As more people recognize the therapeutic and revitalizing properties of a massage, there will be a spike in the demand for professional massage therapists. The requirements for massage therapists to practice varies from state to state. In California, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) requires a minimum of 500 hours of massage education from an approved school and program before you apply for the Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) credential. This credential remains voluntary. However, more employers are requiring to verify the competency of prospective employees. Requirements in the future may change – at short notice – so it is best to get the certification while you can. As a trained and certified massage therapist, you may apply for employment at various facilities including spas and salons or start your own business and operate as a sole proprietor.
National Holistic Institute
The massage therapy program at National Holistic Institute prepares adults for a fulfilling, flexible career as a massage therapist. The program will include classroom sessions and real-world experience as students attend to clients in the on-campus massage training clinics. Experienced massage professionals and dedicated staff will mentor students throughout the program. Content will be delivered via audio, visual, and kinesthetic to support different learning styles. Course topics include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, lymphatic massage, sports massage, aromatherapy and spa life, hot stone massage, prenatal massage, and Eastern modalities such as Shiatsu, traditional Chinese medicine, energy work, Thai massage, energy work, and acupressure. Full-time and part-time schedules are offered.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy – Certificate
Duration: 8 months (full-time) 10-12 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED certificate
- Schedule and attend a personal interview with an Admissions Representative
- Fill out an NHI Enrollment Agreement and pay the registration fee of $50
- Must be proficient in all areas of the English Language
- Must be at least 18 years of age – applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian co-sign the enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The program cost of $16,429 includes tuition, books, and supplies.
- Website: https://nhi.edu/
- Address: 3031 Tisch Way, Suite 1 Plaza South, San Jose, CA 95128
- Phone: 408.423.8004
- Email: nhi@nhi.edu
San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork
The massage therapist curriculum at San Francisco School of Massage and Bodywork supports motivated adults who aspire to help others through massage therapy. Students will learn in the classroom and the student clinic to practice and perfect their skills. The practical experiences with clients help students develop confidence in a supportive learning environment. Students will learn Swedish massage, body mechanics, sports massage, deep tissue massage, anatomy and physiology, business and ethics, lymphatic massage, neuromuscular techniques, trigger point therapy, and body mechanics. Upon completion of the program’s requirements, graduates will be prepared to become state-certified through the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and be eligible to become nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Various class schedules are available to meet students’ needs.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist – Certificate
Duration: 6 months (full-time) 11 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED certificate
- Schedule and attend a personal interview with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application and pay the registration fee of $75
- Must be proficient in all areas of the English Language
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Program cost:
The program cost of $9,300 includes tuition, books, and registration.
- Website: https://www.sfsm.edu/
- Address: 475 Valencia Street – 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Phone: 415-474-4600
Aveda Institute
The massage therapy program at Aveda Institute prepares students with the skills and competencies to master the power of healing through touch. Training will be delivered through in-class sessions and practical activities in the school’s salon. Students will learn Swedish massage, reflexology massage, aromatology, business development, wellness and retail knowledge. The curriculum also includes Ayurvedic teachings to produce well-rounded professionals who will exceed accreditor requirements.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist – Certificate
Duration: 10 months (full-time) 16 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED certificate
- Schedule and attend a personal interview and campus tour
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee
- Must be proficient in all areas of the English Language
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Program cost:
The program cost of $18,550 includes tuition, books, and registration.
- Website: https://aveda.edu/
- Address: 111 West St. John Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Phone: 1-408-648-2555
Burke Williams Academy of Massage Therapy
The massage therapist program at Burke Williams provides students with extensive practical and theoretical training to prepare for state certification through the California Massage Therapy Council. Students will learn Swedish Massage, deep tissue massage, hot stones, body mechanics, anatomy and physiology, business and ethics, contraindications, health and hygiene, and much more. Graduates will have earned 500 Hours Toward CAMTC Certification at the BPPE Approved School. They will also have the confidence to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and be eligible to become CAMTC certified and practice massage in the State of California. The school will also provide an additional 100 hours to hone their massage skills and body mechanics and prepare for work in a luxury spa environment.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist – Certificate
Duration: 4 months (full-time)
Contact hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of a massage therapist
- Schedule and attend a personal interview and campus tour
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee
- Must be proficient in all areas of the English Language
Program cost:
The program cost of $11,285 includes tuition, books, livescan fingerprinting, supplies, equipment, CAMTC, and MBLEx exam.
