Best Online Massage Therapy Schools & Classes
Review top programs with online courses, learn about scholarships and financing, and get detailed information on accreditation. Get your massage therapy education started today.
Massage therapy is a truly “hands-on” profession, so it might surprise you that online programs exist. But there are plenty of great reasons to attend online massage therapy schools or classes.
First, taking classes online allows you to fit your schoolwork around your schedule — many schools even offer self-paced options. Second, you can study from anywhere. You can still follow your dreams of becoming a licensed massage therapist even if moving or traveling to attend school isn’t realistic. Third, you won’t miss out on in-person experience. No online massage therapy school is 100% online. In addition to your online courses, you’ll train under a licensed massage therapist in your area.
Finally, if you’re already a certified massage therapist, online classes can be a great, flexible option for completing your continuing education hours in topics like insurance reimbursement, which don’t require hands-on practice.
It’s natural to be a little skeptical when it comes to online schooling. There are certainly some sketchy programs out there. That’s why we made this guide. Stick with us to learn about top-quality programs, accreditation, how to fund your tuition, and what you can do after graduation.
Siena Heights University
Adrian, Michigan
Private
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata, Maryland
Public
Roane State Community College
Harriman, Tennessee
Public
Profiles of Popular Programs
Carrington College
The Massage Therapy Training Program at Carrington College is committed to going above and beyond to prepare students for licensing and their future practice. Through a combination of on-campus studies and a robust internship program, students are sure to graduate with enough hours of study to meet their state’s licensing requirements. We should note that Carrington’s Massage Therapy Training Program places a heavy emphasis on in-person instruction at one of their six campuses nationwide, so it’s best for locals. But, for convenience, you can still take some of your classes online.
When it comes to online massage therapy classes, continuing education courses is where Carrington really shines. Licensed massage therapists who are looking to level up their credentials will love Carrington’s fully online Health Studies AS degree. This program is designed to build on your current expertise with an advanced credential that can help you elevate your career. With full-time study, you can complete this course in a mere seven months.
Southern California Health Institute
The Massage Therapy Training School at Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) is an excellent program for aspiring massage therapists in the San Fernando Valley area. This hybrid program combines interactive and asynchronous online learning options whenever possible. This means you can avoid traffic and control your schedule while making the most of the lecture and information-sharing portions of your coursework. But since hands-on experience is a must in all massage therapy programs, you’ll also receive expert instruction at SOCHi from world class instructors.
What we love most about SOCHi is their extensive student support services. As we’ve already covered, the school offers a host of online learning models to meet all types of students’ needs. SOCHi’s advisors will walk you through the process of applying for scholarships and financial aid to make sure your tuition is as affordable as possible. Best of all, SOCHi doesn’t stop supporting you once you graduate. Instead, they’ll help you study for your licensing exam, assist you in setting up liability insurance, and even help you get your own table.
U.S. Career Institute
If flexibility is high on your list of priorities, the Online Massage Therapy School at the US Career Institute (USCI) might be the perfect fit. USCI is unique because all their online coursework is self-paced. This means you have ultimate control over how, where, and when you study. When you are ready for your hands-on learning, you can attend a 4-week intensive session at the school’s Ft. Collins, CO campus. However, if your state’s licensing requirements allow for it, the school will also work with you to complete your in-person requirements with a local expert massage therapist. USCI also stands out for its affordable, straightforward tuition model. The entire program costs $5,389 including course materials and the cost of your licensing exam. No hidden fees here! The school also offers an affordable monthly payment plan. Plus, you can preview the program with their money back guarantee. If, once you’ve reviewed your first lesson, you decide the program isn’t for you, you can withdraw with a full refund.
6 Key Questions to Ask When Looking at Massage Therapy Classes Online
There are plenty of online massage therapy courses and programs to choose from. To help prospective students narrow down their list of potential schools, we’ve come up with six essential questions to ask.
1. Are the school and massage therapy program properly accredited?
There are two types of accreditation that apply to a postsecondary institution. First, there’s institutional accreditation. This refers to whether the school, as a whole, meets certain basic educational standards. Most schools receive this accreditation from a regional or national accrediting body. Next, there’s programmatic accreditation, which covers a specific program at a school. For massage therapy, the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is what you should look for. There are also schools approved or recognized by a state certification or licensing board, even if they may not have programmatic accreditation.
