40+ Years of Excellence · Fair Oaks, California

A Path to
Holistic Healing

Offering certification programs and continuing education for massage therapists and nurses. Launch your career with confidence.

Professional massage therapy session at Fair Oaks Massage Institute
40+
Years of Excellence

Trusted leader in massage therapy education for over 40 years

1,000+
Graduates

Successful careers launched through our programs

CAMTC
Approved

Meeting California licensing requirements

About Us

Launch Your Career
with Confidence

For over 40 years, Fair Oaks Massage Institute has been a trusted leader in massage therapy education. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to your success, offering in-depth training, ongoing support, and flexible learning options.

Whether you're working toward Clinical Massage Therapist certification or expanding your skills through continuing education, our programs are designed to fit your lifestyle—with affordable monthly payment plans to help you get started.

Learn Our Story
Madonna Polley, Founder and Director of Fair Oaks Massage Institute

Meet the Founder

Madonna Polley

Director & Founder · CMT #28348, CHT

Madonna Polley is a seasoned holistic healer and Certified Massage Therapist with over 40 years of experience dedicated to therapeutic bodywork and holistic wellness.

Her journey into healing began in 1970, and she has since pursued advanced training in modalities ranging from Cranial Sacral Therapy and Reiki (Master level) to Lymphatic Massage. In 1998, she opened Fair Oaks Massage Institute to share her passion and train the next generation of compassionate therapists.

Read Madonna's Full Story

Our Programs

Certification Programs

Our next weekday class begins September 8, 2026.Classes are held Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Clinical Massage Therapist massage therapy training at Fair Oaks Massage Institute
Most Popular

500-Hour Professional Certification

Clinical Massage Therapist

Our comprehensive 500-hour program provides training in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Health & Hygiene, Business, Legal Regulations, and Ethics.

  • 500 hours of hands-on training
  • CAMTC certification compliant
  • Swedish & deep tissue techniques
  • Sports & medical massage training
  • Business & ethics education
Learn More
Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist massage therapy training at Fair Oaks Massage Institute

620-Hour Advanced Certification

Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist

Intensive training including all 500 core hours plus 120 additional advanced hours in Shiatsu, Eastern modalities, and specialized bodywork techniques.

  • 500+ hours core training
  • 120 hours advanced training
  • Advanced bodywork techniques
  • Shiatsu & Eastern modalities
  • Personalized program planning
Learn More

Credentials You Can Count On

A Trusted, State-Approved Path Into Massage Therapy

500+
Hours of Hands-On Training

Comprehensive clinical training in our flagship Massage Therapist program

State
Approved & ETPL-Listed

Approved by California's BPPE and listed on the Eligible Training Provider List

60+
Students Each Year

Small, supportive cohorts with personalized, individual instruction

VA
& Voc-Rehab Funding

Approved for veteran education benefits and vocational rehabilitation funding

Continuing Education

Upcoming Workshops

Expand your skills and earn CE hours with our hands-on workshops taught by experienced practitioners.

Select a Workshop

Click on a workshop to view details and register.

Looking for a specific topic? We offer custom workshops for groups.

Student Stories

Hear From Our
Graduates

The instructors at FOMI truly care about your success. The hands-on training and one-on-one support helped me build confidence in my skills.
S

Sarah M.

CMT Graduate, 2023

I was able to work full-time while completing my certification thanks to the flexible scheduling. The payment plans made it affordable too.
M

Michael R.

CMT Graduate, 2022

The continuing education courses have helped me specialize in lymphatic massage and grow my client base significantly.
J

Jennifer L.

Practicing Therapist

As Seen On

Featured in the News

KCRA 3 News explores the benefits of lymphatic massage therapy with insights from our expert instructors.

