Updated at: 29-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Spas, health clubs, fitness centers, and specialized massage clinics are just some of the possible workplaces for licensed massage therapists. They could also set up shop independently in private offices. Some therapists even make house calls or go to the office to provide one-on-one care. Some massage therapists prefer to be self-employed, while others prefer to be part of interdisciplinary teams committed to their patients’ well-being. Furthermore, massage therapists typically have the option of working either full- or part-time, providing them with schedule flexibility.

The best massage therapy schools typically hold accreditation from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training, or another national or state-specific massage therapy council. Students should check a school’s accreditation status before committing to it.

Also, prospective students should make sure that the school provides the education, including clinical experiences, necessary to take the state board certification exams. Since most states mandate licensing or certification for massage therapists, it follows that getting one requires studying for and passing an exam.

The job outlook for massage therapists is strong, as reported by the BLS. In fact, job growth in this area is forecast to be much faster than average (21%) over the next decade. It seems like a good time to become a massage therapist.

The finest massage therapy programs worldwide are listed below.

Best Schools For Massage Therapy

Best schools for massage therapy

London School of Massage

The London School of Massage is the leading massage school in the United Kingdom, offering diploma programs as well as sports massage and advanced study. It is the leading massage and body therapy training institution in the United Kingdom, with a focus on providing exceptional education in these fields.

ITEC, the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), Think Tree, the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT), and the CThA have all recognized the London School of Massage as a credible educational institution.

Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy

Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy

When it comes to massage therapy schools in Canada, OV College of Massage Therapy is among the top 15. The school’s Registered Massage Therapy program is also Canada’s first to receive national accreditation. The massage therapy curriculum features both hands-on experience and theoretical study.

Canadian Massage Therapy Council and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training’s Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) have both granted OVCMT their seals of approval.

Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN

The massage therapy program at Northwestern Health Sciences University is one of the most rigorous in the country, delving deeply into the study of human anatomy and physiology as well as natural, non-invasive, drug-free healthcare. Throughout the program, students at NWHSU’s massage therapy school will learn about the science behind the practice. Anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pathology, medical terminology, ethics, and professionalism are just some of the topics covered in these classes.

New York College of Health Professions

When it comes to massage therapy education, few places can compare to New York College of Health Professions. The school provides a rigorous Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree program that can be completed in just 72 months. In addition to its foundational curriculum of European massage therapy, which is based on standard Western anatomy and physiology, and Asian bodywork, which is based on the principles of Oriental medicine, the massage program offers many modalities of massage therapy currently practiced.

National Holistic Institute

National Holistic Institute

The National Holistic Institute, founded in 1979, is a pioneer in the field of massage therapy education in the United States. Ten locations across the Golden State make up the Institute.

The massage therapy programs at NHI are extensive, covering everything from the basics to advanced topics like neuromuscular therapy and continuing education.

Students in National Holistic Institute’s massage therapy program have access to the school’s clinic for hands-on training.

Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, has granted NHI national accreditation.

Colorado School of Healing Arts

Colorado School of Healing Arts in Lakewood, Colorado, was founded in 1986 and is widely considered to be among the top massage therapy schools in the country. It’s renowned for its excellent massage-therapy education program.

Massage therapy training at CSHA takes either 9 or 12 months to complete.

CSHA is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), and it has received accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Additionally, the NCBTMB recognizes CSHA as a valid certification organization for the practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork.

Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy

Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy

Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy is widely recognized as a leading institution for massage therapy education.

The school brags about being the first in Canada to offer massage therapy courses.

A free course in medical terminology and body systems is available from CCMH to anyone interested in applying.

The massage therapy diploma program at CCMH can be completed in as little as 16 months on the accelerated schedule, 20 months on the standard schedule, or 3.5 years on the blended schedule.

The Canadian Council for Accreditation in Massage Therapy has validated CCMH’s legitimacy.

Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy

Students interested in a career in therapeutic massage and bodywork have had access to a comprehensive curriculum at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy since its founding in 1998.

The school’s massage therapy training program is approved by the state of New York and is available in three different time commitments: a nine-month full-time day program, a fourteen-month part-time morning program, and a twenty-two-month part-time evening program.

The Center for National Wellness School of Massage Therapy serves only legal residents and citizens of the United States.

Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers

Hollywood, Florida is home to Hollywood Institute, a popular beauty school. HI prepares students for careers in the Beauty, Health, and Wellness industries.

The massage therapy program at the beauty school takes just 5 months to finish.

The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) has granted Hollywood Institute its accreditation. Additionally, Hollywood Institute is a part of the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork).

Southern California University of Health Sciences

Southern California University of Health Sciences

The School of Professional Studies at Santa Clara University offers a massage therapy certificate program consisting of 13 classes that can be completed in as little as 7 months. This program has been reviewed and approved by the California Massage Therapy Council. Over half of the program is dedicated to practical training, and students can expect to spend time in both lecture halls and laboratories. In order to graduate, students are also required to complete a clinical clerkship, during which they gain additional hands-on experience in patient examination and care.

