Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Massage Therapy School in Silver Spring, MD
Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) has been a national leader in massage therapy education since 1976, dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of the Washington DC metropolitan community. Our mission focuses on professional development, outreach, local partnerships, and research, emphasizing the integration of mind, body, and spirit in massage therapy. With over four decades of service, we have trained more than 3,000 graduates who practice with expertise, integrity, and compassion. Our curriculum blends scientific anatomy with the art of touch, fostering a client-centered approach that prepares graduates for diverse professional settings. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we prioritize ethical professionalism, community engagement, and innovation in massage therapy education.Our faculty and staff are licensed experts committed to maintaining high standards through accreditations like COMTA and NCBTMB approval. We emphasize body dynamics to ensure therapists can practice sustainably without injury, while our community outreach programs serve seniors, healthcare professionals, and underserved populations. Our Silver Spring campus offers student and graduate clinics, continuing education workshops, and partnerships with institutions like Georgetown University and Whitman-Walker Health. PMTIs legacy includes pioneering research and advocacy, with alumni holding leadership roles in major massage therapy organizations. We remain the only non-profit massage school on the East Coast, dedicated to advancing the profession through education and service.
Services
Professional Massage Training
Continuing Education Workshops
Student Clinic Services
Graduate Clinic Appointments
Community Outreach Programs
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience training massage therapists with a holistic, client-centered approach.
- Our non-profit status ensures a focus on educational quality over profit-driven motives.
- We maintain partnerships with leading institutions like Georgetown University and Whitman-Walker Health.
- Our faculty includes NCBTMB-approved educators and licensed professionals with diverse specializations.
- We emphasize sustainable body mechanics to prevent work-related injuries for long-term practice.
Associations and certifications
- NCBTMB
- COMTA
- AMTA Council of Schools
What people say
Delicate, wonderful energy
Excellent pressure techniques
Firm full strokes
Superb expertise
Relaxing experience
Services
Professional Massage Training
Our 10- to 20-month programs train students in anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and client-centered care. Graduates receive comprehensive skills for professional practice, including body mechanics to prevent injury. The curriculum integrates scientific study with holistic healing approaches for diverse healthcare settings.
Continuing Education Workshops
We offer specialized workshops like Vodder MLD Certification and BCST training for licensed therapists. These programs enhance professional skills in areas such as oncology massage, sports therapy, and prenatal care. Continuing education credits are NCBTMB-approved for license renewal requirements.
Student Clinic Services
Students provide supervised massages at reduced rates while completing practical training requirements. Sessions focus on foundational techniques and client communication under faculty guidance. Appointments help students develop skills in real-world scenarios with diverse client needs.
Graduate Clinic Appointments
Experienced graduates offer full-service massages in our public clinic setting. Clients receive therapeutic treatments from certified practitioners maintaining their skills post-graduation. Sessions demonstrate advanced techniques refined through years of professional practice and continuing education.
Community Outreach Programs
We provide massage therapy to underserved populations including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer centers, and senior facilities. Student fieldwork includes corporate wellness programs and event-based services for community causes. International projects like Peru's Healing House expand our global impact through therapeutic touch.
People
Tammy Gelman
Executive Director
With a background in commercial mortgage banking, Tammy Gelman transitioned to massage therapy in 2002. She has served in various administrative roles at PMTI since graduation, becoming Executive Director in 2011. Her leadership focuses on maintaining educational excellence and strategic growth.
Ellen Olmstead
Director of Education
Ellen brings 40+ years of teaching experience from institutions like Montgomery College to her role. A licensed massage therapist since 2010, she specializes in serving clients with psychological challenges and has taught at multiple massage schools. Her expertise combines education and therapeutic practice.
Jonathan Osmundsen
Director of Continuing Education
After recovering from a critical accident through bodywork therapies, Jonathan joined PMTI's program. He now manages continuing education initiatives while maintaining a private practice combining craniosacral and myofascial techniques. His background includes public affairs and nonprofit communications.
Dr. Lorie Gumbs-Tyler
Lead Instructor
A licensed naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition specialist, Dr. Gumbs-Tyler teaches medical terminology and case reporting. With a doctorate from the University of Bridgeport and 25+ years teaching experience, she integrates whole-system analysis with personalized wellness approaches in her instruction.
Kara Keicher
Lead Instructor
A licensed social worker and massage therapist with 20+ years experience, Kara specializes in trauma-informed care. She combines deep tissue techniques with somatic therapy in both clinical and educational settings. New to PMTI, she focuses on teaching communication and psychological perspectives in massage practice.
Questions
What massage therapy programs does PMTI offer?
PMTI offers 10- and 20-month professional training programs, continuing education workshops, and certification courses like Vodder MLD and BCST.
How do I schedule a massage at PMTI's clinic?
Appointments can be booked through our website or by calling (202) 686-7046 during business hours (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm).
Are student massage services available?
Yes, supervised student clinics offer reduced-rate sessions where students practice techniques under faculty guidance.
Does PMTI accept insurance for massage services?
We provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement but do not directly bill insurance providers.
What continuing education options exist for licensed therapists?
PMTI offers NCBTMB-approved workshops in specialties like oncology massage, sports therapy, and advanced stretching techniques.
How does PMTI support community outreach?
Our students and graduates provide massage services to underserved populations including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer centers, and senior facilities through fieldwork programs.
