Frequently Asked Questions

Programs + Courses

  • We offer currently offer one 740-hour Foundational Massage Therapy pre-licensing training per year—January through June.

    In the near future, we plan to offer Continuing Education courses, as well.

  • Our 740-hour program meets or exceeds the number of hours necessary for licensing in all states (except for CT, OH, NE, NH, and NY) and for NCBTMB Board Certification.  Please research the latest requirements for your state, as they are always changing.

  • PCAB is licensed by the Hawaii DOE, and PCAB is an NCBTMB-approved school.

    Massage schools licensed by the DOE are nationally recognized. Your PCAB transcript will qualify you for licensure in almost all US states (except CT, NE, ND, NH, and NY).

  • Our program blends clinical skill, somatic depth, and personal transformation in a truly integrative, trauma-informed massage therapy education. We teach bodywork as a mindful, relational practice rooted in nervous system awareness, somatic psychology, and whole-body anatomy.

    What sets us apart is our commitment to creating an experiential learning environment where students don’t just study the body — they learn through their own bodies, supported by nature, community, and inner inquiry. Set on the island of Kauaʻi, our program weaves together evidence-based manual therapy, cultural respect, mindfulness, and nature-based nervous system regulation, preparing graduates to offer care that is skillful, compassionate, and deeply attuned.

  • Relational skills are critical in massage therapy, as they help build trust and safety and establish a therapeutic relationship with clients. Our students receive training in effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as techniques for building rapport and creating a safe and healing environment for clients.

  • Trauma-informed massage therapy considers the effects of trauma on the body and mind and seeks to create a safe and healing environment for clients.

    We prioritize trauma-informed care by incorporating this philosophy into every aspect of our curriculum and clinical training.

    To learn more, please view our page on what it means to be trauma-informed.

  • No.  PCAB is licensed by the Hawaii DOE, and PCAB is an NCBTMB-approved school.

    In Hawaii, massage therapy students are trained through either apprentice programs or DOE-licensed schools.

    Apprenticeship programs are unique to Hawaii. Hours from an apprenticeship program are often not accepted by mainland massage boards since most hours are acquired only through time spent working in a student clinic.

    Massage schools licensed by the DOE operate like regular massage therapy programs in the rest of the country, with transcripts that support licensure in most states.

  • PCAB graduates are highly successful in obtaining the jobs they pursue, and they work in a wide variety of environments (spas, clinics, chiropractic offices, and in private practice). They are well-prepared to work with a diverse range of clients and make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve.

  • PCAB’s median yearly pass rate since 2011 is 100%.  PCAB graduates consistently have a passing rate on the MBLEx that is significantly higher than the national average, including a 100% passing rate in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 while the national pass rate was around 70% in those years.  This is a testament to the high quality of our curriculum and the dedication and commitment of our faculty and students.

  • Click here to fill out a transcript request form.

Campus, Faculty, + Housing

  • PCAB is located in a quiet, rural location just outside of Princeville on the north shore of Kauai.  We are located 1km from Princeville shops, a 10-min drive to Kilauea, and a 10-min drive to one of many beaches.

    Our indoor classroom has screen windows and doors on three sides of the room that allow us to operate with just natural light, view the ocean and the mountains, and feel the trade winds blowing through.  We also have an outdoor classroom space and a large grassy area that we often use during classes.

    Our carpeted classroom is equipped with ceiling fans, a small fridge, chairs, Pisces Pro aluminum massage tables, as well as a white board, digital projector, skeletons, and anatomy models and charts.

  • PCAB has about a ten faculty members, each with their own unique knowledge and experiences.  Our faculty are all licensed massage therapists, bodyworkers, or counselors with extensive experience in their field, and all are approved by the Hawaii DOE.  Some faculty members hold advanced degrees in neuroscience and psychology.

    Our faculty support student learning through a variety of means, including lectures, demonstrations, paired and group exercises, movement practices, palpation exercises, and regular feedback. They are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential and succeed in their careers as massage therapists.

  • See our Life in Kauai page.

Admissions + Cost

  • We value a learning environment that welcomes a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds.

    We believe that a healthy society requires that everyone is provided dignity and respect, and that opportunity should be afforded to everyone, not varying by age, race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, criminal history, or religion.

    We believe that we must transform both the societal systems and our own internal biases that promote and maintain inequality and any way of being that considers others as less than (racism, sexism, etc.).  We stand with Black Lives Matter, embrace applicants from underrepresented groups, and humbly endeavor to acknowledge the ways we benefit from inequality.

  • We assume no previous knowledge in massage therapy, bodywork, psychology, or health sciences; however, a high school diploma or GED is required.

    That being said, we are seeking students who are deeply curious about themselves and others, who are committed to personal growth and showing up for others with respect, integrity, and care. Our students have maturity, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, compassion, stamina, and an enthusiasm for learning.

  • Yes. Please see our Tuition page.

  • Our classes are 8:15-5:15 on 4 days per week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Many students manage to work 1-2 days a week; however, we always recommend fully immersing yourself in your bodywork study and practice, if you are able. Keep in mind that you will need to allot some time outside of class for assignments and practicing massage skills.