- Website: https://www.burkewilliams.com/
- Address: 810 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, California 95128
- Phone: 408-200-2151
Cosmotek College
The massage therapy program at Cosmotek College follows a unique curriculum that includes Eastern, Western and Ancient practices to provide students with a strong foundation for entry into the massage field. There will be lessons devoted to spa massage, lymph massage, clinical massage techniques, therapeutic procedures, athletic massage, and massage in medicine. Course modules include ethics and massage business, human anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health, and hygiene, Swedish, massage movements, complete body massage, hydrotherapy, clinical, lymph, therapeutic, sport massage, special populations, and somatic therapies. Graduates will have the educations skills to develop specialized techniques of massage and all the necessary tools to succeed as a massage therapist.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist – Certificate
Duration: 4 months (full-time)
Contact hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must be at least 17 years of age – students under 18 years must have a parent or legal guardian sign the enrollment contract
- Visit the school and discuss personal and educational goals with an Administrative Representative
- Provide a form of identification issued by the US Government Agencies
- Applicants without a high school diploma or equivalent must have completed the 10th grade level of education or its equivalent and pass an Ability to Benefit exam
- Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of a massage therapist
- Must be proficient in the English Language
Program cost:
The program cost of $6,400 includes tuition, books, application fee, equipment, and supplies. The low-cost tuition also includes an option for scholarships and financial aid to qualifying students.
Website: https://www.cosmotekcollege.com/
Address: 2188-B Del Franco St. San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: (408) 802-3680
Email: support@cosmotekcollege.com
Diamond Light Massage Healing Arts School
Diamond Light Massage School offers a Massage Therapy and Bodywork program that is approved by California State. The program will provide students with comprehensive professional massage therapy and bodywork training. The content is delivered primarily through experiential learning to support the development of skills needed for success in all areas of massage therapy and the healing arts. Course topics include deep tissue massage, chair massage, table Thai massage, medication and energy principles, meditation and energy principles, palpation anatomy, massage essentials, business ethics, reflexology, prenatal massage, health and hygiene, acupressure, deep Swedish massage, myofascial release, advanced neck work, reiki, neuromuscular reprogramming, and craniosacral therapy. Graduates will meet the educational requirements for professional certification as a Massage Therapist in California.
Program overview:
Professional Bodywork Therapist Certification
Duration: 6 months (full-time)
Contact hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must be at least 17 years of age – students under 18 years must have a parent or legal guardian sign the enrollment contract
- Must meet with an Administrative Representative
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
- Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of a massage therapist
- Must be proficient in the English Language
Program cost:
Tuition costs $8,985. Costs for books and supplies are additional.
- Website: http://www.diamondlight.net/
- Address: Marin County, CA
- Phone: 415-454-6651
- Email: diamondlight@earthlink.net
Bodhi Panya Institute (BPI)
Bodhi Panya Institute offers a 500-hour Thai Massage program. The program consists of 426 classroom hours and 74 hours of student clinic experience. Experienced faculty will use lectures, demonstration, and active participation to help students develop skills as a perform massages on one another. Course topics include anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, pathology and contraindications, business and ethics, Swedish massage, Thai aroma massage, traditional Thai massage, deep tissue massage, Thai herbal massage, Thai foot reflexology, and student clinic. Graduates will have a solid foundation in traditional Thai massage and will be prepared for state licensure as a Certified Massage Therapist. They will have the confidence to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) test and take up full-time or part-time employment as a professional massage therapist. Classes meet five days a week for eight hours each day.
Program overview:
Professional Bodywork Therapist Certification
Duration: 3 months (full-time) 8 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must be 18 years or older
- Complete an application for admission form
- Attend an interview with the Chief Academic Officer
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
- Must be fluent in English – conversational, reading, writing
Program cost:
Tuition and registration cost $7,500. It includes textbooks and class materials. A flexible payment plan is available to all students.
- Website: https://www.bpisf.org/
- Address: 38 Bryant Street, Suite 2, SF, CA 94105
- Phone: 415-994-5232
McKinnon BTC
The Massage Therapist Program at McKinnon BTC prepares students for state certification and a career as a massage therapist. The curriculum includes 500 hours of theory and practical experiences in Swedish Massage, Shiatsu/Acupressure Foundations OR Deep Tissue Foundations, a business class, and Anatomy & Physiology: Human Structure & Movement included in the Deep Tissue Foundations Track. Students will also complete a 125-hour Advanced Course of their choice and participate in a one-on-one exit meeting and complete an instructor massage. The remaining time will cover elective course options such as Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology, Prenatal Massage, Tui Na, and Lymphatic Drainage. The Massage Therapist Program meets California State’s educational requirement for certification.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist
Duration: 4 months (full-time)
Contact hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must be 18 years or older
- Complete an application for admission form
- Attend an interview with the Chief Academic Officer
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
- Must be fluent in English – conversational, reading, writing
Program cost:
Tuition costs $8,105. The cost of books, fees, and supplies are not included.
- Website: https://mckinnonbtc.com/
- Address: 2940 Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94609
- Phone: 510.465.3488
- Email: info@mckinnonbtc.com