Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Path to Massage Therapy Starts Here
Port Townsend School of Massage (PTSM) has been a leader in massage therapy education since 1996, dedicated to nurturing compassionate, skilled professionals through personalized instruction and a holistic approach to healing. Founded in a living room with just three students, the school has grown into a respected institution with over 1,000 graduates, offering comprehensive programs tailored to diverse schedules, including weekday, weekend, and continuing education options. Our curriculum integrates anatomy, pathology, Swedish and deep tissue massage, clinical treatments, and ethics, taught by experienced instructors committed to student success.PTSM emphasizes community, collaboration, and individual growth, fostering an environment where students develop technical expertise and personal confidence. Graduates emerge as licensed massage therapists (LMTs) equipped to address client needs through therapeutic touch, with many pursuing careers in private practice, healthcare settings, or specialized fields. The schools flexible payment plans, VA benefit acceptance, and focus on practical skills ensure accessibility and long-term professional viability for all students.
Services
Weekday Program
Weekend Program
Continuing Education
Student Clinics
CPR Certification
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Experienced instructors with decades of combined industry expertise
- Flexible weekday and weekend programs for diverse schedules
- Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, clinical treatments, and ethics
- Hands-on training in student clinics with real-world application
- Graduate support for licensing exams and career placement
What people say
Life-changing education
Supportive instructors
Excellent hands-on training
Flexible scheduling options
Strong career preparation
Services
Weekday Massage Program
A 9-month, 669-hour program offering accelerated training for students seeking rapid certification. Focuses on Swedish massage, anatomy, pathology, and clinical techniques. Graduates qualify for Washington State licensing exams and enter careers with foundational expertise in relaxation and therapeutic massage.
Weekend Massage Program
An 18-month program meeting every other weekend for working professionals. Combines hands-on practice with theoretical instruction in deep tissue, sports massage, and business practices. Designed for students balancing education with employment or family commitments while achieving LMT certification.
Continuing Education Courses
Specialized classes like intraoral work, myofascial balancing, and assessment techniques for licensed therapists. Enhances skills in treating TMJ disorders, posture correction, and orthopedic conditions while fulfilling state license renewal requirements through NCBTMB-approved credits.
Student Clinic Services
Affordable 1-hour massages provided by supervised students during training phases. Offers relaxation techniques in early stages and integrated therapeutic approaches in advanced levels, allowing clients to experience cost-effective care while students refine practical skills under instructor guidance.
CPR Certification Training
4-hour course covering CPR techniques, first aid, and emergency response protocols. Meets licensing requirements for massage therapists and healthcare professionals, with 2-year certification credentials issued upon completion to ensure workplace safety compliance.
People
Elizabeth Piglowski
Owner/Director
Licensed Massage Therapist with 25+ years of experience in education and practice. Purchased PTSM in 2019, guiding the school through pandemic challenges while maintaining educational excellence. Focuses on collaborative learning and ethical standards in massage therapy training.
Kay Darlington
Instructor
Teaches anatomy and pathology with a background in biology and NASA/Harvard research. Transitioned to massage therapy in 2005, emphasizing student-centered learning. Combines scientific rigor with practical application to prepare students for clinical success through evidence-based instruction.
Cathy Formusa
Instructor
Practicing therapist since 1990 with 42,000+ massages performed. Graduated from PTSM in 2002, teaching Swedish massage techniques. Specializes in helping students overcome learning challenges through personalized methods that mirror her own academic transformation during training.
Harmony Pinette
Instructor
PTSM graduate (1999) with experience in onsite chair massage and office management. Teaches Swedish and onsite techniques while managing school operations. Advocates for practical business skills alongside technical proficiency to ensure graduate success in diverse practice settings.
Brianna Noach
Instructor
Teaching since 2004 with master's degrees in social work and acupuncture. Specializes in Eastern elements, ethics, and shiatsu. Brings interdisciplinary expertise to curriculum, emphasizing holistic care and self-care practices for therapists to maintain professional longevity and client well-being.
Questions
What massage therapy programs does PTSM offer?
PTSM offers weekday (9-month) and weekend (18-month) programs, both 669 credit hours with Swedish, deep tissue, and clinical training. Continuing education courses are also available for licensed therapists.
Are payment plans available for tuition?
Yes, three payment plans with financial assistance options: 0% interest, 5% interest, or 9% interest with extended payment terms up to 3 years. VA benefits are accepted.
Do you provide job placement assistance after graduation?
While not directly placing graduates, PTSM prepares students for career success through business practices training, networking opportunities, and a strong regional reputation among healthcare providers.
Can I take individual continuing education classes without enrolling in a full program?
Yes, PTSM offers standalone CE courses like intraoral work, myofascial balancing, and CPR certification for licensed massage therapists seeking skill enhancement or license renewal credits.
What makes PTSM different from other massage schools?
PTSM emphasizes individualized instruction, community collaboration, and holistic healing. Small class sizes, experienced instructors, and a curriculum blending technical skills with personal development create a unique learning environment.
Are student massage clinics open to the public?
Yes, student clinics offer $30 one-hour massages performed by supervised students. Sessions occur intermittently throughout the year, focusing on relaxation techniques in early training phases and advanced therapeutic methods later.
