(About FPI)
Pathways to opportunity.
The Florida Professional Institute's mission is to change lives by creating pathways to opportunity. FPI aims to provide quality educational experiences, increase employment opportunities, and expand access to post-secondary educational programs.
(Our story)
Founded by massage therapists.
In 2011, two professional massage therapists in Miami, concerned about the high market prices, opened Florida Professional Institute to offer a more affordable opportunity for a community in need of affordable, quality training.
Florida Professional Institute is a Florida corporation owned and operated by Ricardo Perez and Manuel Diego.
Florida Professional Institute maintains a philosophy that its students must receive the most thorough education available for the careers in which they are studying. We believe all people are created equal and have the right to pursue personal and professional growth through the achievement of skills, competencies, training, and knowledge.
(Core values)
Ten values, one institute.
Communication
Encourage open dialogue at all levels.
Compassion
Exhibit concern for others.
Diversity
Value and respect each person's uniqueness.
Excellence
Set and meet high standards.
Integrity
Cultivate an environment of fairness and honesty.
Leadership
Develop and demonstrate leadership skills for our students, employees, and community.
Learning
Improve the quality of life by providing knowledge and developing skills.
Service
Foster a commitment in employees and students of serving and assisting others.
Teamwork
Work together and encourage collaboration.
Unity
Operate as one professional institute in purpose, planning, priorities, and processes.
Licensure
Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 4730.
Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400. Toll-free (888) 224-6684.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Recognized by ACCSC as a School of Excellence.
ACCSC school number M072593; renewal of accreditation granted for five years, effective November 2022 (ACCSC public notice of December 8, 2022). Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. (703) 247-4212. www.accsc.org
Approvals and memberships
- Approved by the Florida Department of Health, Florida Board of Massage Therapy
- Approved by the Florida Department of Health as a Continuing Education Provider (CE Broker #50-14510)
- Approved by the NCBTMB as a Continuing Education Provider (#249)
- Approved to accept students from the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Member of the Association of Private Colleges & Schools of South Florida (APCS)
- Member of the Westchester Chamber of Commerce
(Campus)
Facilities & equipment.
- Across from Tropical Park, in the center of the Tropical Plaza building, in the southern area of Miami-Dade County.
- First floor, Suite 102: the school director, director of education, admissions, financial aid and a conference room.
- Second floor, Suite 217: Classrooms/Labs 1 to 4, the library, student services, distance learning and the registrar.
- About 3,400 sq. ft., fully air-conditioned.
- Easy to reach from the Palmetto Expressway (826) and by Miami-Dade Metrobus on SW 40 Street.
- Parking spaces are provided for students, with restaurants and stores nearby for breaks.
(People)
Administration & faculty.
Administration and staff
Ricardo Perez
President, Director of Education and Instructor · Massage Therapist Diploma
Manuel E. Diego
Vice-President, School Director and Instructor · Massage Therapist Diploma
Rosa L. Simon
Administrative Assistant and Admission Director
Kenia E. Nunez
Director of Student Services, Assistant to the Director of Distance Learning and Library, Financial Aid Office
Gustavo Perez Oriol
Director of Distance Learning and Library
Elieser Perez
Campus Registrar
Faculty
Julio C. Alvarez
Instructor · Massage Therapy Diploma
Pedro M. Camos
Instructor · Massage Therapy Diploma
Mayda Perez
Instructor · Cosmetology; Massage Therapy Diploma
Carmen Vidaud
Instructor · Facial Specialist
Mirella Macias De Laurido
Instructor · Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Doctor of Medicine
Martha Portela Rabassa
Instructor · Diploma, Home Health Aide; Doctor of Medicine
Advisory board. FPI's advisory board, which meets formally twice a year to guide curriculum, equipment and methods: Manuel E. Diego, Ricardo Perez, Rosa L. Simon, Kenia E. Nunez, Gustavo Perez Oriol, Adrian Diaz, Xiomara Mendez, Peter Szajko, Marilyn Alonso, Sheyla Acosta and Lazaro A. Perez.
Ready to start?
Visit the campus, meet the admissions team and tour the labs. Classes run mornings, afternoons and evenings.