Last Updated on July 30, 2021
Cheap Massage Therapy Schools – Everybody literally loves having a body massage as it is a cure for stress and pain in the body. The use of their special set of instruments; “magic hands” and a “magic touch”; massage therapists help individuals feel better. Discover the best 10 affordable massages schools across the world.
See these 10 best and cheap massage therapy schools in the world 2021 to become a massage therapist in our increasingly growing culture, which needs relaxation therapies and techniques unlike before.
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Cheap Massage Therapy Schools in the World
A body massage typically helps to alleviate discomfort, minimize tension, unwind bound-up muscles, and make people feel better just plainly. The massage therapy industry continues to develop, providing good benefits, such as competitive pay and healthy work development, as well as a rewarding health care career.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy is a medical profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques and can use adjunctive therapy with the aim of having a positive effect on the health and well-being of the client.
Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue structures to prevent and relieve pain, discomfort, muscle spasm and stress, and to promote health and well-being.
Massage therapy improves the functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and disease.
Who is a Massage Therapist?
Those called massage therapists can be said to be professionals who treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. If they massage you, pain is relieved, injuries are healed, circulation is improved, stress is alleviated, rest and helps customers in general.
Why should you study massage therapy?
Do you still consider a career as a massage therapist? Here are some of the reasons why you need to study massage therapy;
- Greater Independence and Control of Your Time
- Helping Others is Rewarding
- Boundless Job Opportunities
- Great Income Potential
- Balance and Happiness
- Greater Independence and Control of Your Time
How Long does it take to study Massage Therapy?
It takes about 7.5 months (30 weeks) to complete a full-time program of massage therapy. In some cases, it may also take about 12 months (24 months) or more to obtain a massage therapy training certificate.
However, the duration depends either on the number of hours or on the credit units of the courses. For example, the 800-hour Hands-On Massage Therapy Training at the National Holistic Institute takes as little as 8 months.
As at this time, it takes about 1 year for the National University of Health Sciences to complete a 705-hour Massage Therapy Certification.
However, it takes longer to complete a program of massage therapy in some schools. E.g, it takes about 2 years to complete the OVCMT massage training program.
It takes approximately 7.5 months (30 weeks) to complete a full-time program of massage therapy. In some cases, it may also take about 12 months (24 months) or more to obtain a training certificate for massage therapy.
How Much Does Massage Therapy Schools Cost?
According to Natural Healers, the cost of the Massage Therapy School ranges from $6 to $17 per hour of education, with an average of $9 to $10 per hour. It infers a situation in which if your state (USA) has no/minimum requirements, you can choose to take a shorter program, which will cost you less in the course of massage therapy.
However, most states with massage licensing criteria usually require between 500-600 hours of massage therapy training. This is equal to a course of between $6,000 and $10,000 for your certificate, depending on the location and location of the school.
A given example is the National University of Health Sciences who charges $14,934 for a 705-hour Massage Therapy certification program. Also, some programs include the cost of a massage table (about $500) in their school prices, but not all of them.
Are There Massage Therapy Schools Online?
Yes, there are schools offering online massage therapy programs. Online massage therapy programs are definitely a great fit for learners who may need to juggle family responsibilities with educational work. They can also be a good option for those who are preparing for a new career while still employed in an existing job.
However, prospective students are advised to ensure that the programs are approved by recognized accrediting bodies.
Which bodies are responsible for Accrediting Massage Therapy Programs in Schools?
There are currently more people taking up a career in the field of massage therapy. This, in turn, has increased the number of schools offering massage treatment programs. However, in order to obtain a license to practice, it is essential that prospective masseurs and masseuses are certified by accredited massage therapy schools.
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is a national accrediting agency specifically for the field of massage therapy and the profession. However, there are also other nationally recognized accrediting agencies that accredit health programs and/or business schools.
