Q: Is IPPT licensed by any government agency?
A: Yes. IPPT is licensed by the State of California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Vocational Education as a Vocational School.

Q: Is IPPT recognized by any professional organizations?
A: Yes. IPPT is recognized by American Medical Massage Association (AMMA), American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), International Massage & Movement Association (IMA), California Board of Registered Nursing, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). In fact, we are currently the only school in Southern California that is a member of all these prestigious agencies.

Q: What makes IPPT different than other massage schools?
A: One reason IPPT is different than other massage schools is because of IPPT's emphasis on "hands-on" training. Over 80% of the time is spent on practicing various massage techniques. IPPT does not believe that spending more than 20% of classtime memorizing Latin names of tens of thousands anatomical human parts will improve the skills of a therapist. We teach our students to understand the physiological effects of massage on the human body, understand "structural anatomy" and how to positively effect the body through massage therapy. Another reason IPPT is different than other schools is because IPPT is very flexible with scheduling. At IPPT you can switch from one class to another, from one campus to another, without any problems. Our philosophy is that if you are committed to becoming a massage therapist we are committed to helping you achieve your goal.

Q: What class do I start with?
A: If you have no previous massage training you should start with the 120 hour clinical massage therapy class. This course focuses on the Swedish, Deep Tissue and Clinical styles of massage.

Q: What is Clinical Massage Therapy?
A: Clinical Massage Therapy is a form of massage therapy that causes medical benefits to the human body that is proven by results. Medical benefits include: acceleration of blood supply to various tissues, relief from stress related ailments, relief from muscle aches and pains, as well as increase in quality of sleep.

Q: What if I want to learn other styles of massage?
A: IPPT offers a variety of advanced classes and registered continuing education seminars where students can learn many different styles of massages. Advanced classes offered: 50 Hr Physical Therapy Aide Class "Orthopedic Massage", 80 Hr Chiropractor Assistant Class "Cranio-sacral Therapy", 50 Hr Acupressure Class, 100 Hr Anatomy & Physiology Class. Examples of registered continuing education seminars offered at IPPT: 12 Kneading Techniques, Acupressure, Acupressure for Tension Headaches, Aromatherapy, Bronch Drainage, Business Skills, Carpal Tunnel, Chair Massage, CPR & First Aid, Face Massage, Fibromyalgia, Lymph Drainage, Medical Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Spa Massage, Sports Massage, Thai Massage, and TMJ. Click here for more information.

Q: Will I receive a certificate of completion upon graduation?
A: Yes. Upon completion of any of our courses, you will receive a certificate of completion. This includes any of our registered continuing education seminars as well.

Q: What is the average class size?
A: Classes are never larger than 20 students, though the average is about 15 students per class.

Q: When are classes offered?
A: Classes in both our Los Angeles and Encino campus are offered 7 days a week: mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Q: How quickly can I complete my Massage Training?
A: 5 weeks if classes are taken on an accelerated basis. 20 weeks if classes are taken on a part-time basis.

Q: How quickly can I complete my Physical Therapy Aide Training?
A: 3 weeks if classes are taken on an accelerated basis. 9 weeks if classes are taken on a part-time basis.

Q: How quickly can I complete my Chiropractor Assistant Training?
A: 17 weeks if classes are taken on an accelerated basis. 51 weeks if classes are taken on a part-time basis.

Q: If I start with one class, but my work schedule changes, can I continue with another group?
A: Yes. You can switch from one class to another, from one campus to another, without any problems.

Q: If I complete the Chiropractor Assistant Program, will I also receive a Massage Therapy and Physical Therapy Aide certificate of completion?
A: Yes. All students who complete the Chiropractor Assistant Program will have automatically covered all materials that are covered in the Massage Therapy and Physical Therapy Aide classes.

Q: Are the classes I take at IPPT good for National Certification credit?
A: Yes. In fact, we even offer a 100-hour Anatomy and Physiology course which will satisy both National Board hour requirements, and prepare you for the written portion of that examination.

Q: How much do classes cost?
A: The 120 hour clinical massage class costs $1,200. The 300 Hour Massage Package costs $2,600 and the 500 Hour Massage Package costs $4,800.

Q: What school supplies are students responsible for purchasing?
A: The only supplies students are responsible for bringing to class are paper, a pencil, two bed sheets (non-fitted twin size is preferred), a towel (bath size towel is preferred) and comfortable clothing. Books and the use of the school's massage tables and lotion (only while on campus) are included in the price of the course.

Q: Do I need to pay all my tuition at once?
A: No. IPPT offers payment plans that allow the student to pay as they study. The average monthly payment is about $200 for part-time classes. The average weekly payment is $200 for the accelerated classes.

