Everest Institute - Tigard

Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care is built on the philosophy that it's possible to make a difference and a good living.

Everest College has built a national reputation for its exciting, thorough curriculum, quality of instructors, and graduate support services.

About The School

Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care, then called Seattle Massage School, was founded in September 1974 to teach massage skills to people wishing to practice professional massage in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. The first advanced course for continuing education was offered in 1977. Seattle Massage School was the first massage school in Washington to be state licensed by the predecessor to the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, in 1982.

In response to growing demand for high-quality curricula over a broader geographic area, the school opened branch campuses in Tacoma in September 1991, Everett in June 1993 and in Vancouver, Washington in January 1999.

Everest College's most recent addition is in the Southwest Portland area. This campus was opened to meet the needs of the local community.

For Everest College, the vision has broadened from being a premier provider of massage education, to creating and defining the premier provider of health and wellness education on the West Coast.

Curriculum

Everest College provides an interactive learning environment with a firm foundation in both practical and theoretical skills. The objective of the four-term, 805 hour curriculum is to prepare students to become successful massage practitioners. Fifth-term specialist programs offer advanced skills within specific massage therapy career pathways. In addition, the programs are approved by Washington State Board of Massage.

Faculty

We've assembled an extraordinary team with diverse experience and interests on the faculty of Everest College, with both a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Our instructors are successful, working massage practitioners and fitness specialists who know how to apply knowledge to build a successful business. Each of our staff has also received advanced training on how to effectively teach these skills.

Advanced Studies

It's likely that your practice will ultimately settle on a specific discipline that meets your interests and lifestyle needs. Fifth-term specialties include clinical/sports massage therapy, aromatherapy/spa massage specialist.

Student Services

Studying for a career in massage or Fitness can be very rewarding -- and challenging. To make your study program a success, we offer a wide variety of student services.

Financial Aid: Everest College offers Federal Financial Aid Programs such as Pell Grant, Stafford Loan, and Parent/Plus Loan for students who qualify, with a variety of payment options.

Tutors, Teaching Assistants, and Study Labs: Whenever possible, we have tutors and volunteer teaching assistants in all practical classes. Study labs begin the second week of each term. LMP graduates of Everest College facilitate the labs, utilizing educational books, videos, and anatomikins.

Supply Store: Each campus has a supply store stocked with items to help meet the needs of students and Licensed Massage Practitioners.

Library Privileges: Each campus has its own lending library.

Student Clinic: A safe, professional clinic setting where students learn by experience. Students identify key aspects of maintaining a practice, problem solving difficult situation, the operations and delivery of service with instructor supervision and support. Students experience working with the public by providing massage for clients on a weekly basis.

Honors: We recognize and celebrate superior work. Generally those qualifying have completed the program in 12 months, attained a 3.5 GPA or better in all courses and met all other Everest College standards of progress.

Professional Licensing and Spa and Aromatherapy

The spa industry is booming and resorts, spas, full-service salons, clinics, and day spas everywhere are seeking well-trained Aromatherapists.

Graduates of the Aromatherapy and Spa program are thoroughly versed in the history of Aromatherapy, the botany and chemistry of essential oils, the blending techniques of 30 essential oils, as well as spa therapies.

This specialty can be used to bolster your existing massage practice, in complementary fields such as nursing or simply on its own. However you use it, it can make a wonderful difference in your life.

Graduate Services

Once you graduate, Everest College provides job placement services; one-on-one consultations, a graduate newsletter, business card and brochure design assistance, cover letters, proposal writing, business plan writing to help launch your practice or search for a position, and other networking opportunities.

Our graduate services program works. Of all Everest College graduates who sat for the Washington Licensure exam in 2001, 84 percent passed. In addition, 78 percent of all 2000 graduates who responded to our surveys found employment in the massage field.

Continuing Education: Continuing Education courses in a variety of massage techniques and advanced massage treatments are available to Licensed Massage Practitioners throughout the year. In addition, workshops are offered throughout the year providing further educational opportunities. Graduate speaker nights are networking forums and special interest opportunities.

Graduate Newsletter: This publication includes listings of current career opportunities, continuing education courses, and articles about the massage and fitness professions.

Approved By:

• Washington State Board of Massage
• Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists
• Department of Education, Salem, Oregon

Everest College Memberships:

• AMTA's Council of Schools
• Washington State Financial Aid Association
• Seattle King County Chamber of Commerce
• Washington Federation of Private Career Schools and Colleges
• Better Business Bureau

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.