Cost Of Massage Therapy School

Massage therapy school can bring students closer to a career in the spa, chiropractic, health club, resort, salons, rehabilitation centers, stress reduction centers, hospitals, and corporate settings. Most adults looking to become a licensed massage therapist specialize in common areas such as deep tissue massage, spa therapies, neuromuscular therapy, reflexology, sports massage, and energy therapies. Many licensed massage therapists choose to become self-employed and open their own practice.

But, to achieve this goal, most states require a license to practice massage therapy. So, how much does massage therapy school cost? The fees involved to launch a successful career in the massage therapy industry depend on a number of factors.

Figuring Out Massage Therapy School Costs

The biggest factor in the cost of massage therapy school is clock hours. Rates range from $6 to $17 per hour of training, depending on where students choose to attend their massage training. Both private training schools and colleges offer massage therapy programs where students clock their clinic hours, earn a certificate, and are prepared to then take the state licensure test. Private schools offer faster programs, but cost more, while college programs may offer the same massage therapy degree courses at a lower cost per credit hour.

The minimum length of massage training varies from state to state, ranging from 500 to 1000 clock hours. Some states do not require a license, allowing an aspiring massage therapist to earn a certificate in 100 hours, bringing the cost of tuition to an average of $1,000.00. However, to become a licensed massage therapist in most states, the cost of massage therapy school ranges from $5,000 to $9,000 in tuition alone.

Before choosing a school, find out if the tuition includes the costs of books and equipment. If it does not, then extra expenditures such as a massage table (which averages about $500.00), uniforms, textbooks, and learning materials may add to the cost of massage therapy training.

In addition, depending on the state, a renewal fee may be required every couple of years for license renewal. This additional cost is a factor a hopeful massage therapist will want to consider when choosing this allied health industry job.

Financial Assistance at Massage Therapy School

Take note that massage therapy students can also look into financial assistance options when pursuing their massage therapy training. Financial aid, loans, and grants are available to those who qualify, as long as the training school is accredited.

Before choosing a school, an aspiring massage therapist should find out his or her state’s licensing requirements, research a school’s cost per training hour, inquire as to what the tuition includes, and look into financial assistance options. With a few simple questions, the path to a career as a massage therapist can be within reach.