KCRA 3|Sacramento News

Trusted & Accredited

Recognized Excellence in Massage Education

CAMTC
Approved

California Massage
Therapy Council

BPPE
Approved

Bureau for Private
Postsecondary Education

40+
Years

Trusted Education
for 40+ Years

on Google

This is the best school ever! I Love❤️ it here and that's saying alot coming from me, because I always hated school and testing. Never could get a C in my life but here I got a 95% on my srate exam test, Amazing! My confidence went up so much! Wes is a great teacher and I love the way he teaches so much. He uses alot of pictures and videos keep my attention. Am NOT bored here at all, not even a moment he's so funny and I feel so comfortable like am at home with family. It's so much fun and I learn so much in 1 day even. Am so glad I chose this school, no regrets. 10 🌟 stars. Highly recommend it, you won't regret it. Thank you Wes 😊 am so lucky to have had such a great teacher in my life. Thank you for sharing your endless knowledge with us.

Rema Georgena Esparza3 years ago

This class was taught well, whomever attends is very gifted with the teacher "Wes". He is very educated about our body's, This class is very helpful because the class is two parts, book work in the beginning, then hands on with fellow students(aka our clients). If you are interested in this field, give this institute a shot, Wes is a great instructor.

nick schager3 years ago

Fate smiled on me the day that I found Fair Oaks Holistic Massage School. I had wanted to take a course during covid and I was looking for a mind, body and spirit experience that I could translate into a sports and post surgical massage career. I called and spoke to Madonna the founder and felt her gentle energy come thru the phone. I was concerned that I would have to learn from an instructor that would be mumbling thru a mask and she reassured me that would not be the case, as the laws were not requiring that. To say that it was an enjoyable experience would fall short, it was a remarkable experience. The curriculum has a wide range of techniques and styles, from spa to medical and also offers injury management and asian studies. The school’s director of education and instructor Wes Barnett, was not only over qualified for his position, but lit with a fire and passion for achieving personal excellence in the massage industry that is something to experience. In class I met many people who were, like me, commuting in from all over the United States and abroad to learn from this famous or should I say infamous personality. 
His ethics, advanced techniques and call for personal mastery will stay with me for a lifetime. I completed the 620 hour course so that I could take the MBLEx (National Certification) enabling me to transfer anywhere in the United States, I live in Las Vegas. Most people are happy to graduate and move on, I have to say that I was sad that I wouldn’t see Wes weekly after that. Madonna and Wes are truly exemplary at what they do and care deeply that everyone coming thru their program succeeds not only in massage, but in life. Their stacked up cork board with job offerings for their graduating students come from all over the world and proves this school’s stellar reputation among the best employers in the industry. If you are looking for a launching pad that will propel you into your best potential in this field, you have found it. The rest is up to you.

Bianca Paris Driedger3 years ago

I like the learning atmosphere and environment here. I like teacher Wes, he is a very responsible and humorous teacher. I miss my time studying here. Grateful🙏

yan3 years ago

Did we help shape your massage therapy journey?

We'd be honored to hear your story. Sharing your experience helps future students discover the path that could change their lives, too.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about becoming a certified massage therapist in California.

