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Certified massage therapist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, certified massage therapists don't need a college education. The most common degree for certified massage therapists is bachelor's degree with 34% graduates, with only 29% certified massage therapist graduates earning associate degree. Certified massage therapists who decided to graduate from college often finish Bryan College or University of Phoenix. Some good skills to have in this position include customer service, sports massage and taking care.

Popular certified massage therapist certifications include Massage Therapy Certification (MT), National Certification for Therapeutic Massage (NCTM), or Medical Assistant. To improve certified massage therapist qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in certified massage therapist education paths.

What education do you need to become a certified massage therapist?

What degree do you need to be a certified massage therapist?

The most common degree for certified massage therapists is bachelor's degree, with 34% of certified massage therapists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 29% and associate degree degree at 9%.
  • Bachelor's, 34%
  • Associate, 29%
  • Diploma, 9%
  • High School Diploma, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 23%

What should I major in to become a certified massage therapist?

You should major in somatic bodywork to become a certified massage therapist. 20% of certified massage therapists major in somatic bodywork. Other common majors for a certified massage therapist include business and nursing.

Best majors for certified massage therapists

RankMajorPercentages
1Somatic Bodywork20.1%
2Business11.6%
3Nursing10.4%
4Psychology8.6%
5Physical Therapy6.9%

20 best online courses for certified massage therapists

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1. Deep Tissue Massage: Myofascial Release Certificate Course

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2. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate

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Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly effective form of Deep Tissue Massage for pain relief (2 CEUs)...

3. Deep Tissue Massage: Trigger Point Therapy Certificate

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Deep Tissue Trigger Point Massage Therapy is a proven approach for the relief of soft-tissue pain and dysfunction (2CEU)...

4. Massage Therapy

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Massage Therapy Course 101...

5. Cupping Massage Mastery

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Master Silicone Cupping in 2023 and Become the Go-To Therapist for Chronic Pain and Athletic Recovery...

6. Thai Foot Reflexology Massage Certificate Course (4 CEU)

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Learn Basic to Advanced Thai foot reflexology massage today and people will LOVE your reflexology treatments...

7. Sports Massage: Positional Release Certificate Course

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Learn Sports Massage Positional Release Techniques to produce profound pain relief and improve bodily function (2 CEUs)...

8. Massage Course, Myofascial Energetic Release, Deep Bodywork

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This massage training teach how to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to give great massage to your clients...

9. Bowen Therapy NO MASSAGE Healing Certificate Course (8CEU)

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An incredible NO MASSAGE remedial therapy for massage therapists or anyone else that wants to learn how to heal people...

10. Deep Tissue Massage Certificate Course (5 CEU's)

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Master Deep Tissue Massage and Other Advanced Massage Techniques from This Bestselling Deep Tissue Massage Course...

11. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course 4 CE

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12. IASTM Deep Tissue Massage Certificate Course

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Learn instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), a popular Myofascial Massage treatment (2 CEUs)...

13. Shiatsu Massage- the Beginner's Guide to Doing Massage

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An easy step by step method on how to give incredible shiatsu massages every time-No massage experience is needed!...

14. Ashiatsu or Shiatsu Barefoot Sports Massage Therapy

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Let your feet do the work for you!...

15. Aromatherapy For Massage Therapists Certificate Course

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Transform your massage business by using aromatherapy essential oils and see incredible results with your clients!...

16. Kinesiotaping For Massage Therapists Certificate Course 3 CE

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Start using Kinesiotape in your massage clinic TODAY and see your massage clients get so much better, faster. (3 CEU)...

17. Facial Reflexology Massage Certificate Course

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Learn the most modern form of Reflexology Massage that stimulates reflex points on the face for optimal health (2 CEUs)...

18. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Certificate Course (6CEU)

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Manual lymphatic drainage massage will change your massage practice. Learn how to do this powerful massage technique...

19. Sports Massage: The Technique Masterclass

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Learn the most effective sports massage techniques for the entire body (2 CEUs)...

20. Gua Sha Massage Certificate Course

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Learn the Traditional Healing Technique Gua Sha for the Modern World to give Pain-Relieving Massage Treatments (2 CEUs)...

Average certified massage therapist salary by education level

Certified massage therapists with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $56,343 annually. With a High School Diploma degree, certified massage therapists earn a median annual income of $52,887 compared to $52,844 for certified massage therapists with an Associate degree.
Certified massage therapist education levelCertified massage therapist salary
High School Diploma or Less$52,887
Bachelor's Degree$56,343
Some College/ Associate Degree$52,844

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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