Ideally, you should choose a school that has both types of accreditation and is approved or recognized by the licensing or certification board in the state you want to work. But even if a school doesn’t have all three approvals, it may still be a good option. For example, not all states have a massage therapy licensing or certification board. Some massage therapy professional organizations can provide program approval that can still indicate a particular school has a high-quality massage therapy program, even if that program is not officially accredited at the programmatic level. One good example is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Do remember is that if a program isn’t accredited, recognized by a particular state’s massage therapy licensing board, or approved by a professional organization, make sure it at least has institutional accreditation.
2. Are the online classes designed to prepare me to take the MBLEx exam?
Practically all states that regulate massage therapists use the MBLEx as the main entry-level licensing exam. Therefore, it’s good to choose a program with a curriculum designed to facilitate the passage of this exam. If a school doesn’t specifically tout its MBLEx-based curriculum, that doesn’t mean it won’t prepare you for licensure. You’ll just need to ask additional questions as to how the curriculum prepares its students.
3. Does the curriculum meet my state’s massage therapy licensing and/or certification requirements?
The curriculum of most accredited programs generally meets most state licensing requirements. But, just because a curriculum meets the standards for one or more states does not mean the curriculum will meet the requirements for all states. For example, if you want to work in Nevada, studying through an online massage therapy program is not accepted. Many schools present answer to this question on their website, often on a “program disclosure document.” This will have other useful information such as gainful employment after graduation, cost of attendance, and how long it takes to complete the program. The Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals website also has a helpful map that shows licensing requirements for each state as well as state board contact information.
4. Does the program meet the requirements for the professional certifications I want to pursue after graduation?
Professional certifications may not be required to work as a massage therapist in most states, but it’s still a good idea to consider obtaining them. It can increase your marketability and allow you greater choices in employment. Each certifying body has its own eligibility requirements, including completion of an approved massage therapy program. One such example is board certification from the NCBTMB, which requires graduating from an approved school. Certain specific requirements also exist, such as expecting applicants to show they have finished a curriculum with at least 200 hours of hands-on, western-based massage training at clinics or labs.
5. Where is the in-person, clinical portion of the classwork taught?
If you’re interested in enrolling in an online program, remember that you’ll have to complete the hands-on training as well. This usually means going to the school’s campus for the in-person portion of the curriculum. If a school has multiple locations, you’ll need to confirm which ones provide you the opportunity to gain your hands-on training and experience. Don’t be surprised if a school you’re interested in attending has two or more campuses, but only one of them offers the in-person training.
6. Are the classes or program eligible for financial aid?
Given the relatively short duration of a massage therapy program, they’re not the most expensive post-secondary credentials to earn. However, they can still cost a significant amount of money, so looking for financial aid is sensible. Most forms of financial aid, especially from the state or federal government, require admission into an accredited school or program. Even if your chosen school isn’t accredited, there may be other forms of financial aid available. Ask your financial aid advisor for guidance.
Program Options in Online Massage Therapy School
Prospective massage therapy students can choose between several different program types and specializations while in school. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
Degree Levels in Massage Therapy
Diploma/Certificate
The diploma or certificate program serves as the quickest route to obtaining the necessary education and training to become a licensed massage therapist in the school’s respective state. Depending on the program, graduates may also have the necessary credentials to become licensed in many other states. The curriculum will be completely devoted to massage therapy techniques, as well as some background courses in professional obligations of massage therapists and underlying medical theories that help provide a foundational context for more advanced training.
Who it’s for: The diploma or certificate program is perfect for individuals who want to start practicing as a massage therapist in the shortest amount of time possible.
Associate Degree
The associate degree route offers all the same courses as most diploma or certificate programs, plus general education courses to provide a well-rounded education. Given that the amount of coursework is practically doubled, earning an associate degree generally takes twice as long to complete as a diploma or certificate in massage therapy. The advantage of this extra work is having a college degree and a great head start on a bachelor’s degree, should you choose to take that academic route.
Who it’s for: An associate degree in massage therapy is ideal for students who either want a full college education or who anticipate eventually moving on to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Massage Therapy Specializations
The average person may not realize there are many massage modalities and techniques, each with their own styles and benefits. Being trained in one of these specializations not only helps a massage therapist better meet the needs of clients, but also helps in professional marketability.
