Orthopedic Massage Therapy Education for the Modern Therapist
At Green Leaf School of Massage and Bodywork, we specialize in Orthopedic Massage Therapy—a science-driven, results-based approach that empowers therapists to assess, treat, and help prevent pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system. Our program blends clinical precision with hands-on mastery, equipping students with real-world skills to work confidently with injuries, postural issues, and chronic pain conditions.
Program Overview
Orthopedic Massage Therapy Focus
Learn evidence-based assessment and treatment techniques to address pain, injury, and postural dysfunction.Comprehensive Curriculum
Includes Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, and more.Hands-On Clinical Training
Practice on real clients in a supervised setting to build confidence and refine your skills.Small Class Sizes
Personalized instruction from experienced instructors in a supportive, focused learning environment.Flexible Schedule
Classes held weekday afternoons to accommodate working students and parents.Board Exam Preparation
Weekly MBLEX review sessions to help you pass the licensing exam with confidence.Career-Ready Education
Business practices, client communication, and ethics training prepare you for success beyond graduation.Guaranteed Job Placement
Earn at minumum $40,000/year working with Green Leaf Wellness Center after licensure.*
Program Schedule
🔹 Track A: Morning Intensive (Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
6 hours/day × 3 days/week = 18 hours/week
500 hours ÷ 18 = ~27.8 weeks
Add 1 week mid-program break + holidays
Total program length: ~33 weeks
Example Weekly Schedule:
Monday: Massage Techniques & Practice
Wednesday: Anatomy & Physiology / Orthopedic Assessment
Friday: Business Practices, MBLEX Review, Special Topics
🔹 Track B: Afternoon Flex (Mon–Fri, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
3 hours/day × 5 days/week = 15 hours/week
500 hours ÷ 15 = ~33.3 weeks
Add 1 week mid-program break + holidays
Total program length: ~38 weeks
Example Weekly Schedule:
Monday: Massage Therapy 101
Tuesday: Anatomy & Physiology
Wednesday: Orthopedic Treatment Techniques
Thursday: MBLEX Review
Friday: Special Topics / Guest Speakers / Practical Review
📅 Standard Breaks to Include:
Thanksgiving: Nov 27–28
Winter Break: Dec 22 – Jan 3
Spring Break: Mar 16–20
Memorial Day (Monday off)
💵 Tuition & Payment Options
🎓 Program Tuition: $7,000
Your tuition covers everything you need to become a licensed, career-ready massage therapist with a specialized focus in orthopedic techniques.
💼 What’s Included:
✅ 500-hour massage therapy program (pending NC Board approval*)
✅ iPad with digital textbooks, 3D anatomy tools, and MBLEX prep apps
✅ Massage cream, linens, holster, and uniform shirt
✅ Weekly MBLEX prep & small class sizes
✅ Guaranteed job opportunity at Green Leaf Wellness Center (up to $50,000/year)*
💳 Payment Options
Option 1: Pay in Full
Total: $7,000
Due by the first day of class
💰 Includes $250 discount
Option 2: Monthly Installments
$700 deposit to reserve your spot*
$787.50/month for 8 months (no interest)
Auto-pay available
Option 3: Financing Through Partner Bank
We are working with First Citizens Bank to offer:
Personal loans for students
Tuition-backed financing
Flexible repayment options
🤝 Not sure which option fits your situation? We’re here to help.
⚠️ Important Notes:
* Pending Approval: Green Leaf School of Massage & Bodywork is currently seeking final approval from the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy.
No deposits or tuition payments will be accepted until final approval is granted.
* $700 Deposit: Will be required to reserve your seat after approval and is applied toward total tuition. Non-refundable once accepted into the program.
📝 Enrollment
Ready to begin your journey toward becoming a licensed orthopedic massage therapist? Here’s how to get started.
✅ Step 1: Join the Waitlist
Because we're awaiting final approval from the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy, we're currently building our interest list.
✅ Step 2: Get Notified When Enrollment Opens
As soon as we receive board approval, you’ll receive an email with:
Program start dates
Enrollment packet
Payment plan details
iPad supply info
Orientation schedule
✅ Step 3: Reserve Your Spot
After approval is granted:
Submit your $700 deposit (applied to tuition)
Sign your enrollment agreement
Set up your payment plan or apply for financing
🎓 Requirements for Enrollment
To enroll, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Have a high school diploma or GED
Submit a copy of a valid government-issued ID
Be physically capable of performing massage work
Complete a brief interview with our staff (Zoom or in-person)
📦 Supplies
🎒 What’s Included in Your Tuition:
At Green Leaf School of Massage & Bodywork, we keep things simple and tech-forward. Every student receives a fully loaded iPad to support interactive, hands-on learning from day one.
🔹 Student iPad Package
Each student receives a Wi-Fi-enabled Apple iPad preloaded with:
📘 Trail Guide to the Body e-Textbook
🧠 Trail Guide Workbook & Flashcards (digital format)
💪 Orthopedic Massage by Whitney Lowe (digital edition, if available)
🧬 Anatomy.app – interactive 3D anatomy explorer
📚 MBLEX Review App with practice tests and flashcards
📝 Google Drive & Docs for notes and assignments
🎓 Access to Google Classroom for lectures, resources, and updates
💡 The iPad is yours to keep after graduation.
🛠️ Additional Supplies Provided
We also provide each student with:
Massage cream or oil (refilled throughout the program)
2 sets of professional massage linens
Holster for oil bottle
Uniform T-shirt with Green Leaf logo
CPR certification course
Access to clinic supplies during hands-on practicum
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program approved by the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy?
We are currently in the final stages of approval. No tuition or deposits will be accepted until we are officially licensed by the board.
How long is the program?
The program includes 500 hours of instruction and hands-on training.
Track A: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (8 AM – 2 PM) – ~33 weeks
Track B: Monday–Friday (2 PM – 5 PM) – ~38 weeks
Includes time off for major holidays and one week mid-program.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $7,000 and includes everything you need — an iPad, digital textbooks, supplies, CPR certification, and more.
Payment plans and financing options are available.
What’s included with tuition?
iPad preloaded with textbooks and anatomy apps
Massage cream, linens, holster, and uniform shirt
CPR certification
MBLEX prep tools
All classroom materials
Career support after graduation
Do you guarantee job placement?
Yes — graduates who pass their licensure exam and complete the program in good standing are guaranteed a job opportunity at Green Leaf Wellness Center, earning at least $40,000/year.
What if I’m not good with technology?
No worries — we’ll walk you through using your iPad, accessing your class materials, and making the most of the digital tools. No tech background required!
What are the class sizes like?
Small and personal — we cap enrollment to provide individual attention and plenty of hands-on practice time. You’ll know your instructors and classmates by name.
What do I need to enroll?
Be 18 years or older
Have a high school diploma or GED
Valid photo ID
Complete a short interview after approval is granted
👋 Meet Your Instructors
John Padelford, LMBT
Head of School & Lead Instructor
15+ years in clinical massage therapy, NC Massage Therapist of the Year (2015), orthopedic specialist, and passionate educator. John brings deep expertise and a big heart to every class he teaches.
Lea Padelford, LMBT
Assistant Instructor & Program Coordinator
Skilled in Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular, and prenatal massage — Lea ensures every student feels supported both inside and outside the classroom. She’s also the co-owner of Green Leaf Wellness Center.
