Institute For Massage Education
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Institute For Massage Education
In 1986, Su Bibik and Jim Herweg started doing massage and providing cleansing services out of their home. As their practice grew, clients began asking Su & Jim if they could teach them how to do massage. And so was born the Professional Massage Therapy Program. The first class had three students.

By 1993, the Professional Massage Therapy Program was running strong and the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts became a licensed school of Massage & Bodywork.Su and Jim continued to practice as massage therapists as well as grow the Massage Therapy Program out of what they were finding in the therapy room.
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You have chosen to explore one of the country's finest educational environments for supporting your growth and education on a personal and professional level. Institute for Massage Education has been a state licensed school since 1993, providing the highest quality of training for professional massage therapists in the country.
The 625-hour program at the Institute for Massage Education of Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts is licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Upon graduation, our students are fully-trained, certified massage therapists who are eligible to take any massage therapy licensing exam.
The 625-hour Professional Massage Therapy Training coursework and graduation takes approximately 14 months to complete on a full-time schedule. Scheduling of classes is laid out so that each student can create a schedule that best fits their needs. Clinical Experience is scheduled on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Students have the option to sign up as it fits their schedule.
I'm writing to express the stream of gratitude for your and Jim's instruction and influence that shaped foundationally. That stream flows through me still. You taught us how to listen, really listen, through our hands, our bodies, our intuitive knowing, our hearts. Our world needs deep listeners and healers who learn to take care of themselves so they can take care of others.
The Institute for Massage Education at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts is an inclusive school and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual preference or disability. Questions regarding citizenship are due to the State of Michigan's licensing requirements for Licensed Massage Therapists.
Reviews (9)
Stephanie Somerville
Stephanie Somerville
Jan 31, 2021
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While working at IME I’ve learned that even when I’m completing forms and building agendas, I’m having fun. I’m having fun because it’s all a piece of the process of teaching students the wonderful life of Massage Therapy. Teaching massage keeps me up to date on the latest bodywork tips and techniques. Teaching massage keeps me fluent in massage. I’m always looking for new supportive ways to approach my clients so that I can turn around and share with students what I’ve learned. I also get to nerd out on anatomy and physiology of the human body and that is one of my favorite things
Sharon B.
Sharon B.
Aug 31, 2020
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The student clinic exceeded my expectations with the massage I received on Friday. Ian is a very promising massage therapist. I would recommend others go to the clinic and get a great massage and help the students gain their experience.
Sarah Harrington
Sarah Harrington
Nov 24, 2019
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This school is incredible!! So grateful for all the support and knowledge I received attending IME. I would highly recommend this school to anyone considering a career in Massage Therapy, I am so happy I decided to attend IME, they literally changed my life.
Beth Bullmer
Beth Bullmer
Nov 16, 2019
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I graduated from the 600 hour program offered in 2007/2008. This career and the experience I had at KCHA (now IME), have shaped me, both personally and professionally. I now enjoy a fulfilling, uplifting and successful business in massage therapy and am forever grateful for the staff, students, clients and colleagues I met through this school. Thank you!!
Joan Blessings
Joan Blessings
Nov 02, 2019
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I am very glad that I attended Institute for Massage Education. I learned so much about how to be a present massage therapist. I also learned how to take care of myself so I could take of others. Very knowledgeable instructors and staff!
Ann Russell
Ann Russell
Oct 18, 2019
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I was concerned about being in a room with three others, but I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't a problem at all due to the students' professional attitude. They made sure we were comfortable at all times. My massage was very relaxing and I will definitely be going back again.
Jeri Lustig
Jeri Lustig
Sep 18, 2019
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I worked full time while attending nights and weekend. It was 14 months of being very busy but I’m so grateful for my new career as a massage therapist.
Adrienne Clayton
Adrienne Clayton
Aug 07, 2019
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If you are seeking a massage, there often are clinics on Fridays where you can recieve a full hour massage from a student for a relatively low cost. If you're thinking about training to become a massage therapist, I suggest setting aside some time to talk with the instructors at this school. Their knowledge and experience is conveyed with their presence. Its a small school, and that's what I like about it. You can recieve a high quality education here. They have flexible class schedules and are willing to work with you.
Rachel Fedewa
Rachel Fedewa
May 15, 2019
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I loved my time at IME (known as Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts when I graduated.) The small class sizes made me feel at ease, the instructors were knowledgeable and very helpful, and the education was exceptional! I went on to work at a hospital, at chiropractor’s offices and for myself. Now, I’m privileged to work there! I would recommend IME to anyone looking for a top-notch massage training program that prepares you for a rewarding and successful career as a Licensed Massage Therapist.