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Oncology Massage Essentials
18 CE BLENDED LEARNING PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION & SKILL REFRESHER
COMPLETE A SELF-PACED ON-DEMAND WEBINAR TO PREPARE, THEN JOIN AN IMMERSIVE IN-PERSON CLINIC
Working with cancer survivors is a reality for all massage therapists, and this program is essential even if oncology massage is not your intended focus. This course will give you the knowledge and hands-on skills to provide safe, effective treatments for clients with a cancer history.
The curriculum focuses on clients at risk of lymphedema or managing mild to moderate, well-controlled lymphedema — a common side effect of treatments for breast, melanoma, head and neck, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, and other cancers. You’ll leave equipped to confidently adapt your techniques for this client population.
If you are new to working with oncology clients or need an oncology massage refresher, this is the program for you. This course is tailored for licensed or certified massage therapists, registered nurses (RNs), nurse aides, and those nearing the completion of their accredited training programs.
One in four people will be diagnosed with cancer, and millions more face long-term side effects from cancer treatment, including lymphedema. It is essential for massage therapists to understand this important information and to learn how to customize and modify their techniques for clients who have or are at risk of developing lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a common side effect of cancer treatments such as radiation, surgery and lymph node biopsy, and is a lifetime risk regardless of how far out of treatment the client is.
- 20-25% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema
- 40% of breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing lymphedema
- 80+% of oncology spa clients are breast cancer survivors
- lymphedema and lymphedema risk not only affect the arm but also affect a body quadrant for many breast cancer survivors
- lymhedema also occurs as a result of the medical treatment of other cancers such as melanoma, colorectal, prostate, ovarian and head/neck cancers
During this hybrid program, participants will learn
- Design and functions of the lymphatic system
- Lymphedema causes and triggers, and signs and symptoms
- Effective intake questions to help identify clients at risk of lymphedema, including those who may not recognize or disclose it themselves
- How to safely customize and adapt massage for clients who have or are at risk of developing lymphedema
- Practical approaches to client and community education that support lymphedema awareness and help grow your practice
Course details
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE ESSENTIALS
WEBINAR + IMMERSIVE CLINIC
Total course credits: 18 CE hours
Course cost: $360
Before attending the Clinic, students must complete 6 hours of self-paced, on-demand home study. Coursework can be completed at your own pace and on your own schedule.
This course is offered to licensed/certified massage therapists, RN and Nurse Aides, and for those who are close to completing their accredited licensing program.
The in-person Clinic is an immersive, hands-on experience offering supervised practice and individualized feedback. To attend, you must complete the online webinar at least 3 days before your Clinic date.
During the Clinic, participants will:
- Practice oncology massage modifications in a supervised setting.
- Work through real-world client scenarios involving lymphedema and lymphedema risk — including cases where lymph nodes from more than one primary drainage area have been compromised, which is a common occurrence in practice.
- Learn how to communicate their knowledge effectively with clients and the broader community to support and grow their professional practice.
In Person Clinic: Linens, lotion/oil, snack pack, water bottle, colored pens/pencils useful.
The Oncology Massage Essentials program provides hands-on training in massage techniques and treatment adaptations for clients in long-term survivorship — the largest oncology population we work with. The curriculum centers on lymphedema, the most common long-term and late effect of cancer treatment, preparing you to safely support clients who have or are at risk of developing it and build an oncology massage niche in your practice.
While this content is also covered in the Oncology Foundation program, the Foundation offers a broader knowledge base and more comprehensive skill set. Program participants consistently report that a solid grounding in lymphedema meaningfully enriches their Foundation experience — making Essentials an excellent starting point.
For some therapists, Essentials provides everything needed to confidently support oncology clients in their practice. For others, it sparks a deeper interest in oncology massage and a path toward specialization — and the Foundation program is the natural next step.
Therapists who complete Essentials and go on to enroll in the Foundation program within 18 months receive a $100 rebate on the standard course fee. Learn more about the Oncology Foundation program.
Benefits of Hybrid Learning
Comprehensive Curriculum
A hybrid approach combines the depth of self-study with the dynamic insights gained through personalized interaction ensuring a well-rounded educational experience
Flexible Scheduling
The convenience of home-based self-study, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule
Interactive Experience
Direct interaction with instructors in live virtual or in-person setting enhances your understanding and application of the material
WEBINAR + IMMERSIVE CLINIC
October 9-10, 2026
Friday/Saturday 10am-5pm
National Holistic Institute
Santa Rosa, CA
Home Study Webinar followed by 12-Hour In-Person Clinic
IMPORTANT
Please read before enrolling
By registering for an education program, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to comply with the Purpose of Training, Terms of Use, Course Cancellation Policy, and onboarding requirements as a Preferred Practitioner with the Society for Oncology Massage.
All education programs, in-person, online and webinar, are intended for certified/licensed or soon to be certified/licensed massage therapists, estheticians, nurses and other allied health professionals with the intent of increasing their knowledge to serve the needs of their clients/patients.
This education program is not intended for an agent, employee, contractor or consultant of any other continuing education company or an individual or entity involved with or with the intention of, now or in the future, distribution, dissemination, reproduction, piracy, in part or whole, of information or materials, whether for profit or not.
The course tuition includes a non-refundable $50 registration fee. If you cancel or withdraw from a course at least 30 days before the start date, you will receive a refund of your full tuition minus the $50 registration fee. Canceling or withdrawing fewer than 30 days but more than 7 days before the course start date will result in a 50% tuition refund, less the $50 registration fee. If you cancel or withdraw 7 days or fewer before the course starts, the tuition is non-refundable. A $50 administrative fee applies for transferring between classes. However, in cases of a documented medical emergency, a death in the immediate family, or weather-related travel prohibitions, class transfers will be arranged at no additional charge.
• This Oncology Massage Essentials program focuses specifically on hands-on protocols and body treatment adaptations for oncology clients with or at risk for lymphedema. To register as a Preferred Practitioner with the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM), you must complete the Oncology Foundation program.
Approved Provider for Continuing Education
- Society for Oncology Esthetics
- Society for Oncology Massage
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Board of Registered Nursing, CA