The underlying principle of reflexology is the belief that there are special “reflex” areas, usually in the hands, head, and feet, that can help achieve balance in the body. By manipulating these reflex areas, a massage therapist can bring relaxation and pain relief to almost anywhere in the body.
As its name implies, sports massage is commonly used to treat sports-related injuries and improve performance. Clients without a sports background can also benefit, if they suffer from pain from repetitive motion or are seeking physical rehabilitation for other problems.
Deep tissue is a massage style that applies pressure at specific points of the body. While compression of tissue is common, this is also about the angle of the pressure. Deep tissue massage is a great technique to use on individuals who suffer from knots in their muscles.
One of the more well-known massage styles, Swedish massage emphasizes working on the body’s circulatory system to achieve relaxation. This involves long, sweeping strokes, which is what many clients desire in a massage.
This specialization focuses on Asian-based healing theories and techniques. Students will learn how to perform various bodywork styles with Asian origins, including Thai massage, tui na, and shiatsu.
Attending Massage Therapy Classes Online: How It All Works
Most schools and colleges offer massage therapy training in a hybrid format that combines both in-person and online instruction. You can expect to complete general education and some foundational massage therapy classes remotely, or about 40 to 50 percent of your coursework. Depending on the program, online instruction may include classes such as accounting, biology, small business management, marketing, and more. The remaining require in-person, hands-on physical training or laboratory components.
Common Online Massage Therapy Courses
Required classes and training sequences vary between schools and programs. The following is a small sample of common courses typically offered by online massage therapy programs.
Business Practices for Massage Therapists
In this class, students explore methods for developing a client base and managing day-to-day business operations. Topics include essential business skills such as bookkeeping, marketing, and taxes. Additionally, distance students learn about local and state laws as they apply to massage therapy businesses. Learners also examine ethical practices for giving and receiving referrals, records keeping, and therapist-client relationships.
Theoretical Foundations and Clinical Practice
This foundational course, based on both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills, prepares new students to administer their first hands-on massages. Throughout the course, students learn to communicate professionally with patients and give general relaxation massages. Learners develop notetaking skills and methods for documenting case histories. Upon completion of the course, massage therapy students can assess and analyze body alignment and posture, administer palpation-based exams for diagnosing diseases or illnesses, and test bodily flexibility.
Introduction to Kinesiology
Students study human movement, muscle groups, and body motion. For a massage therapist, this class helps learners identify which muscles relate to patients’ ailments, disabilities, poor posture, or limited movement. An understanding of kinesiology and exercise helps therapists provide effective treatment for specific cases with elderly patients, athletes, handicapped individuals, and patients suffering from job-related physical stress.
Physiology and Human Anatomy
Students in this class study musculoskeletal anatomy, including all major muscle groups and related nerve activation. The course also covers palpation methods, strengthening and stretching exercises for each muscle group, and treatment for common muscle disorders. Additionally, students obtain foundational knowledge about the circulatory, respiratory, excretory, digestive, and endocrine. This class typically includes a laboratory component in addition to text-based studies.
Swedish Massages
This class helps beginner students refine more advanced hands-on massage techniques such as effleurage, compression, vibration, friction, petrissage, and tapotement. The course focuses primarily on the circulatory system and how to cultivate a sense of balance and relaxation for patients. Students establish a foundation of knowledge on which other types of more advanced massage techniques are built. Massage therapy learners also develop advanced draping procedures, basic pathologies, and massage sequences.
Primary Skills You’ll Learn
Each school has the freedom to design its own curriculum, but students will generally learn the same set of core skills, including:
Students learn how to establish appropriate boundaries with clients and to act in a manner that effectively facilitates the healing and wellness component of massage. Students also gain an understanding of how to factor in the cultural or social differences between themselves and their clients.
As great as it is to help people improve their health, massage therapists must, at the end of the day, provide a service that’s profitable. Whether it’s making business decisions or merely understanding how someone else’s decision affects the massage therapy business, this skill is critically important.
A client’s diet can have a significant impact on their overall health and wellness. Students will gain an understanding of how good nutrition can complement their clients’ well-being, to make the most of the benefits from massage therapy.
It is important to understand the basic vocabulary and language relating to the human body, its parts, and its processes. Students learn the basics of major organ and biological systems and the muscular and skeletal systems, and how they interact with each other.
To maximize the level of care they can provide as well as improve their marketability, students also learn a variety of different techniques. This includes treatments designed to target certain sports injuries, and age-specific massage concerns.
