Massage Therapy Schools

Massage therapy has a rich history all over the globe with variations in the method in every corner of the world. In various states of America, massage therapy is regarded as a part of complementary and alternative medicine. The profession of massage therapy has gained popularity over the past two decades and is playing a vital role in the area of preventive health, fitness and psychological wellness.



Massage therapy helps improve blood circulation through long smooth strokes and movements, focusing on various muscles using massage oils. It helps relax muscle tension, removes stiffness in joints and muscles, relaxes pain, reduces stress and aids general wellness.

About Massage Therapy Schools

With the general awareness of massage therapy benefits, the profession has become more popular. More and more massage therapy clinics are being established and demanding therapy experts. For those of you looking for an in-demand profession, massage therapy is the field to choose. Numerous specialized Massage Therapy Schools have been formed alongside existing institutes offering degree programs in massage therapy.

Alongside the above mentioned campus-based Massage Therapy Schools, there are numerous online schools for massage therapy offering massage therapy degree programs.

These massage therapist schools cover a vast range of courses in their diploma, associate, certificate, bachelor and master's degrees. These degree programs may take from 6 months up to 5 years for completion, and depending on the degree program may take even shorter and longer than that.

A few core courses offered at their various massage therapy schools in their degree programs include: massage history and theory, massage techniques and practice, ethics, communication, kinesiology, physiology and study of organs and tissues.

Various specializations offered include:

  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Expectant Mother Massage
  • Infant Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • Medical Massage

Accreditations for massage therapist schools are done by the state's local governments. However, for you to be a certified massage therapist in US, you will need to pass the certification examination and than be allowed to practice as per laws of United States. These certification tests are formulated by the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination and/or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Career Prospects

Massage therapy employment opportunities are available at various places like medical offices, salons & spas, health clubs, hospitals, private practices, malls, hotels, senior healthcare facilities and many more. You can work as a/an:

  • Independent Massage Therapist
  • Massage Instructor
  • Sports Massage Therapist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Holistic Skin Care Specialist
  • Colonic Therapist
  • Reflexologist

According to BLS, massage therapists earned a median annual salary of $37,180 as of May 2014.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Massage Therapy School?

Massage therapy schools typically require 500 hours of study, which roughly translates to around eight to twelve months of full-time study. Most states also require massage therapists to be licensed, which would take additional time. Part-time study options are also widely available in massage therapy programs.

What Are the Requirements to Complete a Massage Therapy School?

You will require at least a high school diploma to enter a massage therapy school. While enrolled in a program, you will complete classroom studies along with hands-on practice sessions. Coursework covered would include anatomy, pathology, kinesiology and business ethics and management. The specific requirements to complete a massage therapy school would depend on the program you enroll into and the state you are based in.

How Much Can I Make after Completing a Massage Therapy School?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massage Therapists made an annual median income of $41,420 per year. The growth rate expected in this field is at a high 26%, with 42,100 more jobs expected to be added in the years between 2016 and 2026. The top paying industry for Massage Therapists was psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, which paid $84,180 in annual mean wages. The top paying states for this occupation were Alaska, Oregon and Washington.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:How will the online massage therapy courses in Georgia provide me practical training?

A:The message therapy courses in Georgia, even if they are offered online, will be able to provide you internships that will help you get all the practical training you need. These practical training sessions will be held at a location that is geographically convenient to you.

Q:Which massage schools offer massage therapy courses in Maryland?

A:The following institutions offer massage therapy courses and massage therapy education to students: Baltimore School of Massage, Holistic Massage Training Institute, Central Maryland School of Massage, The Community College of Baltimore County, Zero Balancing Health Association, Massage Envy College Park, and Allied Health Institute. The programs offered at these massage schools in Maryland have been accredited and approved by the higher authority.

Q:Is there a massage school that has Associate degree?

A:There are a number of Massage Schools listed on our website offering a number of diploma, associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees in massage therapies. Here are the names of a few institutes offering the Associate's degree in particular: Pima Medical Institute, Florida Career College, Institute of Beauty and Massage, Utah College of Massage Therapy, and Carrington College. Most of these institutes mentioned above offer their associate's program online as well.

Q:Are there any Pittsburgh Massage Technical schools?

A:Yes. There are various Massage Therapy schools in Pittsburgh listed on our website. Most of these schools offer their degree programs online as well. Here are the names of some of the prominent ones: Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Career Training Academy - Monroeville Branch, and Grand Canyon University. These institutes offer various types of Massage therapy classes and specializations.

Q:What is taught in the Message Benefits and Cautions course of the Massage Therapy Training schools?

A:Many Massage Therapy Training schools in the United States have a dedicated course on Message Benefits and Cautions. This course is worth 3 credits and focuses on the different benefits that massaging has, including psychological effects, research in massage application, helpful aspects of massaging in chiropractic care etc. It also studies the major endangerment spots in massaging and necessary precautions to be taken.

Q:My search for career based massage therapy schools mentioned a course in medical errors. What is the premise of this course?

A:Course on medical errors would be mentioned when searching for career based massage therapy schools. This course guides students on the most common medical issues of our generation. Students learn about common medical errors and implementation of precautions. Students are also trained with respect to different environments, individuals, routines and procedures. With the health care industry showing exponential growth, there is huge potential for students interested in this course.

Q:Are the programs offered by Academy of Massage accredited?

A:The Academy Of Massage is one of the very best massage therapy schools in the US. The state board of Texas requires a minimum of 500 hours of training to become a massage therapist. This Academy's course is 570 hours, thus fulfilling the requirements, including clinical massage therapy as well spa treatments.

Q:Could you tell me the accreditation details of academy of massage therapy?

A:Accreditation's for massage therapist schools are essential, since degrees of an non-accredited school are not accepted or honored by any respectable organization anywhere in the world. So make sure that the school you have chosen to enroll in is properly accredited by the state's local governments. This becomes even more important if you are pursuing a degree or certificate course online. However, to be able to put your massage therapy skills into practice, you need to pass the certification exam, only then will you be given your license to practice what you have learned.

Q:What types of courses are conducted at the academy of massage therapy?

A:Massage therapy is highly beneficial and that is why taking it up as a career is becoming increasingly popular. To help people train for this field, a lot of Massage Therapy Schools have been introduced and are conducting classes on-campus as well as online. Some of the courses included in these programs are theory based like: massage history and theory, massage techniques and practice, ethics, communication, kinesiology, physiology and study of organs and tissues. Other more practical approaches include: Deep Tissue Massage, Expectant Mother Massage, Infant Massage, Sports Massage and Medical Massage.

Q:Can talking to recent graduates help me in finding top massage therapy schools?

A:Yes talking to the graduates of a certain school can definitely help in finding out detailed information about the strengths and weaknesses of a school. You can also talk about what's it like in the real world, and the kind of salary you will get, and how's the job market out there.

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