Below is a list of bodies in charge of accrediting massage therapy schools both in the USA and in the world
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
- National Accrediting Commission of Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- ITEC
- Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)
- CThA
- Federation of Holistic Therapist (FHT)
- ThinkTree
- International Institute For Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Are there Massage Therapy Schools in the USA?
The United States of America continues to be at the top of the chart in various sectors, including education. In the United States, several schools offer training programs in massage therapy.
According to Wikipedia, massage became popular in the United States in the middle of the 19th century and was introduced by two New York physicians, George and Charles Taylor, founded on Per Henrik Ling’s techniques formed in Sweden. Since then, the massage therapy industry has been steadily increasing.
Students are advised to attend schools that offer accredited massage therapy programs as all but 6 States require a license for massage therapists. The license requires the applicant to be trained at an accredited school and to pass a comprehensive examination. In addition, those states that require a license also typically require continuing education in massage techniques and ethics.
How much do massage therapist earn?
A normal yearly salary for massage therapists is $41,420, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In other words, they gain 19.92 dollars per hour.
Which schools offer the best massage therapy programs in the world?
Here’s a list of the world’s best and affordable massage therapy schools.
- National Holistic Institute
- London School of Massage
- Myotherapy College of Utah
- National University of Health Sciences
- Miami Dade College
- Cortiva Institute Schools of Massage Therapy
- Southwest Institutes of Healing Arts
- Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
- Canadian College of Massage And
- Hydrotherapy
- New York College of Health Professions
- Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN
- Center For Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy
- SOHA Institute
Top 10 Cheap Massage Therapy Schools in the World
Here’s a review of the world’s best cheap massage therapy schools.
1 National Holistic Institute
- Tuition: $15,588.00
- Number of Programs: 3
National Holistic Institute (NHI) Massage Schools is one of the nation’s most established and respected massage therapy schools. In fact, NHI has been a leader in the field of massage therapy since 1979.
As California’s first nationally accredited massage therapy school, the school is committed to training the best massage therapists in the world while promoting the integrity and positive growth of the massage therapy industry.
With ten campuses across California, NHI is truly one of the nation’s largest and most respected massage therapy colleges.
2 London School of Massage
- Tuition: £1450.00
- Number of Programs: 3
The London Massage School is a UK Premier Massage School that offers advanced certificate, sports and post-graduate massage courses. This is also an effective complementary training school in United Kingdom, dedicated to the quality in advanced massage and body therapy training, evaluation and practice.
The school provides certificate programs in massages, Sports Massages, Aromatherapy, Reflective Therapy, Indian Head Massages, Anatomy& Physiology, Wellness Touch-Kinesiology, Thai Massages, Ayurvedic and CPD courses.
3 Myotherapy College of Utah
- Tuition: $13,394
- Number of Programs: 2
A systematic clinical approach to massage therapy has been delivered by Myotherapy College of Utah since 1987, teaching over 20 styles and modalities. In order to achieve a more personalized education and focus, the school offers smaller and tailored classes.
Students will be eligible to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam upon graduation (MBLEX). To receive licensure, MBLEX is given by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
4 National University of Health Sciences
- Tuition: $20.97/hour
- Number of Programs: 2
The National University of Health Sciences is based in Lombard, Illinois, and is one of the best massage therapy schools in the country. Basically, the massage therapy program at the National University of Health Sciences offers comprehensive hands-on training for students so that they can provide their clients with the highest level of treatment.
Students here learn about anatomy and different methods of massage, including sports massage, deep tissue work, Swedish massage, and trigger point therapy. In massage techniques and theory, including business and communications skills, the school also offers introductory and advanced courses.
As a plus, not only does the National University of Health Sciences offer a Massage Therapy Degree Program, but it also offers access to a course in Massage Therapy Associate in Applied Science.
In addition, in 3 trimesters or only 1 year of convenient evening lessons, you can receive your Certification in Massage Therapy. That is, completing a 705-hour massage program takes around 1 year. At the state licensure tests, 84.6 percent.
