American Institute of Massage Therapy (AIMT) was founded by Dr. Marquetta K. Hungerford in 1983, in Costa Mesa, California. Since its foundation, AIMT has expanded its educational programs which correspond to strict medical standards.

The mission of the Institute is to promote education in order to develop and advance the art, science and practice of massage therapy and to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of its graduates.

AIMT is committed to providing students the means to get proficiency in therapeutic skills and to develop the personal awareness necessary for a successful massage therapy practice. To that end, our curricula and teaching methods integrate the medico-scientific with intuitive and subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) techniques. Western and Eastern perspectives and practical skills are intertwined. The general concept for the program is to prepare graduates to work in the diversified fields of physical medicine and physical culture.

Admissions
 Candidates for Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy/Sports Massage Therapist programs must have:  1) High School Diploma or equivalent, and  2) 18 years of age.
AIMT remains the right to admit of those students who are physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified to pursue the vigorous training necessary to become a professional massage therapist, without regard to religion, race, color, sex, disability or nationality origin.

Financial Aid
AIMT is an eligible participant under the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Financial Aid Programs. AIMT makes available to students financial aid in form of grants, as well as student loans. Federal Student Aid  programs:
- PELL Grant ;
- Stafford Loan, Subsidized ;
- Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized ;
- PLUS Loan .

Placement Service
The job market’s demands for massage therapists is always very high. AIMT will help its students in their quest of a rewarding career. The graduates have satisfying careers working in:
- Chiropractic,acupuncture and physical therapy offices ;
- Hospitals and doctors’ offices ;
- Spas and salons ;
- Wellness centers and gyms ;
- Resorts and cruise ships .

Additionally, some of the graduates like the maximum career freedom and thus are self-employed.