Massage Therapy Diploma Programs: A Comprehensive Guide
Massage therapy is a growing field offering a flexible career with opportunities to improve people's well-being. A massage therapy diploma program is the first step toward becoming a licensed massage therapist. This article explores the key aspects of massage therapy diploma programs, covering curriculum, accreditation, career prospects, and financial aid.
Introduction to Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is rooted in the belief that touch can be healing and therapeutic. As a massage therapist, you can improve people’s physical and emotional well-being through your hands-on work. Massages can help clients to de-stress, improve circulation, and reduce pain. The therapeutic benefits of massage therapy and bodywork are widely recognized as massage improves circulation and can help heal sports injuries, alleviate stress, headaches, and other aches and pains. In addition, it can be therapeutic to those who perform it.
What to Expect in a Massage Therapy Diploma Program
Massage therapy school programs vary, but they all aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent and licensed massage therapists. As a massage therapist, you will work one-on-one with clients to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and enhance physical and emotional well-being.
Core Curriculum
A comprehensive massage therapy program covers a range of subjects, including:
- Anatomy, Biology, and Kinesiology: These courses help you understand the body's structure and function.
- Massage Therapy and Bodywork Assessment, Theory, and Practice: This includes sanitation, safety, and hygiene.
- Professional Ethics, Business, and Law: Essential for running a massage therapy business.
- Related Courses: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is often required.
Some programs also include the history of massage modalities.
Read also: Continuing Education in Massage
Hands-on Training
Hands-on training is a crucial component of any massage therapy program. For example, one program includes 4 weeks (200 hours) of hands-on training. In addition, as an NHI student, you’ll gain real-world experience treating the public in on-campus massage training clinics and be personally mentored by a dedicated team of experienced massage professionals.
Specialized Training
Many programs offer training in various massage methods. The basis for all Massage is the Swedish/Classical Massage. When that is learned, students advance to Deep Tissue methods. These form a majority of our Massage training, but you're introduced to 15 other primary Massage methods. These include Myofascial, Aromatherapy, Neuromuscular, Hot/Cold Stone, Reflexology, Medical assessment, Prenatal, Pre & Post-event Sports, and Lymphatic Massage.
Some programs offer medically oriented training that focuses mainly on the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. These skills are desired by Massage Therapists that work at Chiropractic and Physical Therapy offices.
Program Structure and Length
Massage Therapy programs can be completed in as few as 10-months. Please check with an admissions adviser for additional program length information. An accelerated program covers 750 hours of training in 7½ months.
Some programs are set up using a modular program, and this means there are potential starts every two months. When a student enters the program, everyone starts with an introductory course that provides essential information. After completing the Intro course, they move on to a series of classes that satisfy the program requirements, including two clinical courses. Each of these courses comprises 2 Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) body systems, 1 section of the muscle and bone structures in the body, and one or more types of Massage that fit reasonably well with the A&P and Muscles. Once all of these courses are completed, students have a final exit course that reviews the information from the program, prepares them for their license test, and includes an externship at a local Physical therapy or chiropractic office. The program is built to cover state educational requirements, testing organizational requirements, and the practical needs of students trying to enter the field.
Read also: Is Massage Therapy Right for You?
Daily Schedule
The average day of the modular program is generally divided into a morning and mid-day session, 9 am- 1:30 pm. The morning session is usually the academic session for lectures and testing. The mid-day session is generally bodywork, focused on two 1-hour Massage trades. After roughly ten weeks, students add in additional clinical time equaling 10 hours per week. This clinical time is in addition to the class schedule and continues for the remainder of the program.
Classroom Environment
Students engage in Massage in the same room we have lectures. Because of the timing, we do not have one set of students leave the room while another group is getting on the Massage table. Instead, one set of students prepares the space, sets up the table, and prepares themselves to perform the Massage. In contrast, another group of students disrobes their outer layer and gets underneath the full set of sheets on the Massage table. All of the students will remain in the room during the process, as getting onto the Massage table should take no more than 30-90 seconds, depending on how long the students take, and all students participate. Once one student is on the Massage table, the other will engage in the appropriate Massage method(s) utilized that day. Students perform proper draping while performing the Massage, and nothing is exposed during the process, as proper draping is a core skill for the Massage Therapy profession.
