Massage Therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers. The demand can be attributed to the use of massage therapy to relieve stress and pain. Both traditional and alternative healthcare practitioners agree that massage therapy is an efficacious alternative to drug therapy in some instances. It is not uncommon for chiropractors, dentists, and physicians to include massages as part of a patient treatment plan. Celebrity endorsements of massage therapy also drive the demand. The prevalence of local spas offering affordable massage packages eliminates the perception that a massage is a luxury service. You can easily and quickly prepare for licensure as a massage therapist in Florida by completing an approved program comprising of 500 or more hours to acquire the knowledge and skills to improve the physical and mental health of the clients you serve.
Alpha School of Massage
The massage therapy program at Alpha School of Massage is available as a live day or night classes. The program provides advanced hands-on training in barefoot massage, hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, and more. Client based experience will be facilitated during the clinical phase of the program. Students will participate in these live real-world training sessions at partnering spa in their communities. The 900-hour curriculum includes 428 live hours and 472 online hours. Course topics include massage therapy anatomy and physiology, basic massage theory and history, massage clinical practicum, massage allied modalities, Florida statutes/rules and history, theory and practice of hydrotherapy, massage medical errors, HIV/AIDS education, pathology, business aspects of massage and ethics of massage. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the National Certification Board for Therapy and Bodywork, NCBTMB, certification.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Program
Duration: 8 months full-time
Contact hours: 900
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Apply for the program and pay the enrollment fee of $150
- Attend a campus tour and admissions interview
- Must provide valid ID – driver’s license and social security card
Program cost:
The program cost of $9,000 may be waived as Alpha’s massage clients carry the burden of operating expenses. Students will need to pay the enrollment fee and a $149 monthly supply reimbursement fees. Books and supplies cost an additional $470.
- Website: https://www.alphaschoolofmassage.com/
- Address: 4642 San Juan Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210
- Phone: (904) 389-9117
Florida State College at Jacksonville
The Massage Therapy program offered at Florida State College at Jacksonville provides a well-rounded training experience in massage therapy techniques. The training includes theory as well as extensive hands-on training to help students launch as successful career in massage therapy. The program is broken into five modules: Business – Professional Ethics, Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy, Massage Therapy I, Massage Therapy II, and Massage Therapy III. Areas of study include alternative modalities as it relates to practice, pathology and hydrotherapy, advanced techniques in the clinical environment, principles of proper body mechanics, draping techniques, conducting intake interviews, communicating effectively, basic principles and strokes of Swedish massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, and massage for special populations. On-campus and online options are available.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 8 months
Contact hours: 525
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age – signed permission from a parent or guardian is required for persons under 18 years
- Complete a Continuing Education application to Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Pay the one-time application fee of $25
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a completed Massage Therapy Program Application
Program cost:
The program cost of $5,995 covers tuition and fees.
- Website: https://www.fscj.edu/home
- Address: 4501 Capper Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218
- Phone: (904) 766-6500
Florida School of Advanced Bodywork
The massage therapy program at Florida School of Advanced Bodywork includes theory and extensive hands-on training in therapeutic Swedish massage, clinical/medical massage therapy, and myo-structural bodywork. Students will learn h ow to assess posture as a clue to problems, evaluate movement patterns and walking, locating the source of muscular-fascial problems, light or moderate pressure versus deep pressure, fluid movement, improving posture, maintain proper body mechanics, hands placement for treating soft tissue issues, and business skills. The school maintains small class sizes for personalized instruction. Students will participate in client sessions in a real-world setting. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. New classes begin four times per year.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 24 weeks full-time or 48 weeks part-time
Contact hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Must be a US citizen or have a valid visa or have permanent residence
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be physically and emotionally ready, willing and able to adhere to the requirements set by FSABI
- Must schedule and attend an appointment with an admissions representative
- Attend a kinesiology lecture – any Wednesday
Program cost:
The program cost of $8,000 includes tuition, textbooks, supplies, and the application fee of $75. A flexible installment plan is available for all students.
- Website: https://floridasab.com/
- Address: 9424 Baymeadows Road, Suite 200, Jacksonville, Florida 32256
- Phone: 904-337-1602
Massage Therapy Academy
Massage Therapy Academy prepares adults to become professional massage therapists through its comprehensive massage therapy program. Highly committed and experienced instructors work to ensure students’ success in the field. Course topics include massage therapy anatomy and physiology, basic massage theory and history, massage clinical practicum, allied modalities, Florida statutes/rules and history, theory and practice of hydrotherapy, prevention of medical errors, HIV/AIDs education, business practices of massage, and ethics of massage. Students will participate in hands-on, real-world client massages to apply the skills learned in the classroom. They will be prepared to sit for the state exam. Daytime and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 6 months full-time
Contact hours: 575
Prerequisites:
- Must be a US citizen or have a valid visa or have permanent residence
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must schedule and attend an appointment with an admissions representative
- Attend a campus tour
- Submit a completed application and pay the enrollment fee of $150
Program cost:
The program cost of $8,075 includes tuition, textbooks, supplies, and the enrollment fee of $150. A no-interest installment plan is available for all students.
