We ONLY teach massage therapy for humans at PNW Massage Academy. However, we would love to support your path, even if that means choosing a different school from the very start.
Massage for animals is an amazing specialization. Most animal massage therapists specialize in equine or canine clients, but with the proper licensure you can work on any animal. This can be a standalone service, but it also pairs well with veterinary or grooming services.
Washington requires a minimum of 300 hours of instruction in general animal massage techniques, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, behavior, first aid care, and handling techniques from a state-approved program. Find more information here. You will also have to pass the National Certification Examination for Equine Massage and/or National Certification Examination for Canine Massage.
Most of the time, students start with a basic massage therapy license through our program, and then decide to get a specialized certification like animal massage licensure. While we do NOT offer this program, we can definitely help point you in the right direction.
Our Program
We are continuously running classes, starting 4 to 5 groups each year. When you start the program, you will attend 4-hour classes 4 days per week.
After 3 months, you will also join the student clinic where you gain supervised hands-on practice with the public once per week, meeting the state requirement for licensure.
You would also attend one volunteer chair massage day, where we offer free chair massages at different community events.
State Licensure
LMT Licensure Requirements
Washington
Licensure Requirements
- 625 instructional hours completed at a state-board approved program
- Take and pass the National Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx)
- Get an in-person CPR and First Aid certification
- Apply for licensure through the Washington Health Department
Oregon
Licensure Requirements
- 625 instructional hours completed at a state-board approved program
- Take and pass the National Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx)
- Get a Basic Life Support certification
- Apply for licensure through the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapy
Our School
Surpassing Requirements
- 700 instructional hours
- In-house student clinic
- MBLEx Prep class
- Job placement assistance
- Day and night class times available
Why choose Kosmo
What is massage therapy?
Soft Tissue Experts
Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) are healthcare professionals who provide therapeutic bodywork, also known as manual therapy techniques, to manipulate muscles and soft tissues of the body.
Manual Therapists
The term manual refers to the use of hands, forearms, elbows, knees, feet, or handheld tools to assess and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions and other pathologies.
Holistic Healthcare Professionals
Massage therapy is a recommended treatment for:
- Pain relief
- Stress and anxiety
- Injury recovery
- Postural rebalancing
- And much more!
Class Schedule Details
- Classes: Monday-Thursday
- Day Classes: 10am-2pm
- Night Classes: 6pm-10pm
Student Clinic Options
- Tuesday or Friday: 1:30pm-6:30pm
- Saturday: 9:30am-2:30pm