Massage Therapist Education Requirements

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 communication skills, empathy and integrity.

To succeed in massage therapist careers it is a good idea to earn popular professional certifications among massage therapists like, 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.

Massage Therapist JOBS

What Education is Needed to Become a Massage Therapist?

What Degree Should I Get to Become a Massage Therapist?

The most common degree for massage therapists is associate degree 26% of massage therapists earn that degree. A close second is bachelor's degree with 25% and rounding it off is diploma with 15%.

  • Associate, 26%
  • Bachelors, 25%
  • Diploma, 15%
  • High School Diploma, 6%
  • Other Degrees, 28%

What Should I Major in to Become a Massage Therapist?

Most massage therapists, 35% to be exact, major in somatic bodywork. Some other common majors for a massage therapist include business and physical therapy majors.

20 Best Online Courses for Massage Therapists

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1. Deep Tissue Massage: Myofascial Release Certificate Course

udemy
4.6
(336)

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

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2. Massage Therapy

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4.6
(996)

Massage Therapy Course 101...

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

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4.7
(4,377)

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

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4. Massage Course, Myofascial Energetic Release, Deep Bodywork

udemy
4.4
(271)

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

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

udemy
4.8
(599)

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

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6. Thai Foot Reflexology Massage Certificate Course

udemy
4.7
(1,741)

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

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7. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course

udemy
4.7
(2,032)

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

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8. Cupping Massage Mastery

udemy
4.7
(763)

Learn Basic to Advanced Silicone Cupping Therapy in 2022...

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

udemy
4.6
(435)

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

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10. Kinesiology Taping For Massage Therapists Certificate Course

udemy
4.5
(1,026)

Start using Kinesiology tape in your massage clinic TODAY and see your massage clients get so much better, faster...

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11. Aromatherapy For Massage Therapists Certificate Course

udemy
5
(364)

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

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12. Sports Massage: The Technique Masterclass

udemy
4.8
(385)

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

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

udemy
4.7
(3,255)

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

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14. Isla Verde Spa Relaxation Massage Certificate Course

udemy
4.7
(4,857)

This is a Complete Massage Course That Will Teach You Everything That You Need to Know to Give Amazing Massages...

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15. Gua Sha- Tool Assisted Massage Technique Certificate Course

udemy
4.8
(2,166)

Gua Sha Massage-Learn how to treat your own pain, your family or your massage clients with this amazing technique!...

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16. Sports Massage: Muscle Energy Technique Certificate Course

udemy
4.8
(276)

Grow your practice by learning sports massage the power of muscle energy techniques (2 CEUs)...

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17. Thai Hand Reflexology Massage Certificate Course

udemy
4.9
(736)

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

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18. Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage Certificate Course (5CEU)

udemy
4.8
(1,750)

People will LOVE your Lomi Lomi massages. Learn this World famous massage style and give people incredible massages...

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19. A Unique Foot Reflexology Massage Certificate Course

udemy
4.7
(267)

Learn how to give an incredible foot reflexology massage for your partner, family, friends or massage clients...

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20. Acupressure Massage For Health Certificate Course

udemy
4.8
(565)

Learn how to use acupressure massage to become healthier by treating your own health conditions naturally!...

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Best Massage Therapist Certifications in 2023

1. Massage Therapy Certification (MT)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Massage Therapy
udemy
4.6
(996)
View Details on Udemy
Details Details

2. National Certification for Therapeutic Massage (NCTM)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying Website
National Certification for Therapeutic...
Certifying Organization
National Certification Board for...
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

3. Medical Assistant

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

4. Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, NCBTMB will offer a new Board Certification credential. This credential will require that certificants pass the Board Certification exam and complete 750 hours of education, 250 hours of hands-on work experience, pass a background check, commit to oppose human trafficking and hold a current CPR certificate.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, NCBTMB will offer a new Board Certification credential. This credential will require that certificants pass the Board Certification exam and complete 750 hours of education, 250 hours of hands-on work experience, pass a background check, commit to oppose human trafficking and hold a current CPR certificate.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Board Certification in Therapeutic...
Certifying Organization
National Certification Board for...
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

5. Medical Massage Therapy Certification

This entry level exam is designed for massage therapists who have completed 600 hours of supervised instruction, or comparable state regulated requirement, and is intended to insure that the practitioner has the knowledge to enter the work place and handle basic procedures in a clinical setting.

This entry level exam is designed for massage therapists who have completed 600 hours of supervised instruction, or comparable state regulated requirement, and is intended to insure that the practitioner has the knowledge to enter the work place and handle basic procedures in a clinical setting.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Website
Medical Massage Therapy Certification
Certifying Organization
American Health Source
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Massage Therapy
udemy
4.6
(996)
View Details on Udemy
Details Details

6. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Billing and Coding...
Certifying Organization
National Healthcareer Association
Details Details

7. Master Therapist (MTAPA)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No
Details Details

8. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.

Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Certifying Organization
National Board for Certification...
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy (OT)
udemy
4.6
(61)
View Details on Udemy
Details Details

9. Health Coach Certification

Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.

Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Health Coach Certification
Certifying Organization
American Council on Exercise
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Health Coaching Certification Holistic Wellness Health Coach
udemy
4.6
(2,909)
View Details on Udemy
Details Details

10. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Certifying Organization
National Healthcareer Association
Details Details

Entry Level Jobs For Becoming A Massage Therapist

Average Massage Therapist Salary by Education Level

Massage therapists with a Bachelors degree earn more than those without, at $59,582 annually. With a High School Diploma degree, massage therapists earn a median annual income of $55,960.

Massage Therapist Education LevelMassage Therapist Salary
High School Diploma or Less$55,960
Bachelor's Degree$59,582
Some College/ Associate Degree$55,915

Massage Therapist Internship Jobs

Massage Therapist Jobs

Updated March 16, 2023