Top 10 Massage Therapy Schools – Massage Therapy Continuing Education
Massage therapy is known as the manipulation of the soft tissues by the use of hands-on techniques. It can help with a number of conditions, along with giving clients a sense of relaxation. There is plenty of job opportunity as massage therapists can work in a number of places, such as spas, clinics, hotels, and fitness centers. Not to mention, Zeel offers a job where massage therapists can travel to the client’s home. From 2016-2026, the growth of job outlook is at 26%.
Massage therapy is all about helping the client have the best and most relaxing experience. If you love helping people, this may be the job for you. Schools will either offer a certificate of completion or you can earn an associates or bachelor’s degree. It will all depend on what your states rules and regulations are, which you should be familiar with going into this profession.
Below we have compiled a list of the 10 best massage therapy schools, in no particular order.
#1 National Holistic Institute
Phone number: 888-279-7008
Multiple locations
National Holistic Institute first started in a house in Oakland, California in 1979. After many years, Carol Carptenter, the founder, opened a massage therapy school. National Holistic Institute is one of the largest, most respected schools of massage therapy. There are now 10 campuses to choose from, all located in California. They offer a 8 month full time massage therapy course or a 10-12 month part time program. While the program does not list the tuition amount, you may go on to the site listed above for a tuition calculator.
#2 Myotherapy College of Utah
Phone number: 800-511-5735
Salt Lake City, Utah
https://www.myotherapycollege.com/
First opening in 1987, Myotherapy College of Utah is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges(ACCSC). Tuition Costs Roughly $13,324 but that includes tuition fees, lab fees, books, massage table, equipment, and your professional licensing. While this seems expensive, this school does offer financial aid.
#3 Miami Dade College
Phone number: 305-237-8888
Multiple Locations in Florida
This school has 9 different campuses around Florida. The massage therapy program will only take around a year to complete and will cost around $2,277.00. You will study areas such as anatomy & physiology, hydrotherapy modalities, allied modalities, and massage therapy clinical. This program will require 25 completed credits.
#4 Cortiva Institute Schools of Massage Therapy
Phone number: 1-866-CORTIVA
Multiple locations
https://www.cortiva.edu/
Cortiva has 29 campuses in 12 different states. Each school is accredited by either ACCET, ACCSC, or COMTA. Cortiva offers more than 40 massage therapy programs, which you can complete your program in as little as 7 and a half months. They focus on hands on learning, the science behind massage, and professional development. In addition to their regular massage therapy programs, they also offer continuing education as well. Cost of tuition depends on what campus you are going to, but financial aid is available as long as you qualify.
#5 The Soma Institute
Phone number: 1-800-694-5214
Chicago, IL
https://soma.edu/
Soma Institute offers a 750-hour program which will provide student with the hands-on training, practical experience, and industry support that they need. It will take approximately 11 months to complete this program. In addition to your clinical massage therapy diploma, you can also obtain a sports massage certificate of achievement while there. Soma also offers internships at their on-campus clinic under faculty. Your tuition is going to cost around $14,150k, but they do offer financial aid, along with grants and scholarships.
#6 Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
Phone number: 888-504-9106
Tempe, AZ
https://swiha.edu/
What began as only a massage school, has grown into much more. They now offer various programs for Healing Arts. Not only do they offer a 700-hour massage therapy program, they offer specialty certificates in aromatherapy, cranial unwinding, medical massage, reflexology, and more (at an added cost). The tuition for this school runs between $11,250-$11,550, with financial aid being accepted. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
#7 National University of Health Sciences
Lombard, IL 1-800-826-6285
Seminole, FL 1-800-826-6285
https://www.nuhs.edu/admissions/massage-therapy/
National University of Health Sciences was founded in 1906. You can earn your certificate at the National University of Health Sciences in as little as three semesters, or one year of evening classes. Students will become proficient in chair massage, sports massage, Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, etc. Also, students can intern at the campuses Whole Health Center. Annual costs run between $25,653-$34,653, depending on living on or off campus. There is also a one-time cost for your massage table of $500. Financial aid and loans are available.
#8 Universal College of Healing Arts
Phone number: 1-402-556-4456
Omaha, NE
https://www.ucha.edu/
Universal College of Healing Arts was founded in 1995. They are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools (ABHES). They have listed on their site their core values which are: open mindedness, justice, balance, & respect, and responsibility. Their massage therapy program is 12 months for a diploma program and you have the option to take another 8 months to receive an associate’s degree. They break their semesters down into three categories:
The FOUNDATION Semester: This semester will focus on the basic foundation of massage therapy. Courses include Anatomy & Physiology, Wellness, Complementary Therapy, & Business Arts.
The PRACTICE Semester: This semester focuses on deepening your learning and practicing clinic applications of massage therapy. Courses in this semester include Specialized massage, business exploration, hydrotherapy, kinesiology, pathology, etc.
The IMPLEMENTATION Semester: This last semester focuses on continuing to grow your knowledge to prepare for your career. You will prepare for the written practical board requirement and will begin to master advanced and eastern massage techniques. Courses in this final semester include Advanced massage, business mentoring, hydrotherapy II, pathology research, massage internship, etc.
Using the Net Price Calculator provided on their website, the estimated cost for the year would be around $20,222. That is without financial aid and without room and board fees.
#9 Bryan College
Phone number: 423-775-2041
North York, ON
https://bryancollege.ca/programs-of-study/massage-therapy/
Located in Ontario, this college offers a large, career-relevant course list. Students will become proficient in Swedish Massage, Sports massage, Pregnancy Massage, Therapeutic Rehabilitation, Trigger Point Therapy, Friction Therapy, Hydrotherapy, etc. Bryan’s College also has their own on-site clinic where students can get clinical experience working with the public. They also offer a Student Outreach program, which offers students internships. They do not have their tuition price listed on their site, but they do offer a number of different financial options to help you pay for schooling.
#10 New York College of Health Professions in Syosset
Phone number: 1-800-922-7337
Syosset, Long Island, NY
While the main campus is located in Long Island, there are three other campuses in New York. They are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Their massage program is a 72-credit program. Students will take courses in Holism, oriental anatomy & physiology, T’ai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, Yoga, etc. The massage therapy program is $390/credit and students should expect to pay around another $2000 between books, massage table, and massage supplies.
