Academy of Natural Therapy
Building Career-Ready Wellness Professionals

For nearly four decades, the Academy of Natural Therapy in Greeley, Colorado, has trained massage therapists through a family-operated, mom-and-pop model built around hands-on learning, flexibility and student success. Founded by Dorothy Mongan, the academy has remained in the family through the leadership of her son, James Mongan and now Jennifer Mongan, his wife. Across generations, the school has continually refined its curriculum and student support systems while maintaining its personalized approach. Today, it combines massage and esthetics training with a degree pathway designed to support long-term career success.

One of the academy’s most distinctive features is its Associate of Applied Science degree option. The school added the pathway in 2010 after recognizing that many massage therapists held certifications without an academic degree. At a time when such options were uncommon, the academy filled that gap. Students enter through a 750-hour or 975-hour massage program before continuing into degree coursework, pairing practical training with a credential that supports long-term careers.

"We truly believe massage is an art form, and the education needs to be in-person and hands-on so students can develop their skills," says Jennifer Mongan, owner.

Viewing massage as both a profession and an art form influences every aspect of the academy's educational approach. The school believes effective practitioners develop more than technical proficiency. They must also cultivate communication skills, clinical judgment and the hands-on awareness that comes through guided practice and mentorship. Monthly assemblies, open-door access, detailed handbooks and clear communication help keep students engaged throughout training.

The result has been consistently strong completion, licensing and placement outcomes, along with exceptionally low withdrawal rates. Many students maintain high attendance throughout training, reflecting a culture designed to help them graduate and enter the workforce successfully.

A Flexible Model Built Around Student Success

Recognizing that many students balance work, parenting and other responsibilities, Mongan developed a quarter-to-quarter scheduling model that allows schedule changes instead of program withdrawals. Designed to improve retention and completion, the system has become a highly effective student-success initiative.

While Google Classroom and GradeLink support coursework, the academy remains committed to in-person, hands-on massage and esthetics training, viewing direct practice and clinical immersion as essential to developing skilled practitioners. That approach continues to attract students from outside Colorado who relocate specifically to attend the academy’s rehabilitative-focused massage program.

Clinical Experience from Day One

Practical training begins immediately and continues throughout the student journey. Rather than waiting until the end of a program for an internship, students participate in weekly clinical work from the start of their education, first in a student clinic and later alongside licensed practitioners. This allows students to apply classroom concepts in real time while strengthening technical ability, communication skills and professional confidence.

Employer feedback consistently reinforces the value of that structure. Employers regularly cite the academy’s clinical model as a reason they seek out its graduates, noting that students arrive with substantial experience working in professional settings. That preparation helps graduates transition more quickly into spas, rehabilitation centers, medical facilities and private practices.

Graduate outcomes reflect the versatility of the profession. One alumnus used a decade-long massage therapy career to support his studies in osteopathic medicine, while others have advanced into acupuncture, occupational therapy and teaching. Many graduates build long-term careers across wellness and healthcare settings.

Nearly four decades of family stewardship, curriculum refinement, hands-on clinical training and student support continue to shape the academy’s outcomes today. The academy believes smaller specialized schools can provide the personalized support reflected in its strong completion, licensing and placement outcomes. Its family-operated culture, degree pathway and belief that massage is both a profession and an art form have helped generations of students build successful careers. Those results have established the academy as a respected training provider and earned recognition as the Massage Therapy School of the Year 2026.