Massage Therapy is recognizing explosive growth as a wider demographic seek out the services of massage therapists to relieve pain and reduce stress and anxiety. In the sporting arena, athletes depend on massage therapists for rehabilitating injuries and relaxation. Resorts offer massage services to broaden their range of services and make their guests feel good. Prenatal massage services are on the rise and beneficial to expectant mothers seeking to relieve back pain and joint pain, improve circulation and oxygenation of soft tissues, and to reduce stress and anxiety. Massage therapists also work independently, visiting clients’ homes, in spas, gyms, cruise ships, chiropractor offices, and nursing homes.
Certification for massage therapists is voluntary in California. The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) is a private nonprofit corporation that issues voluntary certification to applicants that meet the requirements in the law. Some counties in the state have chosen to replace the permit requirements with CAMTC certification. The certification is recognized statewide and may be required by some employers. If you’re considering certification, you must complete a 500-hour approved massage therapy program, be at least 18 years old, submit fingerprints to an authorized agency for a Live Scan, provide a copy of your driver’s license or state ID, provide a passport photo, and pay the $200 fee.
National Holistic Institute
National Holistic Institute seeks to produce qualified Massage Therapists through its Massage Therapy Diploma program. The first half of the curriculum is aimed at building a solid bodywork foundation in the classroom and simultaneous experiences. The final half focuses on providing opportunities for students to share the things learned to reinforce the content and learn new subjects. Leadership opportunities are available for students who choose this path. The course modules include Massage Theory and Practice, Sciences, Business/Career & Professional Development, Ethics, Student Clinic, and Externship. the out-of-class work (100 hours) comprises of various learning tools aimed at supporting students’ success in the program. It will include Bodywork Practice, National and State Exam online preparation, resume writing, and kinesiology flashcards. Graduates will be prepared for private Massage Therapy practice or employment in spas, gyms, fitness centers, and other facilities. Weekday, afternoon, evening, and evening/weekend schedules are available.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Diploma
Duration: 8 months (full-time) 12 months (part-time)
Clock hours: 800 (in-class hours) 100 (out-of-class hours)
Prerequisites:
- Schedule a personal interview with an Admissions Representative
- Fill out an NHI Enrollment Agreement
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $50 to reserve a place in the class
- Applicants with a high school diploma can apply for Federal Financial Aid
- Must be proficient in all areas of the English language
- Must be at least 17 years of age. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or guardian co-sign the Enrollment Agreement
- Must provide verification of high school completion or equivalency
Program cost:
The estimated total cost of the program is $15,820. Additional costs for registration, books, supplies, and California Certification fee are not included.
Website: https://nhi.edu/massage-therapy-schools/studio-city-los-angeles-massage-training
Address: 10969 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: 818-788-0824
Email: nhi@nhi.edu
SOCHi
The Massage Therapy program at SOCHi prepares adults for a career as a Massage Therapist. Students will learn the basics of massage therapy and obtain a solid foundation for a successfully care. Experienced instructors will emphasize the rehabilitative and relaxation components of massage therapy. Areas of study include spa treatment modalities, Russian sports massage, medical massage, trigger point therapy, anatomy and physiology, CPR and First Aid, professional ethics, business principles, and kinesiology. Students will learn how to document treatment and liaise with other healthcare providers to be a part of the overall wellness plan. Graduates will be prepared to take the certification exam and will have the ability to apply the skills and concepts learned in a spa or clinical setting.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Diploma
Duration: 10 months (full-time)
Clock hours: 800
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate
- Must be at least 18 years old at the graduation date
- Attend an interview and tour of the school with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Complete an Enrollment Agreement
- Complete a Statement of Health
- Must demonstrate English proficiency
Program cost:
The estimated total cost of the program is $16,165. The cost includes tuition, books, registration, and equipment and supplies.
Website: https://www.lamassageschool.us/programs/massage-therapy.html
Address: 5646 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Phone: (323) 745-8212
E-mail: info@lamassageschool.us
South Bay Massage College
The Massage Therapy Certificate program at South Bay Massage College is approved by the
California Massage Therapy Council. The training will include classroom lectures and practical reinforcement of the classroom content in the school’s spa where students gain additional experiences by working with real clients. South Bay offers a friendly environment for learning, affordable tuition, accelerated classrooms, flexible scheduling, and small class sizes. Course modules include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue I and II, Myofascial Release Therapy, and Elective Courses. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available to accommodate part-time or full-time schedules.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 4 months (full-time)
Clock hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Applicants who do not have a high school diploma may take an Ability to Benefit test
- Must demonstrate English proficiency
Program cost:
The estimated total cost of the program is $5,375. The cost includes tuition, books, registration, and material.
Website: http://www.southbaymassagecollege.com/
Address: 120 South Sepulveda Blvd, Suite B Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: 310-546-8774
South California University of Health Sciences
South California University prepares massage therapy students with the highest level of knowledge and skill to assume entry-level employment in the industry. The training will include extensive hands-on opportunities, clinical experiences to care for clients at the SCU Health Center, and preparation for the MBLEx. The coursework will include but not limited to ethics and professionalism, business management, wellness and health, Swedish massage, chair massage, stone massage, deep tissue massage, and focused techniques. The program is approved by the California Massage Therapy Council and accredited through WASC Senior College and University Commission. Graduates will be prepared to take the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). Convenient daytime, night and weekend schedules are offered. Through partnerships with local employers, SCU assists students with interviews, externships, and job opportunities after completing the program.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 7 months (full-time)
Clock hours: 625
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Provide references of good moral character
- Submit complete, official academic transcripts or records of previous enrollment at any higher education institution
- Submit a completed application for admission not less than 6 months before the program start date
- Complete a successful interview with an Admissions Representative
- Must demonstrate English language competency
Program cost:
The estimated total cost of the program is $10,000. The cost of books and supplies are additional.
