Des Moines Therapeutic Massage

More than a Beauty School -  The Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines is more than a beauty school. We are Iowa’s award-winning, accredited, cutting edge, eco-friendly Cosmetology and Spa Institution dedicated to shaping the future of beauty, our industry, and the world we live in. The mission is achieved based on principles of: TRUST & RESPECT, TEAMWORK, PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, KNOWLEDGE & GROWTH, EXCELLENT SERVICE.

The Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines emphasizes personal well-being as well as environmental responsibility. Using Aveda pure flower and plant essences and plant-based products, we affirm the relationship between personal beauty, wellness and the environment.

 

Great Stories Start at Aveda Institutes

Jesse Sullivan

Educator at Aveda Institute

Columbus, OH

To this day I still have some family members who don't qualify what I do as a career, but I don't let that bother me because I know that I'm affecting change in the world.

Patrice Castleman

Esthetics Educator at Aveda Institute

Columbus, OH

I like to talk a lot & meet new people. Teaching has always come naturally.

Dottie Green

NAHA 2020 Student Hairstylist of the Year

Columbus, OH

I came in for a tour & immediately was greeted. It felt like home immediately. It was the best decision I could have made for my career.

Ashley Thomas

Educator at Aveda Fredric's Institute

Indianapolis, IN

Cosmetology was something I had thought about, but I had never seriously considered because I thought it was just a non-starter. Then I heard about the Aveda Institute and it just wouldn't leave my mind once I heard about it.

Jake Ivins

Educator, Aveda Institute Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Any opportunity I have to make someone else feel good, you know, my cup overflows. I just love helping people just to feel and look their best.

Olivia Ochs

Professional Development at Aveda Institute

Columbus, OH

I know what it feels like to be in school and work a full-time job, and what it feels like to do the long daysand to work through feeling nervous.

Stefanie Fox Jackson

Owner at Canvas Salon and Skin Bar

Columbus, OH

I started cosmetology school when I was 18. I actually gave up a full ride academic scholarship four weeks in to college. When the Aveda Institute opened in Columbus, it was the very first school that was prestigious for beauty in the Columbus area. When a great school opened up I think it was giving me permission to make that decision.

Natasha Perkins

Salon Development Partner at Aveda

Indianapolis, IN

I’ve always wanted to be a hairstylist.

MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM

750 hours

The 750 hour Massage Therapy course is a program of 25 weeks for a 3/day week schedule that has educator led classroom and clinical training as well as practical hands on application. Iowa Law requires a minimum of 500 hours of study in Massage Therapy. The additional 250 hours in our Massage Therapy program allows for a more in-depth learning in the areas of practical application, business and management knowledge, and additional learning time prior to taking the national exam. The focus of the program is Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and spa treatments with an emphasis on anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Under the direct supervision of an educator, the student will practice and perform treatment sessions focusing on application of full body massage techniques and advanced techniques.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The objective of this program is to prepare our students for the national licensing examination in Massage Therapy. The program provides a balanced study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, aromaology, spa treatments, and body movement techniques. Our program focus is on Swedish and Deep Tissue massage technique executed within the Aveda spa service experience. After completing 750 hours, our graduates will have the skills they need to find employment in a spa, health club, medical or chiropractic clinic.

Federal student aid is available to qualified students. Those that qualify may be awarded a Pell grant, Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and/or Direct Parent Plus loan. In order to be considered for aid, a student must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The amount of financial aid that a student may be awarded is based on a student’s EFC (Expected Family Contribution), which is determined by his or her FAFSA application.

Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines School Code – 042033

Complete the FAFSA Online
My FAFSA ID

CAREER OPTIONS

The Massage Therapy School Diploma Program is designed to prepare you to pass the State examination and will give you the opportunity to practice as a licensed massage therapist :

  • in a SPA environment
  • in Medical or Healthcare-related settings
  • in fitness and sports industries
  • in your own practice/or as an independent contractor

SCHEDULE

Monday / Wednesday / Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Course

Theory Hrs

Lab Hrs

MAS Orientation 4 0
MAS 101 Anatomy and Physiology 175 0
MAS 102 Pathology 60 0
MAS 103 Massage/Spa Theory/Kinesiology 85.5 0
MAS 104 Swedish Massage 50 35
MAS 105 Spa/Hydrotherapy 35 10
MAS 106 Deep Tissue and Case Studies 45 15
MAS 107 Adjunct Massage Modalities 65 25
MAS 108 Iowa Law 8 0
MAS 109 Retailing and Business Management 35 0
MAS 110 Spa & Medical Tours 0 10
MAS 111 Clinic 0 92.5
Total 562.5 187.5

Results-based skin care

Start your ultra skin journey with Ultraceuticals

Learn More

Cosmetology Blog

How to Make Your Salon Hairstyle Last for Days

Want to keep that just-left-the-salon look? Discover the pro secrets to making your blowout or hairstyle last for days with tips from Aveda Institute. There is no feeling quite like walking out of the salon with a fresh blowout. Your hair is bouncy, shiny, and smells like Aveda’s signature...

Skincare Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction

Think you know your skincare? We’re debunking the biggest skincare myths to help you achieve a healthy glow. Discover the truth from the experts at Aveda Institute. In the age of viral "skin-fluencers" and 10-step TikTok routines, it’s harder than ever to tell the...

The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing the Right Beauty School

Choosing a beauty school is the first official step toward your dream career. Whether you envision yourself backstage at Fashion Week, owning a high-end spa, or becoming a top-tier colorist, where you learn matters. With so many options in Florida, how do you know which one is the "perfect...

Brilliant Future Scholarship

We're excited to announce our annual Brilliant Future Scholarship. This is an opportunity for 2026 graduating high school seniors who start in our 2026 summer classes to be awarded a scholarship toward their education! GUIDELINES AND RULES To qualify for the Brilliant Future...

Unleash Your Creativity in the Beauty Business

Get your dream career started in a portion of the time it takes for other careers! Students with an Aveda Institute cosmetology or esthetician license are some of the most sought-after in the industry and are consistently above accreditor requirements upon graduation. Being a Cosmetologist or...

Get the Skills to be a Beauty Professional