Massage Therapy Course Activities
Massage Therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients. Massage Therapists may use lotions and oils, and massage tables or chairs, when treating a client. A massage can be as short as 510 minutes or could last more than an hour. Massage Therapists can specialize in many different types of massage or modalities. Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, and sports massage are just a few of the many modalities of massage therapy. Most Massage Therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different techniques.
How Much Is A Massage License In California
The state of California does not currently require massage therapists to become licensed, though many municipalities require practitioners to become certified through the California Massage Therapy Council. Residents of California can apply for their massage therapy certification online. Applications must be completed by individuals 18 years or older along with a $200 fee, criminal background check, official transcripts from your massage school, and copies of your state-issued identification.
Northern California Massage Therapy Schools
Estimated Cost: $8,500
Program Length: One year
The massage therapy program from Skyline College places a heavy emphasis on wellness and holistic health. It is a 600-hour full-time evening program that can be completed in two semesters. We will note that the school has reported low graduation rates in the past, suggesting that the curriculum is not for all students.
Graduates will walk away from the program proficient in various massage therapy techniques, including Swedish , deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, PNF/MET, energy healing techniques, Ayurveda, Asian bodywork traditions, and integrative health modalities.
Following the successful completion of their massage therapy training program, students can go on to pursue advanced certificates for holistic, complementary, alternative, or integrative medicine in various therapies.
Estimated Cost: $16,000
Program Length: 9 months
Carrington College offers a nine-month certificate curriculum at seven different locations across California, making it one of the most accessible massage therapy schools in the state. Earning an associate of science degree in health studies entails an additional 42 weeks of general education studies.
Students at Carrington can expect to learn Swedish massage, sports massage, deep-tissue applications, Shiatsu, and chair massage therapy. Students also attend a career-development seminar and complete an externship.
Estimated Cost: $9,330
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Minimum Education Requirements For Massage Therapy Programs In California
To become a massage therapist in California, a student must receive 500 or more hours of instruction and training at a school that the state board recognizes.
The curriculum has to include at least 100 hours in each of the following subject areas: anatomy and physiology, health and hygiene, contraindications, and business and ethics. Students get credit for up to 75 hours working under supervision in a massage clinic.
Beyond their core curricula, many schools offer elective classes that enable students to pursue various areas of interest. Among the many examples are hot stone massage, craniosacral therapy, sports massage, sciatica, and massage for seniors and other special populations.
Some programs entail as many as 1,000 hours. Students may continue their education to earn certification in certain specialties, or enroll in holistic healthcare programs that teach additional aspects of massage facility services. No work experience or on-the-job training is required, other than that obtained in school.
Upon graduation, a future therapists next step is to pass an exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The agency requires 750 total hours, but allows practitioners to begin working in the field when they reach the 500-hour benchmark. The remaining coursework can be done later.
Overall Best Massage Therapy Schools In California
In the table below, you will find the TOP accredited massage therapy programs in California and the schools they are offered at. The schools are listed in ranking order by ratings left by graduates.
You can click Read More on any of the schools in the table to jump to the appropriate section in this article. There you will find a brief description of the program, admission information, and estimated costs.
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Massage Therapy Careers & Work Environment
The Massage Therapy program at North-West College is a professional vocational training course designed to provide the fundamental knowledge and education needed to begin working in massage offices and private practices, physicians offices, hospitals and medical centers, chiropractic offices, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, health clubs and fitness centers, spas and resorts, hotels, cruise ships, beauty and hair salons, pain management centers, and sports team facilities.
Graduates of the program routinely find entry-level positions jobs working in:
Get Ongoing Career Support
You will have access to a Student Life and Career Counselor to support you each step of the way, from the first day of class and throughout your career .
As a leader in massage therapy education for over 40 years we have a large network of employers, many of whom are NHI graduates, and other contacts that we use to help you thrive as a massage therapy professional.
I compared my experiences with NHI with my esthetician school. There was no comparison the NHI Program the whole mentor, senior, juniors, intergroup competitions, group identity and pride, the whole experience, was designed beautifully. Not to mention the amazingly passionate, well-informed and interested educators on staff. As a result, my former group mates are still some of my closest friends.
Sarah Donnelly, NHI Graduate with Honors
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The Best Massage Schools In California
We have several California massage school campuses to choose from. Our southern California locations are in Los Angeles , Ontario and Orange County . If you are looking for a massage school in the Bay Area, we have campuses in Emeryville, San Jose, and Santa Rosa . We also have campuses in Redding, Sacramento, Modesto and Clovis/Fresno. Please feel free to contact the campus nearest you to arrange a tour or simply to get your questions answered.
A career in massage therapy is one that requires a sense of commitment and above all a humane touch that would make a significant difference in the lives of the people you touch.
