Massage Therapy Continuing Education Courses
November 2025
MVA Treatment from Start to Finish (8 CE Hours)
| Course Date: | November 1st, 2025 |
| Course Time: | 9am- 5pm |
| Location: | Northwest Academy - Seattle Campus |
| Instructor: | Marian DiPerna, LMT |
| Tuition: | $155 |
| Course Registration: | Register Now |
Course Description:
Prerequisites: Must be a licensed massage therapist or currently enrolled in a massage therapy program
* Students will need to bring linens and a massage emollient. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
January 2026
Cadaver Anatomy of the Torso & Trunk (4-Hour Dissection Lab)
| Course Date: | January 30th, 2026 |
| Course Time Options: | 8am - 12pm OR 1pm - 5pm |
| Location: | Seattle Science Foundation |
| Tuition: | $745.00 (Tax Included) |
| Course Registration | Register Now |
Course Description:
This dynamic 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers a rare and in-depth exploration of the human torso—encompassing the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions. Designed for massage therapists, bodyworkers, movement specialists, and healthcare students, this lab empowers participants to study the core structures that are fundamental to posture, breath, movement, and internal organ function.
Participants are encouraged to take an active role in the dissection process, gaining tactile, three-dimensional insight into the layered anatomy of the trunk. For those who prefer not to dissect, observation-only participation is also fully supported, ensuring a valuable experience for all comfort levels.
This hands-on session includes guided exploration of:
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Musculoskeletal anatomy, including the diaphragm, intercostals, rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and deep spinal stabilizers.
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Bony landmarks of the rib cage, vertebral column, pelvis, and sternum.
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Neural pathways, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and autonomic structures.
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Visceral anatomy, featuring the lungs, heart, digestive organs, kidneys, and reproductive structures, with attention to spatial relationships and clinical relevance.
All dissection is performed on non-treated cadaver specimens, meaning they are free from harsh preservatives such as formaldehyde. This allows for a more lifelike educational experience with natural color, texture, and tissue movement, offering a deeper appreciation for the living body’s anatomy.
Led by an experienced anatomist or clinical educator, the lab is conducted in a respectful, professional, and inquiry-driven environment, supporting enhanced anatomical literacy and practical application for therapeutic and clinical work.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: All participants must adhere to lab safety protocols and demonstrate respectful conduct toward the human donors.
February 2026
Cadaver Anatomy of the Head and Neck (4-Hour Dissection Lab)
| Course Date: | February 27th, 2026 |
| Course Time Options: | 8am - 12pm OR 1pm - 5pm |
| Location: | Seattle Science Foundation |
| Tuition: | $745.00 (Tax Included) |
| Course Registration | Register Now |
Course Description:
This immersive 4-hour cadaver dissection lab offers an exceptional hands-on opportunity to explore the intricate anatomy of the head and neck. Ideal for massage therapists, manual therapy practitioners, bodyworkers, movement professionals, and students in the health sciences, this session provides both an educational and profoundly respectful experience with human anatomical donors.
Participants will actively engage in the dissection process, guided by a skilled anatomist or clinical instructor. This direct interaction allows for a deeper and more tactile understanding of the region’s complex anatomical structures. For those who prefer a more observational role, observation-only participation is also fully welcomed and supported.
Areas of exploration include:
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The layered musculature of the face, jaw, and neck—such as the muscles of facial expression, mastication, and cervical stabilization (e.g., SCM, scalenes, suboccipitals).
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Bony landmarks of the skull and cervical spine, including cranial sutures and vertebral anatomy.
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Key neural pathways, including major cranial nerves and branches of the cervical plexus.
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Vascular structures, lymphatics, and soft tissue relationships related to common clinical issues such as TMJ dysfunction, migraines, and whiplash.
Our specimens are non-treated, meaning they are not preserved with harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde. This provides an unparalleled learning experience, as the tissues retain more natural color, texture, and movement, closely resembling living anatomy. This allows participants to more accurately visualize and understand the real-life characteristics of muscles, fascia, and organs.
This lab fosters an atmosphere of professionalism, respect, and curiosity, and is designed to expand your anatomical understanding, improve palpation accuracy, and inform more effective clinical and therapeutic practices.
Prerequisites: A foundational knowledge of human anatomy is recommended.
Note: Participants must follow all lab safety protocols and demonstrate respect for the human donors throughout the session.



