How do you learn massage therapy?

You should complete a certificate or diploma degree program from an accredited school in order to learn massage therapy. Typical programs last about nine months and prepare students for licensure and professional practice in the field.

How long is massage therapy school?

Massage therapy school takes an average of one to two years to complete in the United States. Some massage therapy programs can be completed with a hybrid education model of in-person and online learning, while others involve daily physical attendance at the school's location.

How many hours do massage therapists work?

Massage therapists work for varying amounts of hours, and this depends on many different factors, such as work environment, personal preferences, the type of massage therapy they provide, and whether a massage therapist is full-time or part-time. Here is a closer look at some of these factors:

How much is massage therapy school?

Massage therapy school costs an average of $6,000 to $30,000 in the United States. This depends on what exactly you need in terms of individual support, education, and training. While some massage therapy schools can cost up to $30,000, most cost between the $6,000 to $10,000 range.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements And Courses

Massage therapist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, massage therapists don't need a college education. The most common degree for massage therapists is associate degree with 26% graduates, with only 25% massage therapist graduates earning bachelor's degree. Massage therapists who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Utah or University of Phoenix. Some good skills to have in this position include customer service, cleanliness and strong customer service.

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

What education do you need to become a massage therapist?

What degree do you need to be a massage therapist?

The most common degree for massage therapists is associate degree, with 26% of massage therapists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are bachelor's degree degree at 25% and bachelor's degree degree at 15%.

Associate, 26%

Bachelor's, 25%

Diploma, 15%

High School Diploma, 6%

Other Degrees, 28%

What should I major in to become a massage therapist?

You should major in somatic bodywork to become a massage therapist. 35% of massage therapists major in somatic bodywork. Other common majors for a massage therapist include business and physical therapy.

Somatic Bodywork, 35%

Business, 9%

Physical Therapy, 7%

Psychology, 6%

Other Majors, 43%

Best majors for massage therapists

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Somatic Bodywork	34.6%
2	Business	9.0%
3	Physical Therapy	7.1%
4	Psychology	6.4%
5	Nursing	5.1%

Show more common massage therapist majors

20 best online courses for massage therapists

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1. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate

4.4

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

2. Deep Tissue Massage: Myofascial Release Certificate Course

4.7

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This course will change how you think of Deep Tissue Massage using a whole body Myofascial approach (2 CEUs)...

3. Deep Tissue Massage: Trigger Point Therapy Certificate

4.7

(254)

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

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

4.7

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

5. Massage Therapy

4.6

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Massage Therapy Course 101...

6. IASTM Deep Tissue Massage Certificate Course

4.5

(426)

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

7. Massage Course, Myofascial Energetic Release, Deep Bodywork

4.5

(286)

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

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

4.7

(863)

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

9. Cupping Massage Mastery

4.6

(834)

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

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

4.7

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

11. Ashiatsu or Shiatsu Barefoot Sports Massage Therapy

4.5

(252)

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

12. Sports Massage: Positional Release Certificate Course

4.6

(355)

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

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

4.7

(495)

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

14. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course 4 CE

4.7

(2,559)

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

15. Kinesiotaping For Massage Therapists Certificate Course 3 CE

4.7

(1,269)

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

16. Facial Reflexology Massage Certificate Course

4.8

(486)

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

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

4.7

(4,438)

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

18. Aromatherapy For Massage Therapists Certificate Course

4.9

(420)

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

19. Sports Massage: The Technique Masterclass

4.8

(605)

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

20. Gua Sha Massage Certificate Course

4.7