13 Top Ranking Schools For Massage Therapy
There are a lot of schools for massage therapy to match the rising demand for massage therapists.
In fact, the U.S. News & World Report stated that massage therapists are among the greatest healthcare support professions in the world.
This article includes a list of the top massage therapy schools worldwide that grant reputable, accredited massage therapy degrees.
You will also learn about the requirements to become a student of one of these schools, the basic requirements for a license as well as the different specialties of massage therapy.
But before we go on, let’s begin with with how long it will take you to become a message therapist.
How long does it take to be a massage therapist?
While associate degree programs normally last two years, vocational colleges that offer certificate programs enable students to graduate in less time.
The average time it takes to become a certified massage therapist varies depending on where you live and your degree of education.
What do you learn in massage therapy school?
You will learn to be familiar with the human body, have effective interpersonal abilities, and have the capacity to comprehend a client’s occasionally complex medical history.
You would also learn the following:
- Communication Skills for Health Professionals
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Health Psychology
- Medical Terminology
- Critical Thinking for Health Professionals
- Ethics
Additionally, you can advance your profession by enrolling in elective courses like business management, pregnant massage, or sports massage. In some classes, topics like herbalism, aromatherapy, meditation, homeopathy, yoga, and tai chi can even be covered.
What Are The Best Schools For Massage Therapy
Below are the massage therapy schools to become an expert:
1. London school of massage
The London School of Massage is a specialized training facility for massage and body therapy.
They offer both diplomas in massage and advanced therapeutic massage.
2. Southwest institute of healing arts
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts also offers excellent and cost-effective training in the healing arts.
There are several massage programs offered by SWIHA that can be finished in between 750 and 1000 hours with ongoing training in integrative medicine.
The school has received approval from the US Department of Education and accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) also acknowledges it.
3. National University of Health Sciences
This is one of the massage therapy best schools where students can get an associate of applied science in massage therapy.
Both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) have accredited National University of Health Sciences accreditation.
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4. New York College of Health Professions
New York College of Health Professions offers high-quality training in massage therapy, acupuncture, and oriental medicine. The curriculum can be finished within 20 to 24 months.
The Board of Regents and Commissioner of Education of New York State have accredited the New York College of Health Professions. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork(NCBTMB) also approved the college.
5. Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy
Since 1998, the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy has offered students interested in a profession in therapeutic massage and bodywork a well-regarded curriculum.
The school provides three different formats for its New York-recognized massage therapy training curriculum: a full-time day program lasting nine months, a part-time morning program lasting fourteen months, and a part-time evening program for 22 months.
However, the school admits only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
6. Cortiva institute
The Cortiva Institute offers top-notch instruction and practical experience in massage therapy and skincare.
Students at Cortiva Institute are offered an immediate student membership by the largest massage therapy organization in the US, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP).
Cortiva Institute has received accreditation from the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation(COMTA) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
7. Hollywood institute of beauty careers
HI is one of the massage therapy best schools that educate students to become certified experts in wellness, health, and beauty. Their program can be finished in 5 months.
The National Accrediting Commission of Careers Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) has granted accreditation to Hollywood Institute while the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) recognizes Hollywood Institute as a member.
8. National Holistic Institute
Established in 1979, National Holistic Institute is one of the oldest and most reputable massage therapy programs in California, USA.
The NHI offers advanced neuromuscular therapy programs, comprehensive massage therapy training programs, and massage therapy continuing education courses.
Students at the National Holistic Institute have access to a clinic where they can learn a lot about the massage therapy program.
NHI has received national accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education-recognized Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
9. Colorado School of Healing Arts
One of the top massage therapy schools is the Colorado School of Healing Arts, which was founded in 1986 and is situated in Lakewood, Colorado. It is known to provide outstanding massage therapy training.
The massage therapy program at CSHA can be finished in nine or twelve months.
CSHA is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP).
Additionally, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork(NCBTMB) has authorized CSHA.
10. Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy
Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy has been offering top-notch instruction in the field since 1946. It is situated in the heart of Halifax.
At CCMH, the fast track program for a massage therapy diploma can be completed in as little as 16 months, the conventional track in as little as 20 months, and the blended option in as little as 3.5 years.
11. Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
Established in 1994, the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy offers accredited massage therapy education.
The duration of its registered massage therapy program is up to two years including the spa practitioner program.
Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy is recognized by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation(CMTCA).
12. Miami Dade College
There are various massage therapy programs available through Miami Dade College and the program lasts for one year.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges(SACSOC) has accredited Miami Dade College.
13. Myotherapy College of Utah
The Myotherapy College of Utah offers massage therapy training and education of the highest caliber. They offer a 750-hour, 30-credit massage therapy curriculum.
Do you need qualifications to be a massage therapist?
There are no established educational requirements to train as a massage therapist, so you don’t even need a degree.
However, having a qualification they can trust can offer them comfort that they’re in good hands if you’re just starting and need to expand your customer base.
What does working in massage therapy entail?
Your experience as a massage therapist will rely on your career goals, personal schedule, workplace, specialty, and educational background. No two positions are exactly alike.
Like many other occupations in the beauty industry, massage therapy may need you to work late and weekend hours depending on your company.
In addition to hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities, you can find jobs in salons, spas, cruise ships, and homeopathic offices. Additionally, you can offer mobile or in-home massage services.
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What are the requirements to get a massage therapy license?
The full requirements for obtaining massage therapy licensing vary by state and may include:
- Passing the federal Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx)
- State licensing exams
- A minimum number of training hours
- Payment of a fee
- Some states, like Florida, require board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) (in most states, board certification is voluntary).
Most states only issue licenses for massage therapy for a limited time, usually two years, after which you must renew the license in order to continue working there and you frequently need to finish continuing education hours in order to renew your license.
What are the different specialties of massage therapy?
You can focus on any of the following as a massage therapist:
- Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
- Reflexology
- Swedish Massage Therapy
- Hot Stone Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Medical Massage
- Thai Massage
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to go to any of these schools for massage therapy to practice. You just need to understand the art.
However, going to a reputable school will quickly give you a professional badge and bring you high-paying clients.
Studying massage therapy in school is not compulsory but important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools For Massage Therapy
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in the US?
A diploma in massage therapy typically takes 15 months to complete at a vocational or career training college.
Is Massage Therapy hard to learn?
Massage therapy programs are rigorous yet exciting, tough but not arduous, and engaging but not challenging for students who are passionate about wellness.
How many massage can you do in one day?
The majority of massage therapists aim to limit their daily clientele to five sessions so they can satisfy their customers.
What is the highest degree in massage therapy?
The top voluntary credential offered to massage therapists is board certification.
What are the disadvantages of being a massage therapist?
Being a massage therapist can entail spending a lot of time on your feet, using your hands nonstop, or spending too much time hunched over a massage table.
This could lead to physical burnout. Tendonitis, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all frequent problems among massage therapists.
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