Website: https://www.scuhs.edu/academics/sps/massage-certificate-program/
Address: 16200 Amber Valley Dr. Whittier, CA 90604
Phone: (800) 221-5222
LA Vocational Institute
LA Vocational Institute offers a massage therapy program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of specific modalities in massage therapy. Students will learn to assess and determine pathologies and injuries and correct them using manipulations, stretching, and rehabilitative exercises. Areas covered in the theory and practical training include massage therapy, Swedish massage, orthopedic assessment, deep tissue massage, clinical neuromuscular therapy, acupressure, chair massage, kinesiology, and hydrotherapy. LA Vocational Institute’s massage therapy program is on hiatus for reapproval from the California Massage Therapy Council in 2020.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist III
Duration: 40 weeks (full-time)
Clock hours: 800
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Present a copy of recognized high school diploma or GED certificate
- Attend an orientation session
- Attend an interview with the program coordinator
- Attend a campus tour
- Demonstrate the capacity to benefit from the training
Program cost:
The estimated total cost of the program is $5,700. The cost of books and supplies are additional.
Website: https://www.lavocational.com/Programs/massage-therapy/
Address: 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 809, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 480 4882
Email: info@lavocational.com
Hands On Healing Institute
The massage therapy program at Hands On Healing Institute goes beyond teaching the mechanics of massage therapy. Students will learn how to connect mind, body and spirit to catalyze healing in patients. Some key areas of learning include educated touch combined with therapeutic intervention, present-centered awareness, and grounding, centering, and healthy boundaries skills. Experienced faculty will share their knowledge in a loving and safe environment to support learning. The first 450 hours of the program will cover the foundational aspects of massages, emotional intelligence, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and business skills. Students will also learn Swedish massage, chair massage, pregnancy massage, and myofascial release technique. The student clinic that follows gives students the opportunity to practice their skills on loved ones as they prepare for the transition to a real-world environment. Graduates will be prepared to take the MBLEx exam. Daytime and evening class options are offered.
Program overview:
Certified Massage Therapy
Duration: 23 weeks (core program)
Clock hours: 550
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Submit a copy of high school diploma, GED, or ATB test
- Submit a copy of admissions forms and Enrollment Agreement
- Must the physically fit to perform massages
- Submit a copy of valid photo ID
Program cost:
The estimated total cost of the program is $7,210. The cost of books is not included. An interest-free payment plan is available for all students.
Website: https://www.gotohhi.org/
Address: 6708 Foothill Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91042
Phone: (818) 951-5811
Email: administration@gotohhi.org
Fremont College
Fremont College helps adults turn their skills into a rewarding career as a Massage Therapist. The fast-paced, comprehensive program delivers theory in the classroom and hands-on experience in a lab and clinic to ensure students acquire skills and competencies to become qualified professionals. Students will have a unique opportunity to practice modern techniques in the real-world by attending sports events and working with athletes. The school offers expert mentorship, accelerated program, small class sizes, hands-on training, flexible schedules, peer tutoring, and career services. The program is approved by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). Graduates will be prepared to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Diploma
Duration: 9 months (full-time)
Clock hours: 560
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Submit an entrance essay
- Attend an initial interview with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application for admission to Fremont College
- Sign the Enrollment Agreement
- Attend an acceptance interview with a designated school official
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass the online readiness Computer Literacy and Internet Knowledge pre-assessment test
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $24,400. Books and supplies cost an additional $810.
Website: https://fremont.edu/programs/college-of-healthcare/massage-therapy/
Address: 18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 900A, Cerritos, CA, 90703
Phone: (800) 373-6668
Email: info@fremont.edu
Aberdeen College
The massage therapy program at Aberdeen College prepares students for a career as a massage therapist. Students will attain the education and experience to perform therapeutic massage and bodywork treatments in a professional setting. They will recognize indications and contraindications of massage therapy, under the relationship and workings of all body systems through anatomy, physiology, pathology, and biomechanics, apply knowledge of the prevention and spread of disease and maintain sanitary environments and good personal hygiene, and demonstrate competency in the practical application of massage therapy techniques and client relationships. Students must attend a minimum of 600 scheduled clock hours and pass all modules, courses, and terms demonstrating knowledge of class materials, satisfy all financial obligations, and pass the final tests to graduate from the program.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 24 weeks (25 hours/week)
Clock hours: 600 (500 required) 100 (elective)
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Attend an informal interview and campus tour with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application for review
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $100 and all required fees
- Submit all the required documents to the Admissions Department
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, CHSPE, or pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test with a minimum score of 200 in Verbal and 210 in Quantitative sections
Program cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $5,988. The cost includes tuition, registration fee, books, and supplies.
Website: http://www.aberdeenusa.com/program/massage-therapy.php
Address: 1216 Menlo Avenue #206, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: 213-381-7765
Fax: 213-381-7746
Email: info@AberdeenUSA
Life Energy Institute
The massage therapy training at Life Energy Institute includes 550 hours of theory and hands-on training to prepare students for CAMTC certification. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, body psychology, energy balancing, circulatory massage techniques, business ethics, self-massage, health and hygiene, and client therapist communications. New students are admitted throughout the year.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 24 weeks (25 hours/week)
Clock hours: 550
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a government-issued ID
- Submit a completed application and interview
- Pay the enrollment fee of $95
Program cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $7,213. The cost includes tuition, registration fee, books, and supplies.
Website: https://www.mylei.org/ipsbfoundations
Address: 5817 Uplander Ave, Culver City, CA 90230
Phone: (310) 342-7130
Email: info@mylei.org