A dramatic shift in the healthcare system toward natural health and preventative services creates a demand for professional who take a more holistic approach to healing. In California, more so than other states, there has been rapid growth in spas, clinics, and healthcare facilities that offer natural but revolutionary solutions to manage physical and mental disorders and promote overall health and well-being. Massage therapy programs provide training for adults seeking to take an active role in the holistic health care movement. Through theory and extensive hands-on practice, students will commit to preserving the physical, mental, and spiritual components of the human body to improve the lives of the people they serve. Graduates of accredited, state-approved massage therapy programs in California will be eligible to apply for certification to practice. The state no longer requires applicants to complete a state exam as part of the certification process.
Pacific College
The Massage Therapist program at Pacific College merges quality education with the convenience of hybrid learning. It features a blend of instruction in the classroom with online coursework in Asian Bodywork and Massage Therapy. Students will have the opportunity to practice their skills on campus guided by expert faculty. The curriculum emphasizes Oriental medical theory and tui na. Students will develop an understanding of the causes and symptoms of disease that will help them customize massage therapy according to clients’ personal needs. Course topics include Oriental Medicine Theory and Points for Body Therapists, Tui Na Hand Techniques. Anatomy and Physiology, Public Safety, Business and Ethics, Thai Massage, Deep Tissue Techniques, Biomedical Pathology for Massage Therapists, Advanced Massage Modalities, and Introduction to Kinesiology. Graduates will be eligible to take the massage exams administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Federation of State Massage Board. They will also be eligible for certification in the state of California.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist/Asian Bodywork Certificate
Duration: 3 terms
Contact hours: 690
Units: 36
Prerequisites:
- Applicants whose primary language is not English must provide evidence of TOEFL/iBT score of 61;500 (paper score)
- Provide official high school transcript or a certified copy of a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Must have a GPA of at least 2.0. Applicants who present a GPA below 20.0 but has earned a prior degree will be accepted into the program. Applicants whose GPA is below 2.0 but has not completed a degree must take the Wonderlic Entrance Exam and score at least a 14 to be admitted
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must be 18 years or older
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $14,477. The cost for books, uniforms, fees, kits, and other supplies are additional. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.pacificcollege.edu/
Address: 7445 Mission Valley Road, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: 866.276.0717
ICOHS College
The Professional Massage Therapist Program at ICOHS College prepares adults with advanced education and practical instruction in various massage therapy techniques. The curriculum exceeds the standards as set forth by the California Massage Therapy Council in the state of California, so graduates will be prepared for practice through the advanced training. Students will learn bodywork techniques and methods that will help them to provide individualized care and use effective methods to improve health and well-being. Program courses include fundamentals of massage, Eastern modalities, Western Modalities, anatomy and deep tissue, kinesiology and client assessment, body systems, pathology, and special populations, and career development. Graduates will be eligible to apply for certification to work in massage clinics, hotels, fitness centers, health clubs, and day spas. The class size is limited to 25 students per instructor to ensure personalized instruction.
Program overview:
Professional Massage Therapist Program
Duration: 9 months
Contact hours: 630
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school equivalency diploma or 6 college credits
- Must be 18 years or older
- Complete an interview with an admissions representative
- Provide picture identification – a valid driver’s license or state ID
- International applicants must provide an appropriate Visa
- Submit a completed application and application fee and establish a payment plan if applicable
- Must provide proof of English proficiency by taking an onsite entrance exam if English is a second language
- Applicants must disclose whether they have violated any provision of the California Massage Therapy Act that would prevent them from qualifying for state certification through CAMTC
Program cost:
The total program cost of $12,258.87 includes tuition, application fee, technology fee, educational materials, and supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://icohs.edu
Address: 1770 Fourth Ave. San Diego CA 92101
Phone: (858) 581-9460
Healing Hands Massage School
Healing Hands Massage Therapist program meets the requirements for certification as a Massage Therapist in California. Apart from preparation for state certification, students will develop comprehensive skills to function as reliable professionals in the industry. Experienced faculty will take a holistic approach to practice. The program learning outcomes will be aligned with an emphasis on mind/body connection. They will cover powerful healing techniques and the importance of maintain a relaxed posture during work. Required courses include circulatory massage, anatomy for body-workers, business and professional practice, and clinical practicum. Elective courses include advanced circulatory and sports massage, deep tissue manipulations, Shiatsu techniques, and Tui Na Chinese massage techniques. The clinical practicum will cover 50 hours and will give students extended experience in the clinic to practice hands-on massage therapy skills, professional communication skills, basic paperwork procedures, and on-the-job work ethics. Graduates will be eligible to take the state certification exam. Job placement assistance is available for all students.
