Great Lakes School of Massage
Ready to elevate your life and career to new heights?
Enroll in our massage therapy program and step into a world where you feel valued, appreciated, and empowered to make a difference.
At Great Lakes School of Massage, we offer more than just a program – we provide a pathway to a fulfilling career where you can expand your skills, opportunities, and impact on others. Join us and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth that will leave you feeling inspired and fulfilled every day while making a spectacular living!
Now offering Continuing Education for all Licensed Professionals - View our new CE tab!
Welcome to Great Lakes School of Massage,
where you will experience personal and professional transformation
Join us and immerse yourself in a nurturing environment where you'll feel truly seen, heard, and appreciated as you embark on your journey toward a rewarding career in massage therapy
Hybrid Class Set-Up
This course is a combination of off-site and on-site teaching, maximizing time spent on-site for hands-on learning
Unique & Productive Approach
We strive to create an unstifled environment, clear from busywork, and focused on applying the skills you're learning
Experienced & Professional Instructors
Our instructors are hand-selected for their knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of massage
Foundation of Practical Skills
Hands-on application of what you're learning is a priority, and you'll graduate fully prepared and confident to enter the workforce
Get an Inside Look at GLSM through our TV spot on EightWest
The Path of Passion to Profession
At Great Lakes School of Massage, our central goal is to partner with you on your path to turn your passion into a thriving profession.
One of the pillars of how we help you achieve that is by preparing you to successfully pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), but you are so much more than an exam.
We aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce and secure a fulfilling career in the Massage & Bodywork profession. Additionally, we support your growth towards advanced bodywork techniques and specialization in specific modalities, ensuring you excel in your chosen field.
With numerous massage therapy modalities and methods, our program lays the foundation for your future career. Upon licensure, you have the opportunity to specialize in these modalities introduced in our program or explore many others available in the field.
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The Great Lakes School of Massage Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Program is clinically based with a strong focus on techniques such as Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Sports Massage. Additionally, our curriculum includes dedicated segments on modalities such as Spa Massage, Aromatherapy, and Non-Traditional Therapies, etc. - providing a well-rounded education in a variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques.
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Following licensure, you have the opportunity to specialize in fields such as:
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Oncology Massage
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Pre/Post Natal
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Mercier Therapy (visceral manipulation used for female issues)
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Sports Massage
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Fascial Stretch Therapy
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Thai Massage
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Orthopedic Massage
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CranioSacral Therapy (TMJ, Migraines, etc.)
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And so many more!
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Hear what our students & graduates are saying!
Kathy and Zoey are two of the most genuine, trustworthy people you will ever meet. They make you feel welcome and provide such a comfortable, supportive, positive learning environment. They make it clear that whatever their students may need in or after you graduate, they will help in whatever way they can.
This is one of those schools that you will miss going to once it’s all over.
Kathy is the best instructor I’ve had. Her dedication to her students overall well-being is unmatched. She is a wealth of knowledge, someone who teaches with intention and she is not shy in answering any questions you may have. She is easy-going and truly wants to see her students succeed. I am so glad I made the decision to enroll to this school. I can’t wait to come back if they decide to do CEU’s! Also, the snacks are always a plus. Thank you, Kathy, and Zoey, for everything.
Mickell S.
Our Accelerated & Hybrid Program
Our 8-Month Massage Therapy Program has a hybrid, modular set-up for those with a busy lifestyle who are willing to put in the extra effort to join a growing profession. Our hybrid, modular track meets for on-site campus class that encompasses lessons from online and anchors them in with hands-on learning. ALL massage therapy skills are learned on-site with highly qualified and licensed massage therapy instructors.
Our students will graduate with an entry-level Diploma in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and will be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, (MBLEx) to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).
Great Lakes School of Massage is licensed by the State of Michigan.
Our 625-hour Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Program curriculum is approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
Students complete their 100-hour clinic requirement with their onsite internship through Michigan Optimal Movement Center as a student-run clinic experience at GLSM.
Listen in on our Featured Podcast with Ryan Armbrustmacher on the Business and Personal Podcast
Meet Our Staff
Kathy Richards-Allen
Campus Director &
Lead Instructor
Kathy has been a LMT for 30 years and continues to work in the profession she teaches. She has experience in the field of massage therapy as a therapist, and also as an instructor for over 20 years.
She is well-versed and diversified in all that massage can offer.
As our Lead Instructor, you can count on her to boost the group dynamic - and snacks are always welcome!
Zoey Sandahl
Administrative Director
& Instructor
Zoey is the support for organizing what's needed for our staff and students as our Administrative Director. She has a background in personal training & Fascial Stretch Therapy since 2021, and became a LMT in 2023.
She is the owner of Michigan Optimal Movement Center, and as our Clinic Instructor, you can count on her to steward student confidence and skill as they complete their onsite internship.