The Best massage therapy schools

The best massage therapy schools are ones with specifications and those that have comprehensive and standardized curriculums for the students. In this blog, we will look at what massage therapy is, how to find the college of your dreams and the 10 best recommendations we have for you. 

List of Massage therapy schools

Below are a list of some of the best massage therapy schools:

• National Holistic institute

• London school of massage 

• National university of Health Sciences 

• Parker university school of Massage therapy 

• Miami Dade College 

• Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy 

• New York college of Health Professions

• Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy 

• Myotherapy College of Utah

• Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

We will further explore these schools in detail in the following article. 

What is massage therapy? 

Massage therapists often work in fitness centers, hospitals, spas, specialty massage clinics, and also hospitals. Some massage therapists start their own private practices to offer personalized therapy sessions. Massage therapists can work alone or in a team to provide preventative and curative care. Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the body’s soft tissues through physical activities. A person who is skilled in these techniques is called a massage therapist. 

Massages not only benefit you physiologically but also psychologically. Chronic illnesses like soft tissue injuries, high blood pressure, insomnia, diabetes and low back pain. It has all proven affective in helping cancer and arthritis. Psychologically, massage therapy has been known to decrease stress, lower anxiety, help the brain produce more dopamine and serotonin as well realx the client. The list of benefits is endless, however, to be able to effectively administer massage therapies, an individual needs to hold an accredited degree in the field. 

There are several different schools that offer this opportunity. Below is a list of the best massage therapy schools, sourced and curated, ranging from accreditations and types of programs. 

To understand accreditation bodies, below is a list of bodies in charge of accrediting massage therapy schools: 

• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) 

• ITEC

• Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) 

• Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)

• Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)

• CThA

• National Accrediting Commission of Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)

• Federation of Holistic Therapist (FHT)

• ThinkTree

• International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) 

• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

BEST MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOLS 

National holistic institute 

– Number of Programs: 3

– Accreditation by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)

– Tuition fee: $15,588

NHI has been providing massage therapy education for over 40 years, they offer a comprehensive Massage Therapy Training program and and Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program. Their massage therapy training program trains students to be proficient in various massage modalities, such as, Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue and Mayofascial Therapy. Students get direct experience working with the general public under supervision of experienced instructors. They also offer extra business and science classes which offers knowledge in the rapidly growing industry of massage therapy. 

London school of massage 

– Number of Programs: 3

– Accreditation by VTCT and ITEC 

– Tuition fee: £1450.00

LSM is the UK’s most successful complementary training school committed to excellence in Holistic Massage, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Baby Massage as well as other related Body Therapies. They provide first rate training and professional qualification, the London School of Massage has a wide variety of massage courses to suit all individuals, at all levels. London School of Massage is accredited by ITEC, VTCT, CThA, FHT, Think Tree and IICT, and we maintain the high standards set by these organizations for Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

National university of Health Sciences 

– Number of Programs: 2

– Accreditation by Higher Learning Commission (HLC) & Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)

– Tuition fee: $13,394

The National University of Health Sciences was established in 1906 as a private university in Lombard, Illinois, and is recognized as one of the best massage therapy schools. The university offers a certificate or associate degree in massage therapy. It provides students with hands-on instruction to help them provide the best quality of care. Students learn a variety of massage techniques including sports massage, deep tissue work, Swedish massage, and trigger point therapy.

Parker university school of Massage therapy 

– Number of Programs: 3

– Accreditation by Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) & the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

– Tuition fee: $9,432 

Parker University’s Massage Therapy Certification offers ethical, well-researched and relevant programs. Parker’s features modern equipment and a peaceful environment to learn science, philosophy, and art of massage therapy. The program offers 600-hours of education with recreational facilities as well as perks of a fitness equipment, gymnasium and an extensive library. The mission of Parker University is stated as “development of wellness leaders through massage therapy by offering sound, ethical, well-researched, and relevant programs through high standards of education, research, and service.”

Miami Dade College 

– Number of Programs: 3

– Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

– Tuition fee: $9,432

Miami Dade Community College offers a massage therapy program on its Medical Campus. It was founded in 1959 and has a total of 8 campuses and 21 outreach centers all over Miami-Dade County. The college offers 3 massage therapy programs, namely; accelerated option, generic option and transitional option. Miami Dade College is accredited by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 

Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy 

– Number of Programs: 1

– Accreditation by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation

– Tuition fee: $10,294 + $10,301 (DS) 

– Tuition fee: $12,480 + $12,020 (IS)

CCMH has been providing first-class education in massage therapy since 1946. CCMH offers programs that last 16 months, 24 months and a 3.5 year blended course both online + offline. Their course focuses on an understanding of the human body through various courses such as anatomy, neurology, pathology, and kinesiology, in addition to 340 hours of practical clinical training. The accelerated option provides the same high quality curriculum and exceptional instruction in a shorter time frame without the breaks offered in the 20-month program. 

New York college of Health Professions

– Number of Programs: 1

– Accreditation by National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

– Tuition fee: $390.00/credit

The New York College of Health Professions Massage Therapy program is offered as an advanced 72 credit Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree program. New York College of Health Professions Massage Therapy Program offers many currently practiced modalities of massage therapy in addition to its core curriculum of European Swedish massage therapy, which is based on standard Western anatomy and physiology, and Asian Bodywork, which is based on the principles of oriental medicine.

Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy 

– Number of Programs: 2

– Accreditation by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation

– Tuition fee: $30,36

OVCMT has a registered Massage Therapy program is a 4 term, 23-month diploma program. Besides exams, students are allowed to practice in the real world with extensive in-reach program enabling students to see a wide variation of patients specifically chosen for each in-reach group. The unique 4 term program allows students a 2-month break between year 1 and 2 to take a well-deserved rest or to earn funds through working. OVCMT is designated by the Ministry of Advanced Education – Private Training Institutions Branch and fully accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation.

Myotherapy College of Utah

– Number of Programs: 2

– Accreditation by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

– Tuition fee: $13,394

The Basic Core Program, (available daytime and evening) prepares the student for a career as an entry level Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Upon graduation, the student is qualified to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) to obtain Utah Licensure. The Basic Core Program is offered on the term system. To graduate from the Basic Core Program, students must successfully complete 39 credit hours/780 Total Clock Hours. Myotherapy College of Utah also offers certificate programs in Spinal Touch, Acutherapy, and Sports Massage. These certificates are achieved by successful completion of each individual program. 

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

– Number of Programs: 3

– Accreditation by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)

-Tuition fee: $36.25 to $75 per hour 

SWIHA offers a wide range of classes to help students meet necessary license requirements. Their Massage Therapy courses range from 4 to 60 credit hours and include Aromatherapy, Cranial Unwinding, Medical Massage, Myofascial, Myotherapy, Polarity, *Reflexology, Reiki, Breast Health, Corporate Chair, Stretching Your Client, and more. Many of these classes are approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). They also offer several online CEU courses for out-of-state students or those who desire the flexibility of online study.