California Massage School Among The Top In Us
In keeping with our high standards of excellence, the National Holistic Institute is nationally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In fact, we were the first nationally accredited massage therapy school in California in the early 1980s and therefore the first massage school to offer federal financial aid in California. In addition, we have a number of additional approvals, licenses, and official relationships that benefit our students and graduates who want to learn massage and gain massage therapy certification.
One of the most apparent advantages that NHI has over other massage therapy schools in California is the opportunity it offers its students to gain hands-on practical experience through the NHI Student Clinic and Externship program. This is a very powerful part of our training as it gives you a chance to judge your potentials as a therapist and experience work pressures. Guidance is also given on how to utilize this education as a full time professional practice which is unlike the training at any massage school California.
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The Massage Therapy Program Has Been Eliminated
Certificates and Degree
The Massage Therapy Program included several certificates and an Associate degree.
Our Goal
Whether you are pursuing career options or personal enrichment, our goal is to introduce you to massage and to the understanding that massage is about connection with oneself and with others, connection that is safe, ethical, nurturing, compassionate, and mutually rewarding. For those who want to explore massage as a career, we want to train entry-level massage therapy practitioners who will be touchstones verifying the many benefits quality massage therapy can provide. These benefits include self-awareness, pain relief, relaxation, enhanced fitness, and normalization of the physiologic functions impaired by the physical and emotional stresses of daily life.
A student or any member of the public with questions that have not been satisfactorily answered by the school or who would like to file a complaint about this school may contact the California Massage Therapy Council at: One Capitol Mall, Suite 320, Sacramento, CA 95814, www.camtc.org, phone 669-5336, or fax 669-5337.
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American Institute Of Massage Therapy
Current Rating: 4.9/5
With a rating of 4.9/5, the American Institute of Massage Therapy is considered one of the BEST massage therapy schools in California. The in-depth program consists of 624-hours of training designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to EXCEL as a massage therapist. Some of the subjects covered in the training are massage therapy fundamentals, musculoskeletal systems, BASIC massage, business law & ethics, etc. After graduating, candidates will be ELIGIBLE to SIT for the MBLEx exam and apply for the State of California Certification.
The American Institute of Massage Therapy has been accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation and the California Massage Therapy Council .
Admission Requirements:
Prerequisites for the Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy/Sports Massage Therapist programs are:
High School Diploma or equivalent ,
18 years of age or permission from the Director, and
Current valid government-issued photographic identification
Program Tuition and Cost:
American Institute of Massage Therapy1516 Brookhollow Drive, Suite CSanta Ana, CA 92705
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Massage Schools In Southern California
Estimated Cost: $10,000
Program Length: 9 months
ICOHS College is located in San Diego and is home to several exciting certificate programs, including Professional Massage Therapy and Holistic Health practitioner Programs. Students can choose between morning and afternoon classes to receive our in-person training without compromising on other responsibilities.
We provide instruction on both Eastern and Western modalities, deep tissue, basic Swedish massage techniques, and special populations. Students will be introduced to hot stone massage therapy, aromatherapy and essential oils, and advanced massage therapy and orthopedic applications.
Upon completion of the program, students will also have received instruction on how to start their own massage therapy business, complete with a working business plan. We maintain an average student-teacher ratio of ten to one, ensuring all students receive the attention, instruction, and care they deserve.
Estimated Cost: $15,000
Program Length: 8-12 months
The National Holistic Institute is also a popular choice for aspiring massage therapists, with locations throughout California. The organization offers comprehensive massage training and an advanced neuromuscular massage therapy program.
Students will have the opportunity to practice both eastern and western modalities through the NHI student massage clinic. Practical business training will also be provided.
Estimated Cost: $4,000
Program Length: 6-8 months
Selecting A California Massage Therapy School And Program
Many basic programs offer a set curriculum. Others offer electives even at the basic level. Among the possibilities:
- Hot stone massage
- Massage of geriatric populations
CAMTC lists the number of hours of California programs. Some massage therapy schools offer several program choices. The shortest is likely to be in the 500 to 600 hour range the longest may include well over 1,000 hours of massage therapy training. There may be a generalist and/ or specialist track. Some initial programs are designed to go into depth in particular areas of massage, like neuromuscular massage. One track may allow the student to meet requirements for other holistic certifications. A massage therapy program may be pursued as part of a broader holistic health practitioner program. A holistic healthcare program will likely bring in more concepts that are not massage but that complement massage practice, for example nutrition and movement. Students who opt for such programs should be aware that just as individual states set requirements for massage therapy practice, they also set requirements for other types of practice. Practices that may not require an additional license in one jurisdiction may require one in another.
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Blue checkmark.
- How many colleges with massage therapy and bodywork are in America?
- There are 488 colleges in this list.
- What is the average acceptance rate for colleges with massage therapy and bodywork in America?