How long does it take to become a certified massage therapist in California?
In California, you need a minimum of 500 hours of approved training to apply for CAMTC certification. At Fair Oaks Massage Institute, our 500-hour Clinical Massage Therapist program can be completed in approximately 6-9 months depending on your schedule. We also offer a 620-hour advanced program for those seeking additional specialized training.
How long does it take to complete the 500-hour program?
The 500-hour Clinical Massage Therapist program at Fair Oaks Massage Institute typically takes 6-9 months to complete. Class schedules vary, with daytime and evening options available to accommodate working students. Your completion timeline depends on which schedule you choose and your personal pace.
What is CAMTC certification and why is it important?
CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council) certification is the state-recognized credential for massage therapists in California. It allows you to practice massage therapy legally throughout the state without needing individual city permits. CAMTC certification demonstrates that you have completed approved education and passed a background check, giving clients confidence in your professionalism.
How much does massage therapy school cost?
Our 500-hour Clinical Massage Therapist program and 620-hour Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist program have different tuition rates. We offer flexible payment plans to make education accessible. Please contact us or download our school catalog for current tuition and fee information.
Is financial aid or funding available?
Fair Oaks Massage Institute is not currently approved to offer federal Title IV financial aid. However, we are affiliated with several funding programs that may help eligible students, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Veteran's Affairs education benefits, and Vocational Rehabilitation. We also offer in-house payment plans to make tuition more manageable. Contact our office to discuss which options you may qualify for.
Can veterans use their education benefits to attend?
Yes. Fair Oaks Massage Institute is approved through the California State Approving Agency for Veteran Education (CSAAVE), so eligible veterans and qualifying dependents may be able to use Veteran's Affairs education benefits toward tuition. We're happy to help you understand the process and required documentation, so please reach out to our office to get started.
What are the admission requirements to enroll?
Admission is straightforward: all students must be at least 18 years old and able to provide a valid photo identification, such as a state ID, driver's license, or passport. No prior massage or healthcare experience is required, and students who attended high school or college in other countries are also eligible to enroll. We welcome career changers and those new to the field.
Can I transfer credits from another massage school?
Fair Oaks Massage Institute does not accept transfer credits from other institutions and does not have articulation or transfer agreements with other schools. All students complete their full program with us, which ensures consistent, high-quality training that meets California's requirements for CAMTC certification.
Can I work while attending massage school?
Yes, many of our students work while completing their certification. Fair Oaks Massage Institute offers flexible scheduling with both daytime and evening class options specifically designed for working adults. Our programs allow you to maintain employment while building your new career in massage therapy.
Do you offer flexible scheduling for working students?
Yes! Fair Oaks Massage Institute understands that many students work while pursuing their certification. We offer flexible class schedules including daytime and evening options. Our programs are designed to accommodate working adults who are changing careers or adding massage therapy to their existing practice.
What is the difference between the 500-hour and 620-hour programs?
Our 500-hour Clinical Massage Therapist program meets the minimum requirements for CAMTC certification and covers Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Anatomy, Pathology, Business, and Ethics. The 620-hour Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist program includes all 500 core hours plus an additional 120 hours of advanced training in Shiatsu, Eastern modalities, and specialized bodywork techniques.
Is Fair Oaks Massage Institute approved by CAMTC?
Yes, Fair Oaks Massage Institute is a CAMTC-approved school (School Code: SCH0044) and is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE Institution Code: 3406231). Our graduates are eligible to apply for CAMTC certification upon completion of their program.
Does CAMTC require ongoing continuing education?
CAMTC certification must be renewed every two years, and while CAMTC itself does not currently mandate continuing education hours for renewal, many employers and professional associations recommend ongoing training. Fair Oaks Massage Institute offers continuing education workshops in specialized modalities to help therapists expand their skills and stay current.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Certified massage therapists can work in spas, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics, hospitals, sports facilities, or start their own private practice. Many of our graduates build successful independent practices or work in multiple settings. The demand for qualified massage therapists continues to grow in the Sacramento area and throughout California.
How much do massage therapists earn in California?
Earnings for massage therapists vary widely based on location, work setting, experience, and whether you're employed or self-employed. Therapists may earn an hourly wage, a per-session rate, tips, or a combination, and those who build an established private practice often have the highest earning potential. For current wage data specific to your area, we recommend reviewing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and California's Employment Development Department resources.
Do you offer continuing education workshops?
Yes, we offer continuing education workshops in specialized modalities including Lymphatic Drainage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Massage Cupping. These workshops are open to both our graduates and licensed massage therapists looking to expand their skills. Check our workshops page for upcoming dates and registration.
Where is Fair Oaks Massage Institute located?
Fair Oaks Massage Institute is located at 10723 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, California 95628. We are conveniently located in the Sacramento metropolitan area, easily accessible from Citrus Heights, Folsom, Roseville, Carmichael, and surrounding communities.
When do classes start?
We offer multiple start dates throughout the year with new cohorts beginning approximately every 8 weeks. Contact us to learn about upcoming start dates and reserve your spot in an upcoming class.

Get in Touch

Let's Start Your
Journey

Have questions about our programs? Ready to enroll? We're here to help you take the next step toward your massage therapy career.

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