- Website: https://www.massagetherapyacademy.org/
- Address: 353 6th Ave. S. Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250
- Phone: (904) 993-0900
- Email: massagetherapyacademy353@gmail.com
Parisian Spa Institute
The Massage Therapy program at Parisian Spa Institute equips students with knowledge and skills in various massage techniques include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, neuromuscular therapy, prenatal and sport massages. Areas of study include massage therapy anatomy and physiology, basic massage theory and history, massage clinical practicum, allied modalities, Florida statutes/rules and history, theory and practice of hydrotherapy, prevention of medical errors, HIV/AIDs education, business practices of massage, and ethics of massage. The school is nationally certified by the NCBTMB, so students will be prepared for the national examination. Instructors will provide the best learning environment through an emphasis on short-term progress, individualized attention, and hands-on education. Daytime and evening classes are available.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist Program
Duration: 23 weeks full-time
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age – documents required – birth certificate, driver’s license, state ID, passport
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Attend a campus tour and admissions interview
- Submit a completed application for the program and pay the registration fee of $150
Program cost:
The total program cost of $8,950 includes registration ($150), books ($151.93), and tuition ($8,648.07).
- Website: https://massageschooljacksonville.com/
- Address: 1045 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204
- Phone: 904 350 9796
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers a massage therapy program through a partnership with Allied Health Career Institute. The program is delivered via hybrid format (online and hands-on training). In line with Florida’s massage therapist educational requirements the curriculum will include hands-on practice in a live setting. Areas of study include massage therapy anatomy and physiology, basic massage theory and history, massage clinical practicum, allied modalities, Florida statutes/rules and history, theory and practice of hydrotherapy, prevention of medical errors, HIV/AIDs education, business practices of massage, and ethics of massage. Training is facilitated by an HSMFA partner and the expenses are covered through state grants. HSMFA will cover as much as $5,500 of the program cost for students who opt for employment with the spa after graduation.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist Program
Duration: 6 months
Contact hours: 575
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age – documents required – birth certificate, driver’s license, state ID, passport
- Must demonstrate interest in the field of massage therapy
- Must have the physical and mental abilities to perform the duties of a massage therapist
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Attend a campus tour and admissions interview
- Submit information for scholarship application with Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Program cost:
A scholarship of up to $5,500 will be provided for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.handandstonejacksonvillebeach.com/index.html
- Address: 1858 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
- Phone: 904-701-0854
Florida School of Massage
The massage therapist program at Florida School of Massage prepares students for state certification as well as a successful career as a massage therapist. The curriculum includes theory and hands-on training in the school’s clinic. Experienced instructors will cover Swedish massage and foundations of bodywork, connective tissue therapy, polarity therapy, neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, professional development, awareness and communication skills, boundaries and professional ethics, medical errors and prevention, business, and supervised clinical practicum.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist Program
Duration: 6 months
Contact hours: 575
Prerequisites:
- Must be 19 years of age or older – may be waived through a personal interview with the director
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit a brief statement explaining motivation for training in massage and philosophy of health care
- Submit a brief description of how a best friend will describe you
- Submit a recent photograph
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Provide a copy of driver’s license
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $100
- Complete a campus tour and interview with an admissions representative
- Receive at least three professional massages before the start of the program
- Submit a signed enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The program cost of $10,700 includes tuition, course manuals, class notes, and ABMP Exam Coach. Additional costs not covered include books and supplies, massage table, Florida Board of Massage Therapy license fee, livescan background check, MBLEx Exam fee, tutoring fees, and elective courses.
- Website: https://floridaschoolofmassage.com/
- Address: 6421 SW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32608
- Phone: (352) 378-7891 /
Be Aveda Institutes
The massage therapy program at Be Aveda Institutes teaches a traditional Ayurvedic approach that will help students provide relaxation and stress relief to clients using natural products and remedies. The curriculum covers theory and hands-on learning in massage techniques, business development, wellness expertise, and retail knowledge. Students will learn via classroom lectures, live demonstrations, and practice on the clinic floor with real clients under the supervision of a licensed instructor. Course modules include HIV/AIDS, professional ethics, anatomy and physiology, massage theory and history, clinical practicum, Florida laws and rules, theory and practice of hydrotherapy, allied modules, prevention of medical errors, career development, and advanced clinic. Graduates will be eligible to take the state exam to become a licensed therapist.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist Program
Duration: 9 months full-time
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age – signed permission from parent required if less than 18 years old
- Complete the enrollment application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Schedule and attend a tour of the institute
- Provide a copy of driver’s license and social security card
Program cost:
The program cost of $11,600 includes tuition, application fee, registration fee, and kit fee. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.
- Website: https://www.beaveda.com/
- Address: 10601 San Jose Boulevard, Suite 7, Jacksonville, FL 32257
- Phone: 904.647.4575