Program overview:
Professional Massage Therapist Program
Duration: 40 weeks
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Complete and submit an Application for Admission
- Meet with a Healing Hands School Representative
- Complete a campus tour
- Read and understand the contents of the Catalog
- Complete all financial arrangements as stated on the Enrollment Agreement
- Provide a $250 refundable deposit
- Provide a copy of high school diploma reflecting high school graduation or GED reflecting passing scores
- Must be 18 years or older
- Demonstrate English language proficiency – must be equivalent to the 8th grade level and up
- Must be in good health and capable of meeting the physical demands of performing therapeutic massage applications
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $9,080. Expenses for books and supplies are additional. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://hhs.edu/
Address: 125 W Mission Ave #212, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: (760) 746-9364 ext 1
Fax: (760) 839-0504
Email: contactus@hhs.edu
National Holistic Institute
The Massage Therapy Training Program at National Holistic Institute prepares adults for a fulfilling career as a massage therapist. The program includes instruction in the classroom as well as real world practice as they treat clients in the on-campus massage clinic. Dedicated faculty who are experienced massage professionals will provide continuous mentorship that will help students make the transition from a student to a massage professional. Multiple teaching methods such as audio, visual, and kinesthetic support various learning styles. Students will learn Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, prenatal massage, and lymphatic massage. Instructors will also cover eastern massage techniques such as Swedish massage, acupressure, rocking and shaking, hand and foot reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine, Thai massage, and Shiatsu. The program will also include practical business training that will help students manage and market their own business. Graduates will be eligible to take the state certification exam to become a certified massage therapist. Morning, afternoon, and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist & Health Educator Program
Duration: 8 months full-time 10 to 12 months part-time
Contact hours: 600
Quarter credits: 36
Prerequisites:
- Complete and submit an Application for Admission
- Schedule and attend a personal interview with an Admissions Representative
- Pay the $50 registration fee to reserve a place in the class
- Demonstrate 12th-grade level proficiency in the English language
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years or older
Program cost:
The total program cost of $16,329 includes tuition, books, supplies, and uniform.
Website: https://nhi.edu/
Address: 5900 Doyle Street, Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: 510.547.6442
Email: nhi@nhi.edu
AIM – Andaman Institute of Massage
The Massage Therapist program at AIM teaches students the basic skills as well as advanced modalities requested from employers. The training will be conducted in the classroom and on-site clinic where students will have opportunities to put their skills to practice. Course modules include circulatory massage, body systems, anatomy and physiology, business and ethics, kinesiology and pathology, sports massage, reflexology, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, and Tui-Na. Graduates will be eligible to apply for certification to become a massage therapist in the state of California. Students must supply their oil and linens and wear appropriate and clean clothing to the classroom. Full-time and part-time schedules are available.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist Program
Duration: 4 to 6 months
Contact hours: 520
Prerequisites:
- Complete and submit an Application for Admission
- Schedule and attend a personal interview with an Admissions Representative
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be in good health and capable of performing the required movements involved in massage therapy
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $6,500. It includes books, enrollment fee, and handouts.
Website: https://andamaninstitute.com/index.html
Address: 3108 San Luis Rey Rd. Oceanside, CA 92058
Phone: 760-941-3333
American Institute of Massage Therapy
The Massage Therapist program at the American Institute of Massage Therapy prepares adults with basic skills and knowledge to function as successful massage professionals. The curriculum covers theory and practical instruction in massage therapy fundamentals, sports massage, individual muscles, business law and ethics, basic massage, business law and ethics, hydrotherapy, systems of the body, advanced and complementary techniques, and clinical practicum at athletic events. Graduates will qualify for the MBLEx Exam and be eligible to apply for the State of California Certification. Day and evening schedules are available. Day classes meet Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm or Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 6:45 pm t0 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist
Duration: 31 weeks full-time or 48 weeks part-time
Contact hours: 624
Prerequisites:
- Complete and submit an Application for Enrollment
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a current valid government-issued photo ID 9 (driver’s license or passport)
- Schedule and attend a short interview with an Admissions Representative
- Submit an application fee of $25
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $7,665. The cost of books and supplies is not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.aimtinc.com/
Address: 1516 Brookhollow Dr., Unit C, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (714) 432-7879
Email: info@aimtinc.com