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Licensed massage practitioner education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, licensed massage practitioners don't need a college education. The most common degree for licensed massage practitioners is bachelor's degree with 35% graduates, with only 17% licensed massage practitioner graduates earning associate degree. Licensed massage practitioners who decided to graduate from college often finish Western Washington University or University of Washington. Some good skills to have in this position include patients, spa treatments and therapeutic massage.

Popular licensed massage practitioner certifications include Massage Therapy Certification (MT), Medical Assistant, or Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). To improve licensed massage practitioner qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in licensed massage practitioner education paths.

What education do you need to become a licensed massage practitioner?

What degree do you need to be a licensed massage practitioner?

The most common degree for licensed massage practitioners is bachelor's degree, with 35% of licensed massage practitioners earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 17% and associate degree degree at 11%.
  • Bachelor's, 35%
  • Associate, 17%
  • Diploma, 11%
  • Master's, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 27%

What should I major in to become a licensed massage practitioner?

You should major in somatic bodywork to become a licensed massage practitioner. 24% of licensed massage practitioners major in somatic bodywork. Other common majors for a licensed massage practitioner include psychology and business.

Best majors for licensed massage practitioners

RankMajorPercentages
1Somatic Bodywork23.9%
2Psychology14.8%
3Business8.3%
4Kinesiology6.1%
5Nursing6.1%

20 best online courses for licensed massage practitioners

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1. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate

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5. IASTM Deep Tissue Massage Certificate Course

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6. Massage Therapy

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Massage Therapy Course 101...

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

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

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9. Kinesiotaping For Massage Therapists Certificate Course 3 CE

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

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11. Ashiatsu or Shiatsu Barefoot Sports Massage Therapy

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12. 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)...

13. Aromatherapy For Massage Therapists Certificate Course

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

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15. Isla Verde Spa Relaxation Massage Certificate Course

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16. Thai Hand Reflexology Massage Certificate Course (4 CEU)

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Learn basic and advanced reflexology techniques to effectively treat yourself, your family or your reflexology clients...

17. Cupping Massage Mastery

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

18. 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...

19. 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)...

20. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course 4 CE

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Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...

Average licensed massage practitioner salary by education level

According to our data, licensed massage practitioners with a Bachelor's degree earn the highest average salary, at $54,342 annually. Licensed massage practitioners with a High School Diploma degree earn an average annual salary of $50,770.
Licensed massage practitioner education levelLicensed massage practitioner salary
High School Diploma or Less$50,770
Bachelor's Degree$54,342
Some College/ Associate Degree$50,725

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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