How Long Does Massage Therapy School Take?

Anyone who’s ever received a professional massage knows that it can take a good 60 to 90 minutes to properly work out all the kinks and achieve the desired amount of tension relief. It’s a time commitment worth honoring; short-changing the process would lead to unsatisfactory results and unmet expectations.

The same goes for those administering the treatment. Professional massage therapists did more than fill out an application at the local spa — they underwent hours of training sessions and educational courses to assume the level of licensed masseuse or masseur. The months spent at massage therapy school provide that firsthand experience and expertise to get a professional massage therapist’s career rolling. But if you’re interested in this career path, you’re likely wondering, “How long does it take to get a massage therapy license?”

How many credit hours will I need for a massage therapy license?

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapists receive an average of 667 hours of initial training.

Cortiva Institute’s comprehensive massage therapist coursework is specifically tailored to the states in which we do business:

• 600 hours in Florida

• 600 hours in Texas

• 720 hours in Maryland

• 720 hours in Pennsylvania

• 900 hours in Connecticut

At first blush, 900 hours can seem like a lot. That’s roughly 38 full days, but you obviously don’t attend school 24 hours each day. Courses are broken into manageable weeks, with curricula centered on anatomy and the science of therapeutic massage, as well as marketing, business and ethics.

In addition, some students voluntarily choose to apply for certification as well, which requires 750 credit hours plus 250 hours of hands-on experience. With that in mind, in total, how long is massage therapy school from start to finish in months or years?

How long does massage therapy school take?

For most programs, students will obtain a license within one year of enrollment while studying fulltime. With our program, you’ll be certified and ready to practice professionally within nine months.

Is the time investment worth it?

The time investment is worth the opportunity, which will only grow with time. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that massage therapy jobs will experience 21% job growth through the end of the decade — a much faster rate than the average of other professions — so you’ll be able to take your pick of exciting career offers in spas, resorts, medical clinics, cruise ships or even your own private massage practice. As the population grows older and as more benefits are realized through therapeutic care, professionals can expect increased opportunities in physical rehabilitation, hospice care and other wellness- and comfort-focused fields.

The time is also worth the money. Licensed massage therapists earned a median annual income of $42,820 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. No matter the type of massage work you’re interested in — injury recovery, pain management, sports performance enhancement, stress reduction or a combination of several — Cortiva Institute provides expert guidance to help you master any and all modalities.

Keep in mind: A great way to maximize your earning potential is to undergo education and training in various specialties and techniques in order to satisfy the highest number of returning clients possible. Our immersive, hands-on learning experience provides that foundation you need to achieve success. We also offer CEUs so that you can keep your knowledge up to date. When you factor everything in, the return on investment is phenomenal.

What will the time spent at Cortiva Institute be like?

At Cortiva Institute, our mission is to enlighten, educate and inspire the next generation of superior massage therapist professionals so they can provide the best service possible and get the most out of their careers.

If you’re still questioning, “How long does it take to get a massage therapy license?” know that our educational program is designed to prepare you to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam, also known as MBLEx. In order to do that, you’ll need hundreds of hours of hands-on, real-world experience along with a deep understanding of anatomy.

Coursework covers the basics of several modalities, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, stretching, hydrotherapy, myofascial massage and more. We are committed to training all registered students in a wide range of techniques and modalities to ensure well-rounded professional capabilities upon graduation.

If you have any further questions about Cortiva Institute’s best-in-class massage therapy program, such as our school history, recent success stories, graduation rates, tuition assistance or particular state licensure requirements, contact us today! Let’s take the first step toward realizing your massage therapy goals together.