The recreational benefits of a massage are well-publicized. However, there is a growing recognition and respect for therapeutic massages and bodywork. They can heal sport injuries and relieve stress-induced pain. A therapeutic massage therapist will use touch to manipulate soft tissues and muscles to provide health and wellness. Massage therapists, whether recreational or therapeutic, must complete a course of study that includes anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, business practices, communication, and principles of massage therapy. While the recreational massage therapist might work in a spa or resort, the therapeutic masseuse might work alongside a physician in a clinic or hospital to alleviate pain.
Massage therapists in Pennsylvania must complete an approved training program before applying to take the state licensure exam. Most programs cover the state-mandated 600 contact hours. A few massage therapy programs in Philadelphia exceed this minimum by offering 700+ hours of training including hours for practice in the school’s clinic. Graduates can apply to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). Certification for therapeutic massage therapists is available through the American Medical Massage Association (AMMA).
Philadelphia School of Massage and Bodywork
The adult education massage therapy program offered by the Philadelphia School of Massage and Bodywork prepares students for a career as a professional massage therapist. The program is approved by the State of Philadelphia and prepares students for licensure. Course topics include orientation, Swedish massage application, anatomy and physiology, pathology, myofascial release basics, trigger point therapy basics, prenatal massage, shiatsu basics, hydrotherapy, chair massage, business, community outreach, and ethics in professionalism. Day and evening classes are offered to meet students’ availability. The day class meets Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The night classes meet Monday through Thursday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 8 months (full-time) 9 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be physically capable of performing a massage
- Present a valid photo ID
- Submit a completed application and a non-refundable fee of $75
- Submit two letters of reference
- Attend an interview with the program director
- Schedule and attend a facility tour
- Must submit a negative TB test report
- Receive a massage or bodywork session and describe the experience during the interview
Program cost:
Tuition costs $10,000. The program is not eligible for financial aid but payment plans are available.
Website: https://phillyschoolofmassage.com/curriculum/
Address: 251 N. 2nd St., 1F, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 267-930-7428
Email: info@phillyschoolofmassage.com
Community College of Philadelphia
The Community College of Philadelphia offers a massage therapy program that meets the Commonwealth’s requirement for massage therapy training and state licensure. Theory and practical experiences prepare students with the essential knowledge and competencies to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam. The training will cover anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and pathology, training in human immunodeficiency virus and related risks, massage theory and bodywork assessment, sanitation, safety, hygiene, professional ethics, business, law related to massage therapy, and CPR. Fall classes meet Monday through Friday from September to February. Spring classes meet Monday through Friday from Feb to May and Monday through Thursday from May to August from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Clinic hours occur outside the regularly scheduled class time.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 23 weeks (full-time) 23 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 604 + 46 clinic hours
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be physically capable of performing a massage
- Present a valid photo ID
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a clean criminal record – undergo a criminal background check
- Complete a Child Abuse History clearance
- Must have current CPR certification
- Must complete a general physical examination including a test for TB
Program cost:
The program cost is $7,900. Students must purchase uniforms prior to the commencement of the program. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.ccp.edu/academic-offerings/professional-development/non-credit-courses/massage-therapy-program
Address: 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-751-8000
Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks
The Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks provides students with the knowledge and skills to become professional massage therapists. Students will learn anatomy and physiology, massage theory and history, Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, sports massage, reflexology, medical massage, pregnancy massage, and professionalism in practice. They will also learn business principles and practices, medications, client/practitioner relationships, and CPR and first aid. Students who successfully complete the requirements will receive a diploma and will be prepared to take the national certification exam to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Philadelphia. Full-time students will attend classes Monday through Thursday. Morning classes begin at 8:30 am and end at 1:30 pm. Evening classes are from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. A weekend seminar will be conducted for one weekend during the course. Applicants who have completed 300 hours of Anatomy and Physiology may test out of this portion of the program. Transcripts will be required for a waiver.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 6 months (full-time) 6 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a current photo ID
- Submit the medical release form completed by a physician
- Submit a letter of recommendation from an employer, previous teacher or someone not related to you
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have current CPR certification
- Submit a completed application and enrollment fee of $100
Program cost:
Massage therapy and practice cost $3,250. Anatomy and physiology cost $3,250. Books and materials cost $420. The enrollment fee is $100. Payment plans and student loans are available.
