known as the MBLEx. Irene’s graduates consistently pass the licensing exam at rates higher than both state and national averages.
Are flexible schedules available?
Yes. Irene’s offers day and evening class options to help adult students balance massage school with work, family, and other responsibilities.
Does Irene’s help with Michigan massage licensing?
Yes. Irene’s helps graduates understand the Michigan massage licensing process, including completing the application, submitting required documentation, and communicating with the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy.
Is financial aid available for massage school?
Financial aid, scholarships, and other funding options may be available for qualified students at Irene’s. Our Financial Aid staff can help students explore eligibility, complete required steps, and understand the financial aid process.
Does Irene’s offer career support after graduation?
Yes. Irene’s offers Lifetime Job Placement assistance to graduates through a full-time Career Services Director. Alumni have access to hiring resources, employer connections, and career support throughout their massage therapy careers.
What kind of hands-on experience do students receive?
Students receive hands-on training in class through instructor demonstrations, partner practice, and supervised feedback. Students also gain practical experience in Irene’s Student Clinic, where they develop professional skills in a supervised setting.
Can I visit Irene’s before applying?
Absolutely. Prospective students are encouraged to schedule a tour of Irene’s Myomassology Institute to see the campus, meet staff, ask questions, and get a feel for the school’s environment before deciding whether to enroll.
Money-Back Guarantee
With a money-back guarantee, what have you got to lose? At Irene's, we are so certain we provide the best education in massage therapy that we are willing to refund your money for up to four weeks after the beginning of school! That's four whole weeks to test-drive our massage school to make sure it's the right place for you. During your first four weeks of school, you can withdraw from the program with a full tuition refund, less only the $50 registration fee.
Come Visit Irene’s for a Tour
We love guests, and we must admit love showing off our campus. We invite you to visit Irene’s massage school to see our campus and get a feel for our environment.
In fact, we are so confident that we are the best school for you, if you come in for a tour of Irene’s and then enroll in a massage program at another school, we will pay $50 towards your registration fee at that school. A check will be written to the institution with proof of enrollment in a massage program.