• Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program
• Amazing Alumni
• Associate of Applied Science Degree Program
• Core Massage Therapy Training Program
• NHI Life

Content Summary

• Clinical Spotlight: NHI Redding graduate Todd McBain discusses how the AAS Degree Program helped him transition from a major physical injury to a career as an Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist and Medical Massage Clinician.
• Advanced Education: The post highlights the 1,430 hours of training and clinical knowledge gained through the AAS program, including nerve communication and medical-grade documentation.
• Professional Strategy: Todd explores the career benefits of the AAS title, including the ability to collaborate with healthcare teams and surgeons to improve patient outcomes.
• Mentorship: A tribute to the instructors and family support that fueled Todd’s journey to a 4.0 GPA and a successful private practice.

For Todd McBain, the path to a career in massage therapy didn’t start in a classroom—it started with a slip off a step and a completely ruptured quadriceps tendon. Faced with a year to “figure out his life” following the injury, a moment of post-cold plunge clarity led him to National Holistic Institute.

Today, Todd is a graduate of the Core Massage Therapy, Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy (ANMT), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree programs. As one of the first in Redding to earn the title of Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist and Medical Massage Clinician, Todd has transformed his own recovery into a mission to help others through high-level, evidence-based care.

The Deep Rabbit Hole of Clinical Learning

Todd describes his journey through NHI’s three programs as entering a “rabbit hole” that only gets deeper and more rewarding. While the Core program provided the foundation, the AAS Degree Program allowed him to see the body’s complexity through a clinical lens.

“Nerves are like power lines in the body,” Todd explains. “If a muscle is interrupting the signal, it needs to be fixed to clear those lines of communication. The AAS Program is a humbling reminder that no matter how much you learn, there’s so much more to learn.”

Mastering the Science of Medical Massage

Completing 1,430 hours of training over 19 months provided Todd with more than just a degree—it gave him the clinical language and confidence to work alongside other healthcare providers. By earning the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist and Medical Massage Clinician title, he transitioned from a student of the craft to a professional peer in the medical wellness space.

“I’m in class with mentors and instructors who are absolute ninjas in this field,” says Todd. “If it wasn’t for what I’ve learned in ANMT and AAS, I wouldn’t have the confidence and knowledge I have today.”

Strategic Collaboration and Patient Care

The AAS program’s focus on Clinical Medical Massage helped Todd realize that his career options were far broader than he initially imagined. Through the program’s focus on clinical rounds and professional strategy, he began to see the potential for collaboration with surgeons and physical therapists—professionals whose success is measured by their patients’ recovery.

A major “eye-opener” for Todd was learning the nuances of documentation. By mastering how to thoroughly document his clinical sessions, Todd has positioned his private practice to bridge the gap between holistic wellness and formal medical environments.

A Career Built on Mentorship and Family

Todd credits his success to a “Who’s Who” of NHI mentors and the unwavering support of his wife. A standout memory for Todd was his graduation in Sacramento, where his dedication to the craft resulted in a 4.0 GPA.

“To see her shedding tears at my graduation when I was the only person in my group to get a 4.0… that was an awesome memory,” he recalls.

Advice for the Next Generation

Now working at Urban Retreat: A Day Spa in Redding and serving as a Teacher Assistant at NHI, Todd’s tagline—”Ease Your Pain with McBain”—is officially in action. His advice to students looking to elevate their practice is simple:

“Find your niche. Be patient. Everything you see on social media can be delved into after you are certified. Focus on school—it’s rewarding!”

Connect with Todd at toddmcbain.amtamembers.com

Read more stories of AAS Degree Program graduates.

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