Clinical Experience
Students add 10 hours per week to their schedule about one-third through the program. This time is in addition to the usual class time. There are two clinical classes. Clinic 1 is a time for students to adjust to the schedule and perform the Medical Massage project. Clinic 2 is a time where students engage in more general bodywork. When the situation allows, we offer appointment times to the general public so students can perform Massage on a wider variety of body types and build the skills sets related to spa-type Massage work.
Accreditation and Licensure
Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation.
Accreditation
Career Institute is Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Community College of Philadelphia is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Read also: Comprehensive Massage Training
Licensure Requirements
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. Licensing requirements for massage therapy professionals are not the same in every state and may include additional requirements beyond those offered in our course. Prospective students should contact the professional licensing board in the state(s) where they plan to work to confirm their licensing requirements before enrolling in this course. In the absence of state regulation, county or municipal ordinances and regulations could be in place and prospective students should check with their local areas. Many states recognize massage licenses issued by another state and offer licensure through reciprocity, so a prospective student may wish to explore obtaining license in another state that can transfer to their home state (provided the home state offers licensure through reciprocity).
A license is required to perform Massage in Virginia. The test to get that license is referred to as the MBLEx. In addition, the permit and the MBLEx require the completion of an approved Massage Therapy program. After completing the program, several steps are required to get your license. The first step is signing up for and taking your test. Then there is an application with the Virginia Board of Nursing, after which you have to get a fingerprint and background check done by their chosen provider, Fieldprint. Finally, with these complete, you'll need a copy of your transcript sent to the VaBoN to prove you completed it. The VaBoN takes 30-90 days to complete the application process and get your license.
Each state sets its regulations on Licensure. Although our program is created to fulfill many of the requirements of most states, some states may have minor additions that need to be completed. For example, Florida State requires specific Florida laws and infectious disease classes specifically tailored to their laws. If you're moving soon after the program, research will need to be done to ensure you can get a license in that state and what other things you might need to complete it. If you're moving 2-5 years after you get your license in Virginia, most states allow for Licensure by endorsement (recognizing your license), though you'll still need to fill out the appropriate application.
MBLEx Exam
After completing a recognized program, the next step is to sit for and pass an industry certification exam. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy program will prepare you to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), administered through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). Students will gain the required knowledge and competencies necessary for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). The MBLEx is governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is designed to provide a standard examination for students of massage for entry-level professional scope of practice in gaining licensure.
Admission Requirements
Prospective participants must hold a high school diploma or GED; have proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking skills), be at least eighteen (18) years of age, and complete a criminal background check), and current CPR Certification.
After completing the online application form, candidates must have all documentation completed and uploaded to Electronic Forms in MyCCP portal. Only fully completed applications with submitted documents will be considered for admission into the Massage Therapy program.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition for this program is $5,689 when you pay in full. Tuition Cost: $7,900 + an additional $35, one-time, non-refundable application fee. Payment plans available. Additional cost: Uniforms (scrubs) are required and must be purchased prior to the course. Students are responsible for purchasing required textbooks and supplies prior to the start of class.
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify. The Massage Therapy program is eligible for financial aid. Students who wish to apply for financial aid at Community College of Philadelphia need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application is free, and it is the required application for state, federal and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
With career stability, high demand, and a healthy work environment, becoming a massage therapist has as much to offer as a career path as it does in health benefits for clients. Massage therapy is a flexible career in terms of both schedule and location. You can choose to work full-time or part-time and often set your own hours.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calls for a 20 percent increase in demand for Massage Therapists in the next ten years. The BLS identifies the national average reported as roughly $47,000. However, the income of Massage Therapists can vary greatly depending on how they are employed.
Work Environment
Massage therapists work in an array of settings, which include spas, franchised clinics, physicians’ offices, hotels and fitness centers. Some massage therapists are self-employed. Career opportunities exist in a variety of settings including:
- Massage Clinics
- Hospital Rehabilitation Departments
- Private & In-Home Practices
- Wellness Centers
- Resorts & Spas
- Chiropractic Offices
Specialization
Massage therapy offers many different avenues for specialization. There is also the impact of professional focus and specialization. Your desire will lead you to one part of the broad field, and you'll be able to use the specialized skills you learn to develop a niche. There are also specific tendencies; Some may work in medical offices, helping post-op patients. Some may focus on pregnancy-based Massage work. Some can get specialized training to work with racing horses or show dogs.
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