Massage therapy is a field that is both rewarding and in demand. Although the profession falls within the allied health sector, there are numerous specialties that you can choose as a career focus. Some common areas for specializing include maternity massages, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and aromatherapy. Regardless of the specialty, all therapists use their skills and knowledge to relieve stress and pain through the application of pressure to various points in the body.
There is a growing demand for massage therapists in health care settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 21 percent between 2019 and 2029. There will be many opportunities for new entrants in clinics, spas, hospitals, patients’ homes, sports medicine, and much more.
The Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy issues the license to applicants who meet the criminal background and citizenship requirements. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to pass an English proficiency test.
Avalon School of Cosmetology
Avalon School of Cosmetology’s massage therapy program helps prepare students for various careers in the massage industry. The extensive curriculum covers basic anatomy and techniques in stone massage and aromatherapy. Other areas of study include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Athletic/Sports and Stretching, Clinical Approach to Bodywork, Lymph Massage, Anatomy and Kinesiology, Hydrotherapy, and Business and Ethics. A supervised clinical internship is included as part of the training. The hands-on experience will give students confidence as they transition from the classroom to the massage industry. Students will acquire skills in resume writing, mock interviews, and career planning to prepare for the world of work. Day classes meet Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Diploma Program
Duration: 6 months (full-time) 9 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 700
Prerequisites:
- Complete a Pre-Application Interview Questionnaire
- Attend a Career Planning Interview
- Must have a genuine desire and commitment to successfully complete the program
- Provide evidence of high school diploma or GED or college transcript showing attainment of an Associate’s Degree
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a copy of social security card and photo ID
- Submit completed application and enrollment documents along with the required application fee of $50
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $11,884 and includes tuition, books, supplies, application fee, and student kit. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
Website: https://avalon.edu/programs-enrollment/massage-therapy/
Address: 410 E. Bell Rd. Suite G100, Phoenix, AZ 85022
Phone: 602-443-0076
GateWay College – Deer Valley
The Massage Therapy Program at Deer Valley College provides theory and hands-on instruction to equip students with the skills to succeed in the Massage Therapy Industry. The curriculum centers on structural massage that requires a knowledge of anatomy combined with tissue sculpting techniques to encourage change in the body. Students will learn how to use fingers, hands, knuckles, forearms, fists, and elbows as they manipulate soft tissues in the body. Massage techniques include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, and Asian modalities. Business classes support the development of professionalism, communication, marketing, and customer service. Students must complete each module with a minimum grade of 80% and attend 100% of course hours to continue to the next course in the sequence and graduate from the program. Program graduates will receive a Massage Therapy Certificate and be eligible to apply for a license from the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 8 months (full-time)
Contact hours: 700
Prerequisites:
- Attend an Advising Session
- Must have a genuine desire and commitment to successfully complete the program
- Provide evidence of high school diploma or GED or college transcript showing attainment of an Associate’s Degree
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a copy of social security card and photo ID
- Obtain a student ID and apply for the program
- Tuition is due within 2 weeks of the program start date
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $3,954 and includes tuition, lab, and books, supplies. An additional registration fee of $15 will be applied per year. The program qualifies for financial aid funding.
Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/massage-therapy
Address: 2931 W. Bell Road Phoenix, AZ 85053
Phone: (602) 392-5000
Sigma College University Trade Schools
Students enrolled in the Massage Therapy program at Sigma CUTS will learn the techniques to enter the massage therapy industry. The program will include classroom lectures, lab skills, and real-world experiences in massage therapy and business development. Graduates are guaranteed a job upon completion of the program and licensure by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. Night Classes available Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 a. till 6:00 pm. Clinicals are conducted on Sundays by appointment only.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 8 months (full-time)
Contact hours: 700
Prerequisites:
- Must be passionate about this career option
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a copy of social security card and photo ID
- Submit an application for admission
- Provide a statement of income to confirm eligibility
Program cost:
Scholarships opportunities (for 100 percent of funding) are available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.sigmacuts.org/massage-therapy-program
Address: 3601 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85013,
Phone: 623-252-0881
Email: info@sigmacuts.org
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts offers affordable massage therapy training to prepare students for entry into the field of massage therapy. The curriculum will cover foundational skills that will enable students to work in private offices, hospitals, massage specialty clinics, spas, private offices, and fitness centers. Comprising of 750 hours of theory and practical instruction, the curriculum exceeds the training requirements suggested by the Arizona Board of Massage. Courses include Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, First Aid, Pathology, CPR Certification, Aromatherapy, Rock and Unlock, Breast Health, Rotator Cuff/Shoulder Joint, Fibromyalgia Therapy, Medical Massage for Cancer Survivors, Sports Massage, Elder Touch, and Trigger Point. Students will spend supervised time in the Massage Clinic to obtain hands-on practice with real clients. They will also have the confidence and know-how to start their own professional practice or offer in-home services to clients. Full-time and part-time training options are available.
Program overview:
Professional Massage Practitioner – Therapeutic Practitioner
Duration: 11 months (full-time)
Credit hours: 33-35
Contact hours: 750
Prerequisites:
- Attend a session with an Admissions Coach
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a copy of social security card and photo ID
- Submit an application for admission
Program cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $13,500. It includes the registration fee, tuition, books, supplies, tech fee, material fee, and licensing fee. Federal Student Aid in the form of Pell grants and student loans are available to eligible students.
Website: https://swiha.edu/arizona-massage-school/
Address: 1538 E. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480) 994-9244
Toll-Free: (888) 504-9106
Arizona School of Integrative Studies
The massage therapy program Arizona School of Integrative Studies covers additional studies in business, communication, and life skills to prepare students for professional and personal success. Students will learn Swedish Massage, Chiropractic Assistant Training, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage, Craniosacral, Connective Tissue Therapy, Shiatsu, Hydrotherapy, Integrative Massage, and Polarity Therapy. They will participate in the Student Clinic to develop skills essential to practice and meet the requirements for licensure. Graduates will be eligible to apply for an Arizona State License and take the MBLEX. Full-time classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:20 pm. Part-time classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:20 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:20 pm.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist Diploma
Duration: 26 weeks (full-time) 12 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 800
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years old by the program start date
- Complete the online application
- Submit the non-refundable application fee of $50
- Submit the required enrollment documents including transcripts
- Schedule and attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Attend a campus tour
Program cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $13,800. Financing options include federal financial aid, scholarships, payment plans, AmeriCorps, Veterans’ Administration, and Vocational & Educational Service for Individuals with Disabilities.
Website: https://www.asismassage.edu/programs/index.php
Address: 209 W. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: 602-833-6500
Phoenix College
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy program offered by Phoenix College provides students with foundational and advanced skills to meet the requirements for State of Arizona licensure and employment as a massage therapist. Students will gain a thorough understanding of massage techniques such as Swedish, deep tissue and therapeutic massage through partnerships with other students and experienced faculty. Courses will cover Fundamentals in Health Care Delivery, Overview of Massage Therapy, Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals I, Therapeutic Massage Practice I, Therapeutic Massage Practices II, Leisure and the Quality of Life, Owning and Operating a Small Business, and Clinical Practicum. Students will participate in onsite clinical and classroom settings to apply skills learned in the classroom. Graduates will be prepared to work in various settings including spas, clinics, private practices, sports industry, and hospitals.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Associate Degree
Duration: 2 years
Credit hours: 60-67
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent
- Complete the program prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Provide proof of current immunizations – MMR, TB test, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B
- Must have the ability to participate in the classroom, lab, and clinical activities
- Must have current CPR card for Health Care Providers
- Complete and submit the health declaration form signed by a licensed health care provider
- Take and pass a drug screen with negative results
- Complete an interview with an Admission Representative
- Submit a formal application to the program
- Complete a satisfactory Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
Program cost:
Tuition costs $85 per credit hour or a flat rate of $1,020 per semester (12 to 21 credits) for Maricopa County residents. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/degrees-certificates/massage-therapy
Address: 1202 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: 602-285-7777