What Is It Known For?
Ralph J. Elfers and William B. Tahy launched their massage therapy school in Dayton back in November 1995. Their for-profit institution had one clear goal: to train skilled massage therapists who could make real differences in people’s lives.
The smart move came next. Instead of staying in one city, they later expanded across Ohio’s major markets. Now, students in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Lima can attend classes without moving across the state. This approach worked since the school has operated successfully for nearly thirty years.
The numbers also show their staying power. In 2023, they enrolled 425 full-time students, and thousands of graduates from the school now work in therapeutic massage throughout Ohio. That kind of consistency tells you something about the quality of training they provide.
Degrees & Certifications
The school focuses specifically on training career-oriented students to obtain professional licensure as massage therapists.
Class Schedules
You can attend classes during the day or evening, depending on what works with your job and life situation. The accelerated track gets you finished in just 11 months with classes only twice a week. This program works well for motivated students who want to get into the field quickly.
All four campuses in Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland are currently taking new students for both time slots. Your training includes theory classes, hands-on clinical work, and externships at real massage therapy businesses. These externship placements let you practice what you’ve learned in actual professional settings before graduation.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, the Schools of Medical Massage maintain accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Additionally, the institution holds membership in the American Massage Therapy Association.
Acceptance Rate
The Dayton Medical Massage acceptance rate stands at 100%, making education accessible to all qualified applicants.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition is set at $18,423.00, though total attendance costs may vary based on additional factors specific to individual student needs. The school provides a net price calculator to help prospective students estimate their complete educational expenses and explore available financial aid options.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Massage Therapy
Campus Locations
Cincinnati 11250 Cornell Park Drive, Suite 203 Cincinnati, OH 45242
Middleburg Heights 18334-D East Bagley Road Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Dayton 4457 Far Hills Avenue Dayton, OH 45429
Dublin 4936 Blazer Pkwy, Dublin OH 43017
Lima 3325 Shawnee Rd. Lima, OH 45806
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Dayton School of Medical Massage has a mixed reputation. While many clients are very happy with the quality and value of the student massages, students and customers express significant frustration with the school’s administrative practices, communication, and management.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Quality Student Massage Therapists: Many clients who have received a massage at the student clinic are highly satisfied. They describe the students as skilled and professional and say they give “great” and “wonderful” massages.
Effective and Thorough Instruction: Older reviews, particularly from graduates, praise the instructors and the curriculum for being “phenomenal” and “spot on,” noting that the program prepared them well for their state licensing exams.
Value for Customers: The student clinic is widely appreciated for its “very reasonable price,” which makes high-quality massages accessible to the public.
Common Criticisms
Major Administrative & Communication Issues: This is the most consistent and severe complaint. Customers report repeated no-shows by students and difficulty scheduling appointments, with one person unable to use gift certificates for a year. From the student side, there are recent allegations of a “SHADY” and “unprofessional” staff that broke promises to students and has had high turnover.
Student Dissatisfaction with Instruction and Value: Recent reviews from students allege that the school “sold her on promises that they broke” and that the curriculum is ineffective, forcing students to “teach your self.” One reviewer from over a decade ago regretted that the program’s only value was obtaining a license.
Customer Service Failures: Clients complain about poor communication, with calls going unanswered and appointments being canceled at the last minute. The owner’s responses to these complaints acknowledge that the issues are due to students setting the appointments, highlighting a flaw in the system.
Momentum
The reviews show a recent decline in student satisfaction. The most current reviews from students are very critical and express a sense of being misled. This contrasts sharply with the overwhelmingly positive experiences reported by graduates from 5 to 10 years ago. Customer service issues related to scheduling and communication, however, appear to be a consistent problem across many years.