Business Details
Your Trusted Massage Therapy School in Merced, CA
At Central Valley Massage Institute, we are dedicated to providing Merced's finest Massage Therapy education through a personalized, comprehensive 500-hour program. Our curriculum combines theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical practice, ensuring students master essential therapeutic techniques while developing business acumen for professional success. Endorsed by local healthcare professionals, our training prepares graduates for national certification exams and equips them with the integrity and skill to excel in diverse massage therapy settings.With experienced instructors specializing in geriatric care, sports massage, and deep tissue techniques, we foster a learning environment that emphasizes both technical proficiency and compassionate client care. Our mission is to empower students to become exemplary healthcare professionals who contribute meaningfully to their communities through the healing art of massage therapy.
Services
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Sports Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Reflexology
Stone Therapy
Medical Massage
Chair Massage
Aromatherapy
Asian Bodywork
Highlights and features
- We offer a 500-hour curriculum meeting national certification requirements
- Our program includes clinical lab experience with direct instructor supervision
- Instructors specialize in geriatric, sports, and deep tissue massage techniques
- Curriculum endorsed by local chiropractors and physical therapists
- Graduates receive business development training for private practice success
What people say
Well trained students
Challenging and interesting
Improved mobility
Terrific instructor
Professional development
Services
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage combines flowing strokes with lotion or oil to improve circulation and reduce stress. Students learn foundational techniques like kneading and percussion to enhance flexibility and mental clarity. This modality serves as the basis for advanced therapeutic applications.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage targets chronic muscle tension using focused pressure on trigger points. Students master techniques with hands, knuckles, and elbows to address misalignments and repetitive motion injuries through structured clinical training.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage enhances athletic performance and recovery through specialized techniques. Students study pre/post-event treatments, injury rehabilitation, and kinesthetic awareness to support active individuals' physical and mental well-being.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage addresses maternal physical and emotional changes using adapted techniques. Students learn to safely alleviate discomfort while promoting relaxation and improved circulation for expectant mothers through targeted training.
Medical Massage
Medical Massage focuses on physician-directed treatment for specific diagnoses. Students develop skills to integrate multiple modalities, targeting recovery from injuries and chronic conditions while collaborating with healthcare professionals.
People
Dr. Erik Ekizian
Director
Founder and chiropractor Dr. Ekizian established CVMI to produce skilled massage therapists. With years of clinical experience integrating massage therapy, he ensures curriculum excellence through continuous professional oversight.
Patricia Martinez
Senior Instructor
Certified since 2003, Patricia specializes in geriatric massage. Her compassionate approach combines pathology expertise with personalized instruction to exceed student expectations in elderly care applications.
Melissa Witherow
Instructor
Sports and deep tissue specialist Melissa Witherow brings 20 years of spa and clinical experience. Her adventurous spirit and holistic philosophy enrich student learning in diverse therapeutic environments.
Questions
What qualifications does your massage therapy program provide?
Our 500-hour program meets national certification requirements and prepares students for state licensure exams.
Do you offer hands-on clinical experience?
Yes, 50% of our curriculum includes supervised clinical lab practice with real clients.
What massage modalities are taught?
We teach Swedish, deep tissue, sports, pregnancy, reflexology, stone therapy, and 7 additional specialized techniques.
Are instructors qualified professionals?
Our instructors include a chiropractor founder and certified massage therapists with expertise in geriatric care and sports therapy.
Does the program include business training?
Yes, we provide business development instruction to help graduates establish and operate successful private practices.
