This course is a thorough study of all the body systems with special emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. A working knowledge of the body's structure and function is an essential element in developing the massage therapist as a musculoskeletal practitioner. An understanding of normal musculoskeletal anatomy also provides a basis for pathology studies. This class runs through the length of the entire program.

Studies of the disease process in relative pathologies are the emphasis. Students learn how to identify the condition, common symptoms, and whether or not massage treatment is indicated or contraindicated (systemically or locally). The therapist also learns when it is appropriate to refer the patient to another healthcare professional. Knowledge of relative pathology protects the public as well as developing an effective therapist. At the end of each Anatomy and Physiology chapter, the pathology of that system is taught. Opportunity to tie assessment and treatment of the pathologies into the lectures are taken advantage of. This course runs through the length of the entire program.

This concise course in medical terminology gives basic principles for understanding the language and an overview of terms from many areas of medicine. This course is taught with an assumption that the student has not had a previous knowledge base in the fields of science or biology. Practical, commonly used terms, which are found in day-to-day work of allied health personnel, is studied.

Advanced study and memorization of the musculoskeletal system is an essential element in becoming a skilled medical massage therapist. This class provides excellent kinesthetic, visual, and auditory learning. Each student builds muscles of clay on their personal skeleton using the "Maniken" system. Studies and memorization include, but are not limited to, biomechanics, osteology, arthrology, myology, nerve supply, vascular supply, trigger points, and more. Our skilled instructor imparts his knowledge and experience using interactive anatomy programs, video atlas of human dissection, life-sized skeletons, disarticulated bones, power point presentations, and hands-on palpatory exercises, fusing head and hands-on knowledge into an effective and useful format. this comprehensive course is given very significant emphasis through testing and palpatory literacy. The class runs through the length of the entire program.

Massage theory makes up the largest part of the massage therapy program. There are 20 distinct sections covered here. This gives the massage therapist a comprehensive education from the subject matter ranging from Swedish massage, Seated massage, Orthopedic Assessment, Hydrotherapy & Spa techniques, massage variations & styles to complete list of deep-tissue techniques. Our Neuromuscular Certification Program definitely needs to be mentioned here as it encompasses 75 hours of training. NMT is a thorough program of very specific massage protocols for recovery from acute and crhonric pain syndromes. Montana Institute's instructors are trained and certified by Judith Walker Delaney and the NMT Center of St. Petersburg, Florida.

From study skills to patient intake, psychology of bodywork, insurance, marketing, and much more, this portion of the program prepares the massage therapist with essential career tools for business success.

The clinic practicum provides the student a great platform for real massage-patient experiences. Students intake, treat, and chart patients with the oversight of the clinic director as well as review of pertinent information with instructors in class. At this time, at the Billings campus, students perform 50 hours of massage at the Billings Clinic during the school year.