- For the top 25 colleges, the average acceptance rate is 97%, which makes these schools not competitive to get into. For these colleges, is the most competitive with an acceptance rate of 16% and is the least competitive with an acceptance rate of 100%. Try using the to get an idea of your chances.
Welcome Tocalifornia Healing Arts College
Welcome to California Healing Arts College ! We are an ACCSC accredited member health care training school in Carson, California offering exciting programs to help jump start your new career in a rewarding health care field. CHAC was founded more than 25 years ago and has prepared many students for rewarding careers in health care.
We offer the following health care training programs designed to meet your interests and the changing needs of diverse business environments: , , and Massage Therapist/Physical Therapy Aide
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Southern California Health Institute
Current Rating: 4.3/5
The Southern California Health Institute has just implemented a new massage therapy program allowing students to learn online from the safety of their homes. The entire program is nine months long and utilizes videoconferencing and interactive technology platforms for the lecture, etc. The structure of this massage therapy program in California focuses on providing graduates with the foundation they need to EXCEL in the field of massage therapy. Not only that, but graduates from the Southern California Health Institute are ELIGIBLE to write the MBLEX exam, to become a certified massage therapist through the California Massage Therapy Council
Admission Requirements:
High School Diploma, G.E.D or equivalency
18 years of age or older
Legal resident or citizen of the United States
No felony convictions or convictions related to drug and/or sex crimes.
Program Tuition and Cost:
Phone: 980-8990
Massage Therapy Course Material
The Massage Therapist program provides the basic knowledge, tools, ethics, and behaviors that will enable the student to successfully practice as a Massage Therapist in a variety of health care settings. Employment opportunities for Massage Therapy graduates include entry-level positions in massage offices and private practices, physicians offices, hospitals and medical centers, chiropractic offices, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, health clubs and fitness centers, spas and resorts, hotels, cruise ships, beauty and hair salons, pain management centers, and sports team facilities. The program is divided into ten class course modules, including a 100-hour clinical externship where students will practice and apply the skills they learn in the classroom in a real-world setting.
Seminar for Success
Orientation and success building course for Career Students. Review of basic math, language, vocabulary, and writing skills. Introduction to core career classes, availability of community resources, outlining, summarizing, managing credit and other life skills
Swedish Massage
Business Skills: Choosing a Business Status and Massage Setting, Basic Anatomy/Physiology: Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Classification of Massage Movements, Swedish Feet, Legs, Supine, Swedish Legs, Prone, Swedish Supine/Full-Body
Shiatsu
Sports Massage & Reflexology
Spa Services/Wellness Strategies
Understanding Pain/Alternative Massage Methods
Deep Tissue Massage/Alternative Massage Methods
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We Help You Find A Job
The San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork is very pleased to be able to offer job placement services to all our program graduates. Upon successful completion of the Massage Therapist program, and the subsequent obtainment of the State of Californias Massage Therapist Certification, graduated students will work closely with a Student Services Representative to find the best available employment opportunities in the field of massage and bodywork. SFSM has built a very large and diverse network of employers in our 50+ years as a massage and bodywork training institution. Over these many years, employers have continually relied on us in their search to find qualified, dedicated and well-trained massage therapy graduates. Graduating from the San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork allows you to take advantage of these mutually beneficial and professional relationships we have fostered in our long standing history in the San Francisco Bay Area. While the San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork offers job assistance services, no guarantee of placement can be made.
Orange County School Of Massage
Orange County School of MassageFormerly: Sebastopol Massage Center
Some Individually owned and operated Orange County Massage Envy locations have graciously partnered with the Orange County School of Massage to create a groundbreaking opportunity for our students. For our summer class, they will be working with up to 10 students to pay for 100% of the students tuition as well.
Interviews for these positions are starting immediately. Massage Therapist positions will be offered in Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest Massage Envy locations.
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California Massage Therapy Council
This agency administers a voluntary certification system for massage facilities and practitioners. It sanctions and regulates schools, and ensures that students receive the proper education.
Providers of massage therapy instruction that earn the councils recognition must maintain their status by continually proving they meet standards concerning curricula, faculty qualifications, student-to-instructor ratios, and other standards. Officials do site visits and conduct interviews as part of their investigations.
The council mandates that prospective therapists complete their studies, pass a written exam, and submit to a criminal background check before applying for certification.
Institute For Business And Technology
This school in Santa Clara, with a history stretching back more than a half-century, has graduated thousands of students in various fields.
The certificate program in massage therapy covers a number of massage techniques and practices. Students also take classes in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, Nutrition, and Massage Theory and History. They get hundreds of hours of practice in an on-campus massage clinic, as well.
The school equips graduates for employment by giving them message tables with headrests, bolsters, carrying cases, and sheets.
- 2400 Walsh Avenue, Santa Clara, California 95051-1303
- https://ibt.edu/
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