Website: https://massage-training.net/#
Address: 141 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464
Phone: (610) 705 – 4401
Email: learnmassage@comcast.net
Montgomery County Community College
The comprehensive massage therapy program at Montgomery County Community College provides adults with education, skills, and practical experiences to pursue a career as a licensed massage therapist. One program objective is to help students develop the confidence to succeed on the State Board of Massage Therapy licensure exam. Students will learn massage protocols, business fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, history of massage, massage techniques, body mechanics, and rehabilitative aspects of massage. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Full-time classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Part-time classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and alternating Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Clinical rotations will occur outside of the scheduled class time for full-time and part-time students.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 22 weeks (full-time) 48 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a current photo ID
- Submit the medical release form completed by a physician
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have current CPR certification
- Submit a completed application
Program cost:
The program cost of $7,950 includes books and supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.mc3.edu/degrees-and-programs/non-credit/health-sciences/massage-therapy
Address: 101 College Drive, Pottstown, PA 19464
Phone: 610-718-1800
Cortiva Institute – Massage Therapy and Skincare School
Cortiva Institute gives massage therapy students a broad knowledge of therapeutic and clinical techniques become a professional massage therapist. Experienced instructors will cover various styles of therapeutic massages that are based on Swedish theory. Bodywork therapies covered include sports massage, reflexology, stretching, hydrotherapy, and deep tissue. Comprehensive studies in anatomy and physiology and kinesiology will help students develop personalized treatment plans for their clients. Professional ethics, business, marketing, and communication coursework will help students offer a quality of service that is essential to clients and employers alike. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or other state-recognized licensing exam. Full-time and part-time schedules are available.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy
Duration: 6 months (full-time) 9 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 720
Prerequisites:
- Must have graduated from high school or recognized equivalent
- Must be at least 17 years old and be 18 by the time of graduation
- Submit a formal application for admission
- Must complete and sign the Enrollment Agreement
Program cost:
The program cost of $14,262 includes tuition, registration fee, books, uniform, kit, lab fee, student ID, and licensure fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.cortiva.edu/king-of-prussia-pa
Address: 211 South Gulph Road, Suite 100, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 484-690-1400
European Medical School of Massage
The state-approved medical massage therapy program offered by the European Medical School of Massage exceeds the training requirements for massage therapists. Theory and practical instruction prepare students for success on the MBLEX exam. Course topics include anatomy and physiology theory and lab, medical massage, medical terminology, massage therapy, postural integration, kinesiology, British sports massage, pathology, specialty massage modalities, special populations, Swedish massage, CPR, medical billing, ethics theory, clinical massage lab, business mastery, and clinic lab and theory. Graduates will be eligible for employment as a massage therapist.
Program overview:
Medical Massage Therapy Diploma
Duration: 6 months (full-time) 9 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 700
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Must be 18 years of age at least one month before the class start date
- Submit an essay expressing knowledge of Massage Therapy Industry and Career Goals
- Take a Basic Skills test before the start of class. Candidates must score at least 8-% to establish a 12th-grade reedling level
- Provide proof of US legal residency
- Obtain physical exam clearance for the physical ability to perform massages
- Attend a private interview with an admissions representative
- Review and sign the enrollment agreement
- Pay the $150 enrollment fee
Program cost:
The program cost of $14,477 includes tuition, registration fee, supplies, and books. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://emsom.edu/
Address: 2921 Windmill Rd. Suite 1, Sinking Spring PA 19608
Phone: 610.670.6100
Email: contact@emsom.edu