FAQ

LES is a WA State Licensed Vocational College, offering courses in equine massage & body-works. We specialize in two Equine Massage Therapist Licensing / Certification programs.  We have alternative therapy certification classes in equine micro-current stimulation therapy and red light therapy.

LES campus is located in Washington State, centrally located in the middle of the State.  We are 25 miles north of Moses Lake right off Interstate 90,  and a few miles west of Soap Lake.

In Washington State, the Board of Massage through the Department of Health, regulates the requirements for animal massage therapist. Students who want to practice as an equine massage therapist in the State of Washington need to be aware that WA. State requires a licensure, “Large Animal Endorsement”. And the course of study being from an approved WA State recognized school. Out of state students will receive a certification of completion “Diploma” from Langley Equine Studies upon graduation. Each State’s laws governing equine massage differ therefore out of state students need to be aware of their states regulations.
WA State requires current WA State Licensed Massage (human) Therapist (LMT), wanting to add the Large Animal Endorsement, to their existing license, to receive 100 hours of equine massage course of study. Students who do not have a human license (LMT), but want to receive an equine endorsement, 300 hours course of study is required from an approved WA State School in order to practice equine massage as a vocation in WA State.

To start a business in WA., in this career field, you have to hold the proper credentials from the Board of Massage. Working here in WA State with credentials from another State that does not meet the RCW of WA State is illegal.

Upon graduation from approved program, a student then is required to take and pass the NBCAAM (National Board of Certified Animal Acupressure & Massage) associations exam, obtain your first aid card, then you are eligible to apply with the Board of Massage for your license/certificate.
Upon receiving your certificate from the Board of Massage, you are then legal to practice independently.

Animal Massage Practitioners by legal definition may not diagnose, prescribe or provide a prognosis for any condition.

It varies from state to state, although most states are still unregulated. Washington State no longer requires that you either work under veterinarian supervision or that you have a human massage license in addition to your animal training.  You may now complete 300 hours of training to practice legally in the State of WA.  Check with your local legislature for updated information. You can also visit the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork website (www.iaamb.org) and view the Animal Massage Laws by State chart and additional information on this site.

Click here for admission information.  Certification for massage programs participants have to be 18 and over.

Fees typically range from $75.00 to $150.00 per session. A session will generally last between  1 to 1 1/2 hours. If a track or barn/stable boarding facility,  has already been exposed to the advantages of equine sports massage, a fee of $100.00 is easily accepted. A track or barn where the owner or trainers have not yet experienced  the benefits of massage, a fee of $75.00 may be in order.  As an equine massage therapist,  you are offering a valuable professional service. You can expect to be paid as the health care professional that you are.  You can build a thriving rewarding equine massage practice that is just as profitable as any human practice.

Tuition

Application fee: $100.00

Course materials & books: $350.00

Class Deposit $500.00 (for On-campus students)

EMP 100 programs:

101 - On-Campus  $ 1950.00
102 - On-line  $ 975.00 + 50 Hour “LAB”
103 Home-Study $ 850.00 + 50 Hour “LAB”

EMP 300 Programs:

301 – On-Campus $ 7695.00
302 - On-line  $ 6895.00 + 50 Hour “LAB”
303 - Home Study  $ 6695.00 + 50 Hour “LAB

50 Hour Hands-on Lab Fee $1295.00 – All equine massage classes except on-campus require the 50 hours hands on lab to complete the course.

Yes see academic calendar page.

EMP-100  On-Campus class is offered two times a year, see school calendar for dates.   EMP-300 On-Campus class is offered annually each year, starting mid-September.   The On-Line and Long Distance (home study) courses, can be enrolled in at any time.  The On-Line classes will be facilitated in a modular setting, so as you finish one lesson/section then you gain access to the next and so forth.  The computer educational software will monitor your progress, when you log in.  You will have contact with me on a weekly basis for quiz's, test and home-work assignments.  

Certification Programs  at LES, consist of 100 or 300 course hours including a 50 hour "Lab"  (which includes your hands on practical), of one week(six days) of intensive hands-on application.   100 hour course is apx 4 months and 300 hour course is apx 8 months.   On-Campus class size is limited to 10 candidates. Both the classroom and practical application segments are conducted at LES facility in  Soap Lake, WA.  Long Distance class is unlimited as well as On-Line students.   Please see our facility page for more details and pictures.

Yes, we are a WA State Licensed College, licensed through  Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and curriculum approved by the Dept of Health Board of Massage.

Students for Equine Massage Practitioner have to be 18 and over. Non-certification classes 16 and over with parental consent.

Click here for campus photos.  The campus is friendly, fun and has a authentic western atmosphere among the sage brush and buttes. The lecture hall is brand new, well lit and furnished with the most current equine educational resources.

Every equestrian - owner, trainer, and rider of horses of all disciplines understands that the horse is the ultimate athlete. A "Healthy Horse is a Happy Horse" is my motto. A pain free happy horse is a willing and generous partner.  There is no other athlete that gives more of his heart and soul to his partner and sport. We nurture our human athletes’ muscular systems with sports massage; our horses need the therapy just as much. We, as horse-men, want our horses to have every possible advantage. Massage therapy can help provide that improved performance so desired.  Because of the health promoting qualities of massage, as well as its curative and preventable properties, this therapy is being incorporated by
knowledgeable horsemen as an integral part of their horses' total and continuous health care program.

The major emphasis in the EMP Certification Program is on the safe application of massage techniques and massage strokes, called theory and practice. Students will learn the basic anatomy & physiology, kinesiology the muscular system,  behavior and handling of the horse, business practices and equine first aid.. Students will also learn to be aware of the specific conditions which may affect the horse if those muscles become strained, pulled, tired, tense, sore, or not adequately nourished through blood and lymphatic circulation. Please see our course syllabus page for more details.

You may bring your own horse to any of the equine massage and alternative therapy clinics, but not necessary to have your own horse for the equine massage licensing programs. LES has 5 equine subjects for students to practice on during class hours.

No

Yes, increasingly so. Just as the popularity of holistic approaches to health care in humans has increased in recent years, so too have these procedures and methods gained acceptance in the care and treatment of animals. In the equine world we have seen the recent advent of professionals like equine chiropractor, equine physical therapist, and equine nutritionist and of course equine massage therapist.

The most important qualification for success as an EMP, is a love and empathy for suffering horses, and a sincere desire to help alleviate that pain.  It is not mandatory  to have a background in massage therapy, it is helpful, but that is what you are here to learn. Langley Equine Studies Certification Program starts with the basics of massage therapy and thoroughly educates and equips, the student in every aspect of the trade.  As a graduate, you will be fully prepared to administer equine massage therapy in an effective, therapeutic, and professional manner.

Equine Massage, Equine Body Work or Equine Massage Therapy
is a hand’s on muscular therapy, which uses specific strokes and stretches to assist in obtaining maximum performance and physical conditioning with less chance of injury or pain.

Many elite human athletes consider sports massage an essential part of
their training and recovery routine. These athletes report that a sports massage assists them train more effectively, improve performance, prevent injury, and recover quicker.  The equine athlete is no different!

Equine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation,
relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in high performance horses.   So, whether your riding in the Equine Olympics or a local gymkanna, equine sports massage will enhance your horse, to perform at his best.  Any rodeo competitor nows TIME is money.  Do you want to get to the pay window?  It is a powerful modality used to reduce the risk of injury in athletes as well as enhance their recovery after an injury.