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(Online + In-Person at Texas Massage Academy)
If you’re about to start massage school (or thinking about it), you’re probably asking…
“What is it really like once I start?”
And honestly? That first month is exciting, a little overwhelming, and totally worth it — especially when you know what’s coming.
Whether you’re joining us for evening classes in Brownwood, weekend classes in Abilene, or diving into your online modules first, here’s what to expect during your first month as a TMA student.

📚 Week 1: Getting Settled — Orientation & Introductions
“The first week helped calm my nerves. Everyone was so welcoming, and I finally felt like I was doing something for me.” — TMA student
Your journey starts with orientation. You’ll get familiar with:
- Your class schedule (online + in-person)
- How to log into the online learning platform
- Who your instructors are and how to contact them
- Program expectations and upcoming milestones
In-Person Students:
You’ll meet your instructors and classmates, tour the school, and get a feel for your hands-on class space.
Online Students:
You’ll jump into your first video lessons and start exploring anatomy, theory, and technique — all at your own pace.
🧠 Week 2–3: Getting into the Content
Now that you’re settled in, it’s time to dive into the material. Expect to start with the foundations of massage therapy — this includes:
- Introduction to Swedish massage
- Basic anatomy and terminology
- Ethics, boundaries, and professionalism
- How to protect your body while working
- And yes… some vocabulary quizzes 😅
You’ll start practicing techniques in your in-person class while reinforcing them in your online lessons. Expect lots of lightbulb moments as it clicks.
👐 Week 4: Touching Lives (Literally)
This is where things start to feel real. Around the 3–4 week mark, most students begin:
- Partner work in class (giving + receiving massage)
- Using anatomical terms in conversation
- Practicing draping and table setup
- Feeling more confident navigating the online platform
- Getting more hands-on feedback from instructors
“I was nervous about touching people at first. But once we started practicing in class, I felt supported and encouraged. It was amazing how quickly it became natural.”
💻 What About the Online Portion?
At Texas Massage Academy, our hybrid format means about half of your training happens online. But don’t worry — it’s not boring PowerPoints.
Here’s what online looks like:
- Cinematic, engaging video lessons
- Self-paced learning (you choose when/where you study)
- Interactive modules that match your hands-on classes
- 24/7 access to instructors via text or email
You’ll complete lessons and quizzes at your own pace, but still feel connected to your instructors and classmates.
Want to see how it works? Watch our online learning demo here.
💡 Tips for Thriving in Your First Month
✅ Don’t panic if you feel behind. Everyone learns at their own pace — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
✅ Ask questions early and often. That’s what your instructors are here for.
✅ Take care of your body. You’re learning to help others, but self-care matters too.
✅ Stay organized. Set a weekly routine to keep up with your online modules.
✅ Breathe. It’s a learning curve — but it’s a beautiful one.

🎓 After Month One… You’ll Be:
- Speaking confidently about anatomy and technique
- Starting to build muscle memory with your hands
- More relaxed around your classmates and instructors
- Excited about what’s coming next (hello, deep tissue!)
- Feeling proud of how far you’ve already come
“That first month went by so fast — and I couldn’t believe how much I had learned in such a short time.” — TMA student
📝 Want to Take the First Step?
If you’re thinking about becoming a massage therapist, your first month is where everything begins — and at Texas Massage Academy, we’ll make sure it begins with support, connection, and confidence.
✅ Evening and weekend classes
✅ Flexible online modules
✅ Dedicated instructors
✅ Pay-as-you-go options
📧 admissions@texasmassageacademy.com
📞 Call 325.646.4272
📝 Apply Online
📍 Brownwood & Abilene, TX
📚 Related Posts:
- 👉 How to Enroll at Texas Massage Academy
- 👉 Inside the Classroom: What You’ll Learn at TMA
- 👉 Meet Graduate Sarah Suarez