You are able to practice on real people for much longer (120 hours), preparing you for your career. 

Client Based Experience

You will learn Hydrotherapy, Aromatherapy and Spa Modalities to better serve your clients , offering our students a niche to stand out from other therapist.

Learn more advance massages

You will be steps ahead with your knowledge in different massage modalitlies and clinic practice, making you stand out for employers. 

Experience for your future 

Lori Davis

They really care - We probably learn what they teach at the other schools but the way that it is taught and the care and effort that they take to make sure that each student understands and really gets it is terrific - also the small class size- they know everyone by name and check in often to make sure we are doing okay - the instructors that they hire are top notch- I am sooo happy that I chose this school and can't wait to go out into the world of massage and show people what I have learned - I'm truly grateful.

am a proud graduate. When I was considering going back to school to start a new career in massage after 20 years of working in the healthcare field, I wanted a program that demonstrated high levels of professionalism and a strong academic curriculum. SMIHA delivered on both. The administration and instructors are supportive, encouraging, and valued me as an individual. The staff is friendly and I always feel welcomed when coming back on a regular basis to say hi.

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

See what our massage program is all about

DO MEANINGFUL WORK

Start your journey toward a new massage career today by requesting program details..

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IN DEMAND CAREER

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITES

The Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy trains skilled Massage Therapists with a comprehensive program that exceeds state and national standards.

Feel confident about entering your practice and deliver more value to your clients. Improve their health and relieve pain through Massage Therapy.

30 Week* Massage Therapy Program in Lynchburg, VA  

Get Ahead with Online Massage Therapy Training

We have been proudly training successful massage therapy professionals with our Hybrid Online Massage Therapy Program. Study your theory online from expert instructors and be prepared for hands-on training once in-class sessions start.


Massage Therapy makes a real difference in improving the quality of life for patients and practitioners. If you seek meaningful employment that offers flexibility, room for growth, and competitive wages, a career in Massage Therapy could be right for you.

Training is offered in a flexible online & on-campus format, and new classes currently enrolling. 

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

Why Become a Massage Therapist?

Supporting your clients health and wellness and creating solutions tailored to their needs and healing process is fulfilling work - and makes a real difference in people’s lives everyday. With your knowledge of holistic modalities to support wellness, compassionate ear and healing touch, the ripples are felt long and wide.

With increasing awareness of the benefits of massage for whole-body wellness, the demand for qualified professionals is felt in a wide range of employment opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the Massage Therapy industry to grow by 26% nationally from 2016 to 2026 **. Now is a great time to enter the industry!

One of the best aspects of becoming a massage therapist is that you can find employment in a variety of work environments, including medical settings, salons and spas, athletic training facilitates, cruise ships, resorts and even working from home.

A CAREER THAT FITS YOUR LIFE

Whether you prefer more flexible hours, or are looking for a good self-employment opportunity, Massage Therapy provides the flexibility to work when and where you want. In as little as 28 weeks, you’ll feel confident stepping into a clinical or spa setting or even starting your own massage business.

What Our Graduates Have To Say

Gena Berkshire 

 Advantages of a 900 hour massage therapy education 

Career Opportunities 

Being trained as a Massage Therapist opens the doors to many opportunities across the country. No matter if you want to stay in Virginia or practice in another state, there are both job and business opportunities for those licensed in a given state.

Some places you may work at as a Massage Therapist include:

-Spas
-Salons
-Clinics
-Airports
-Cruise Ships
-Hotels
-Resorts
-Chiropractic Offices
-Fitness Centers

-In Your Own Practice

With such a variety of options for work, we prepare you for a career that can take you where you want to be, working the way you want to!

School of Massage & Esthetics