Q: Does IPPT offer financial assistance?
A: Yes. IPPT provides interest free loans to help students pay for their tuition in small monthly payments (averaging $200 per month). IPPT also works with the Jewish Free Loan organization, that provides students with an interest free loan for up to 12 months. Jewish Free Loans are available to all qualifying students, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Q: Why would someone want to become a massage therapist?
A: Some of the best reasons for being becoming a massage therapist include starting your own business with minimal start-up costs, making your own work schedule and most importantly you can help people feel better.

Q: Does IPPT work with Vocational Rehab counselors?
A: Yes

Q: How does IPPT help the out-of-area students?
A: Click here to go to our Useful Information for Our Out-of-Area Students page.

Q: What is the difference between certificates of completion and licensing?
A: Certificates of completion are granted by the school to demonstrate that the student has met the educational requirements set forth by the school. Massage licensing is provided by the local city governments that regulate massage therapists. You must receive a certificate of completion from a California State licensed school before you can apply for licensing. Licensing is not generally required for employment if you work in a medical facility, as a support staff member.

Q: Is there any State licensing for Massage Therapists?
A: No. All licensing is offered on a city-by-city basis in California.

Q: Is there any State or City licensing requirements for Physical Therapy Aides?
A: No. A certificate of completion issued by the school is the only requirement to becoming a Physical Therapy Aide.

Q: Is there any State or City licensing requirements for Chiropractor Assistant?
A: No. A certificate of completion issued by the school is the only requirement to becoming a Chiropractor Assistant.

Q: Will the Massage Therapy or the Physical Therapy course apply as credit for Continuing Education credit for nurses?
A: Yes

Q: Is there any general information about licensing requirements?
A: Yes. Click here to view our General Licensing Information Package.

Q: Where can I find work after completing the 120-hour Massage Therapy Course?
A: You can find work in any chiropractor, physical therapy and/or medical offices, as well as in spas, health clubs, and independent massage centers.

Q: Where can I find work after completing the 50-hour Physical Therapy Aide Course?
A: You can find work in any chiropractor, physical therapy and/or medical offices. Click here for more information about this profession.

Q: Where can I find work as a Chiropractor Assistant?
A: You can find work in any chiropractor, physical therapy and/or medical offices.

Q: On what does my career depend on as a Massage Therapist?
A: Results that your clients feel after your treatment. Satisfied clients will return to you for another treatment, as well as refer new clients to you.

Q: Do I need National Certification as a Massage Therapist to get a job?
A: No. However it is recommended that you become Nationally Certified if you want to work outside the state of California. Click here for more information regarding the National Certification Board.

Q: What is the earning potential of a Massage Therapist?
A: Most massage therapists who work for themselves earn an average of $60 per hour of masage. Massage therapists who work in places like chiropractic offices, physical therapy offices or spas earn an average of $25 per hour hour of massage.

Q: What is the earning potential of a Physical Therapy Aide?
A: Average salary of a Physical Therapy Aide ranges between $10 per hour to $18 per hour, depending on location of clinic, skills of the Physical Therapy Aide, and experience.

Q: How does IPPT help me get a job after I graduate?
A: IPPT's staff can help the graduates in developing their resume. IPPT also provides students direct access to our on-line Employer database, which currently contains over 500 employment leads.

Q: Do I have to be strong to do good, deep massage?
A: No. Strength has nothing to do with the quality or depth of the massage. Posture and methodology is all that matters.

Q: Should I get malpractice insurance if I perform massage on clients?
A: Yes. Joining one of the three major Massage Associations will give you an opportunity to get malpractice insurance for relatively low cost. The average cost of malpractice insurance is $150 - $250. For more information, visit AMTA, ABMP, or IMA at there website.

Q: Are there different license requirements for starting a new business versus working for an existing business?
A: Usually, yes. You need to check with your local city government for exact rules and laws. Also check for local Zoning Laws before entering any lease agreements with the landlord.

Q: How do I register a new company or a sole proprietorship or file a Fictitious Business Name form (FBN)?
A: For more information, please visit the County Clerk's / Registrar's Office. Click on the county of your choice for phone numbers, addresses or more information: Los Angeles | Ventura | Orange

Q: How do I start a new California corporation?
A: You should consider hiring an attorney or an accountant to advise you on this task for Corporations have a minimum tax liability to State and Federal Tax Boards. You do not need an attorney or an accountant to create a corporation. For more information, click here to visit the Secretary of State website.

Q: Where can I get some advice on starting a new business?
A: The Small Business Administration offers free or low cost business services, consulting, and training to all new business owners. There best program is known as SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives). These are retired executives and business owners offering free business advice to all that will listen. Click here for more information about SCORE and other SBA programs.