5 Miami Dade College
- Tuition: Resident – $82.78/hr; Out-of-State – $331.11
- Number of Programs: 3
The Miami-Dade College Medical Campus in Miami, Florida, provides a massage therapy program with three-track vocational certificates. The associate program is intended for current physical therapists or assistants of physical therapists and there is a transfer choice for other healthcare professionals. Students will skip a variety of introductory health courses using these pathways and go straight to basic massage therapy courses.
Basically, a massage therapy program at the Medical Campus of Miami-Dade College takes about 1 year to complete.
6 Cortiva Institute Schools of Massage Therapy
- Tuition: $12,587
- Number of Programs: 2
The Cortiva Institute is a network of schools for massage therapy and skincare, all united by a shared mission and values that support the prosperity of students, customers and the environment.
Foundational, the school offers a holistic educational experience that focuses on both the art of massage therapy and science. For continued professional growth and success, they also provide continuing education and career services.
7 Southwest Institutes of Healing Arts
- Tuition: $75/36.25 hour
- Number of Programs: 3
Our seventh on the list, Arizona Massage School, situated at the Southwest Institutes of Healing Arts offers one of the best massage therapy programs in the USA. SWHI’s mission is to encourage individuals to discover their gifts and graces and support them as they share their talents with the world in a caring and profitable way.
Basically, SWHI provides personalized massage software where you can pick your specialties at your own rate and point of interest. All their services also make students eligible for national licensing tests and national qualification examinations.
8 Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
- Tuition: $30,365
- Number of Programs: 2
OV Massage School got created in 1994 and is one of Canada’s top schools for massage therapy. This school also has the first Nationally Accredited Licensed Massage Therapy program in Canada.
Two styles are required for the massage program: practical (on-hand) and academic (mind) instruction.
Students get to learn massage theory and practice, hydrotherapy, clinical examination, sports massage and much more during the on-hand training. On the other hand, they study anatomy & physiology, musculoskeletal anatomy, communication & ethics, and so on, during mind training.
9 Canadian College of Massage And Hydrotherapy, Toronto
- Tuition costs; Domestic Students – $10,294.00 (Year 1); $10,301.00 (Year 2), International Students – $12,480.00 (Year 1); $12,020.00 (Year 2).
- Number of Programs: 1
A first-class education in massage therapy has been offered by the Canadian College of Massage And Hydrotherapy since 1946. It is actually one of the best choices in massage therapy education worldwide. CCMH has a global presence, with campuses in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, along with its sister institution, the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.
This CCMH campus is situated in midtown Toronto and is home to approximately 120 students and over 30 teachers. The campus also includes a busy Public Intern Clinic that operates 5 days a week, in addition to academic and practical education.
Basically, in addition to 330+ hours of practical clinical instruction, the renowned mastery-level Massage Therapy Curriculum of the school was structured to develop an understanding of the human body via various courses like anatomy, neurology, pathology, and kinesiology.
10 New York College of Health Professions
- Tuition: $390.00/credit
- Number of Programs: 1
One of the best massage therapy schools in the world is the New York College of Health Professions School of Massage Therapy Program. The school offers an advanced degree program of 72 credits for Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS).
In addition to its core curriculum of European massage therapy, which is focused on traditional Western anatomy and physiology and Asian bodywork based on the concepts of Oriental medicine, the massage program provides many current studied modalities of massage therapy.
In addition, graduates of this program are required to sit for the New York State licensing test, as well as to sit for the Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork National Certification Examination.
Conclusion
Everyone likes to have a massage from time to time, basically. The services of massage therapists have gone on the rise as a cure for body tension or discomfort making it a promising career, thus.
In addition, most colleges also offer different programs for massage therapy to prepare world-class masseurs and masseuses. Here, we have provided essential information about the top 10 Best and Cheap Massage Therapy Schools in the World to help you make a decision. Choose wisely.