Everything you need to get started
Books and supplies are not included in tuition. ABE leaves these items out because we believe in bargain shopping, borrowing, renting, or finding for free whenever possible. Some students like new and shiny and some like to save money wherever possible. Finding your own supplies and books gives you some degree of fiscal flexibility.
Where to Find Books and Supplies
Some students like new books and supplies and some love to hunt for bargains. Either option is fine! For new books, we recommend Books of Discovery at https://booksofdiscovery.com/
There are many online used book sellers and you are likely to find what you need there. Additionally, social media marketplace sites, neighborhood pages, and massage groups are great places to post your needs. You may be able to rent books through Amazon, borrow from massage therapists, or find people leaving the profession who are willing to hand over their books.
Likewise, many people come and go from the massage profession and used massage tables are abundant. For massage tables, we recommend a 28″ wide table with removable side arm extensions. This provides a width where it is needed without the entire table being so wide that it is hard on the practitioner’s body. A removable face cradle is required. Most tables are around 84 inches long. Tables have gotten very cheap but even the inexpensive ones are sturdy and will suffice. Don’t hesitate to contact us for questions about tables. The ABE student store has some supplies such as holsters, massage bottles, oil, and bolsters. If you have any issues obtaining books or supplies, please let us know!
Books required for the licensing program:
Trail Guide to the Body, Andrew Biel 4th- 6th Edition
Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage 6- 7th Edition, Sandy and Luke Fritz
Hands Heal: Communication, Documentation, and Insurance Billing for Manual Therapists 3-5th Edition by Diana Thompson
Job’s Body: A Handbook for Body Work, 3rd Edition Dean Juhan
Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapists, Pat Archer and Lisa Nelson, Books of Discovery, ISBM: 978- 0998266367
Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy, a Decision Tree Approach by Tracy Walton. ISBN-13: 978-0-7817-6922-8
Business Mastery 5th Edition, Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe
The Ethics of Touch, 3rd Edition, Cherie M. Shonen-Moe, Ben E. Benjamin
Supplies required for the licensing program
Adjustable massage table with removable face cradle. You must have a table by the second week of school.
Two sets of twin sheets, four pillow cases, one pillow
Bolster, semi-round 8″ is preferable
Massage oil and holster
8 oz pump top massage bottle
Suggested supplies
Blanket
Flexible shoes for proper body mechanics
Adjustable rolling stool for home use