Formal education, in the form of either an associate's degree, a certificate or a diploma, and certification is required to practice massage therapy in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Read on to learn more about these degree programs.
Massage Therapy Degree Programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly every state requires a massage therapist to have formal education and to pass a certification examination in order to practice massage therapy. Minimum education requirements for massage therapists vary from state to state, so students should make sure that a diploma, certificate or associate's degree program meets their state's qualifications for licensure.
Massage therapy programs typically cover anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, reflexology, business ethics and hands-on massage therapy techniques. Because there are so many different modalities of massage therapy, an aspiring massage therapist should be sure of the career path they wish to follow. Both full-time and part-time programs are available.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutMassageTherapyDegreePrograms"> Important Facts About Massage Therapy Degree Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Degree/Certificate Levels </td><td> Diplomas, certificates, and associate's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma, or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Fully available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Licensure required by 45 states and the District of Columbia; prospective therapists must pass the Massage and Bodywork Examination (MBLEx)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $46,910 (<i>for all massage therapists</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 20% growth (<i>for all massage therapists</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---DiplomaPrograms">Diploma Programs</h3><p>A massage therapy diploma program prepares students to pass the certification examinations required in most states to practice massage therapy. Students learn massage techniques, reflexology massage, hot stone massage and the basics of traditional Chinese medicine and bodywork. Massage therapy diploma programs require between 500 and 1,000 hours of classroom training, typically completed in 6 months to 2 years.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificatePrograms">Certificate Programs</h3><p>Certification programs in massage therapy prepare students to sit for national certification exams and may be designed to help students earn licensure in their respective state. Certificate programs typically require between 500 and 750 instruction hours and typically take about a year to complete. After students graduate with a certificate, they may be qualified to begin working in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, resorts, cruise ships and homeopathic offices.
</p><h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreePrograms">Associate's Degree Programs</h3><p>A person pursuing a career in massage therapy can earn an Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of Science in massage therapy, which teaches students the technical and mechanical aspects of massage therapy. General education courses in math, English, writing and interpersonal relations are a part of the degree program. An associate's degree program in massage therapy is typically a 2-year program. Students will be able to sit the national certification exams after completing these programs.</p>