Students will learn the fundamentals of science related to the human body, develop proficiency in massage and bodywork techniques, and appreciate how massage therapy can complement other forms of self-care. The schedule of evening and weekend classes makes it possible for students to keep their day jobs if they have one.

Lincoln Technical Institute

The Lincoln Group of Schools, of which Lincoln Tech is a part, has been providing education in the fields of medicine and technology for over seventy years across multiple campuses in the United States. Therefore, students who choose Lincoln Tech join a community of experts dedicated to ensuring their academic and professional success. Students at the Somerville location can pursue a variety of health care careers, including massage therapy and medical and dental assisting.

The school emphasizes the high demand for massage therapists in Massachusetts. Thus, the foundations necessary to meet that demand are provided to students pursuing a Massage Therapist and Bodywork Technician Diploma. Anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and deep tissue therapy, as well as medical ethics, are taught through a blend of lecture and practical experience.

Northwestern Health Sciences University

Education in natural healthcare at Northwestern Health Science University is extensive and grounded in scientific evidence. Students of massage therapy often have the opportunity to study alongside those of chiropractic, Chinese, and acupuncture. In addition, students at NWHSU learn how to work effectively with others on healthcare teams by focusing on the needs of individual patients. In particular, the massage therapy curriculum at NWHSU places an emphasis on holistic, drug-free, and non-invasive care.

Students have the opportunity to practice what they learn in both student and public clinics in addition to in the classroom. Students learn by doing while treating real patients, supervised by licensed professionals. Students at NWHSU actually get twice as many clinical hours as is required to take board exams.

Parker University School of Massage Therapy

Parker University’s Dallas campus provides a highly regarded certification in massage therapy. In addition, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree by taking additional general education courses. Students receive 600 hours of clinical practice, laying the groundwork for successful careers as massage therapists upon graduation.

Parker provides its students with a broad curriculum and numerous experiential learning opportunities. Students, for instance, hone their abilities to use massage to help clients cope with pain and stress and recover from injuries. In addition to preparing students for rewarding careers in the healthcare industry, Parker’s faculty also helps them develop their business goals.

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona, provides high-quality education in the healing arts at an affordable price. The massage therapy programs at SWIHA range in length from 750 to 1000 hours. In addition, it provides continuous education in complementary and alternative medicine.

It’s clear that Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is among the top massage therapy schools in the country. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the school’s accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). SIHA (NCBTMB) is recognized by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

Miami Dade University

Miami, Florida is home to Miami Dade College, a public university. About eight different college campuses can be found in Miami-Dade County. The Massage Therapy program at Miami Dade College is highly regarded internationally.

Massage therapy courses at Miami Dade College can be taken in a number of different ways. The duration of the program is 12 months.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSOC) has recognized Miami Dade College as a legitimate educational institution.

Northwestern University of Health Sciences

One of the best places to learn massage therapy is at Northwestern Health Sciences University, a private institution in Bloomington, Minnesota. In 1941, the first classes were held at what is now Northwestern College of Chiropractic.

NWHSU has both degree and certificate programs in the field of massage therapy.

The massage therapy programs at Northwestern Health Sciences University are recognized by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers

There is a Hollywood Institute for Makeup and Beauty located in Hollywood, Florida. Students at HI learn the skills they need to become credentialed professionals in the wellness, health, and beauty industries.

At the beauty institute, the massage therapy program can be completed in 5 months.

The Hollywood Institute has received accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). The Hollywood Institute is an NCBTMB-accredited school, which means its graduates are qualified to practice therapeutic massage and bodywork in the United States.

FAQs

How do I become a massage therapist?

You should start by attending a massage therapy school that is both reputable and accredited. You’ll need to pass a licensing exam after you finish the course. After taking and passing the licensing exam, you are now eligible to apply for a license.

What are the risks attached to Massage Therapy?

Because they are on their feet for so long, massage therapists frequently experience physical fatigue. Being in good physical shape is a prerequisite for working as a massage therapist.

Is massage therapy a good career?

Numerous people have found success as massage therapists, and the field continues to grow in popularity.

How can I learn massage therapy?

You need to start by enrolling in a massage therapy school that is both accredited and well-respected. After completing the coursework, you will be required to take a licensing exam. After passing the licensing exam, you are eligible to apply for a license.

What dangers come with massage therapy?

Massage therapists frequently experience physical fatigue due to the fact that they are on their feet for long periods of time. Working as a massage therapist requires you to maintain a high level of physical fitness.

Conclusion

One of the fastest-growing occupations, massage therapy is in high demand. When it comes to relieving pain, stress, or simply relaxing, everyone wants a massage.

There is no doubt that massage therapy is a good career choice due to the high earning potential, limitless job opportunities, low cost of training, and enjoyable nature of actual massage therapy practice.

Attend one of the top massage therapy schools if you’re serious about making a living in this field.