How Much Does Online Massage Therapy School Cost?
The cost of earning a massage therapist credential varies widely based on a number of factors, including whether the student is earning an associate degree or certificate/diploma, state and county residency status, type of school (private versus public), and whether the school charges a different tuition rate for courses delivered online. Here are a few examples of what a massage therapist student can expect to pay for their education. Note: The following tuition figures are accurate as of May 2022. Please check school websites to confirm tuition and other costs.
| U.S. Career Institute, Massage Therapy Certificate | $4,989 (entire program cost) |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Massage Therapy Diploma | $198.95/credit |
To learn more on how to help pay for school, check out EduMed’s comprehensive guide to financial aid.
Salary and Career Outlook for Massage Therapists
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 134,300 | 158,900 | 24,600 | 18.30% | 22,000 |
| Alabama | 1,110 | 1,270 | 160 | 14.40% | 180 |
| Alaska | 450 | 490 | 40 | 8.90% | 70 |
| Arizona | 3,520 | 4,540 | 1,020 | 29.00% | 640 |
| Arkansas | 450 | 550 | 100 | 22.20% | 80 |
| California | 22,000 | 26,900 | 4,900 | 22.30% | 3,750 |
| Colorado | 7,660 | 9,500 | 1,840 | 24.00% | 1,330 |
| Connecticut | 1,390 | 1,740 | 350 | 25.20% | 240 |
| Delaware | 220 | 260 | 40 | 18.20% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 140 | 210 | 70 | 50.00% | 30 |
| Florida | 12,220 | 15,540 | 3,320 | 27.20% | 2,180 |
| Georgia | 2,220 | 2,750 | 530 | 23.90% | 380 |
| Idaho | 550 | 740 | 190 | 34.50% | 110 |
| Illinois | 5,600 | 6,520 | 920 | 16.40% | 900 |
| Indiana | 1,910 | 2,240 | 330 | 17.30% | 310 |
| Iowa | 770 | 950 | 180 | 23.40% | 130 |
| Kansas | 970 | 1,100 | 130 | 13.40% | 150 |
| Kentucky | 960 | 1,130 | 170 | 17.70% | 160 |
| Louisiana | 430 | 520 | 90 | 20.90% | 70 |
| Maine | 460 | 490 | 30 | 6.50% | 70 |
| Maryland | 1,880 | 2,320 | 440 | 23.40% | 320 |
| Massachusetts | 1,220 | 1,480 | 260 | 21.30% | 210 |
| Michigan | 2,740 | 3,090 | 350 | 12.80% | 420 |
| Minnesota | 2,280 | 2,680 | 400 | 17.50% | 370 |
| Mississippi | 350 | 390 | 40 | 11.40% | 50 |
| Missouri | 2,440 | 2,730 | 290 | 11.90% | 370 |
| Montana | 560 | 680 | 120 | 21.40% | 100 |
| Nebraska | 570 | 670 | 100 | 17.50% | 90 |
| Nevada | 2,170 | 2,900 | 730 | 33.60% | 410 |
| New Hampshire | 1,690 | 1,920 | 230 | 13.60% | 270 |
| New Jersey | 3,630 | 4,490 | 860 | 23.70% | 630 |
| New Mexico | 520 | 710 | 190 | 36.50% | 100 |
| New York | 7,940 | 9,360 | 1,420 | 17.90% | 140 |
| North Carolina | 3,120 | 3,960 | 840 | 26.90% | 560 |
| North Dakota | 270 | 310 | 40 | 14.80% | 40 |
| Ohio | 3,590 | 3,860 | 270 | 7.50% | 520 |
| Oklahoma | 480 | 550 | 70 | 14.60% | 80 |
| Oregon | 2,280 | 2,800 | 520 | 22.80% | 390 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,110 | 4,840 | 730 | 17.80% | 670 |
| South Carolina | 2,400 | 2,960 | 560 | 23.30% | 410 |
| South Dakota | 180 | 220 | 40 | 22.20% | 30 |
| Tennessee | 1,820 | 2,520 | 700 | 38.50% | 360 |
| Texas | 10,500 | 13,550 | 3,050 | 29.00% | 1,910 |
| Utah | 2,390 | 3,590 | 1,200 | 50.20% | 520 |
| Vermont | 480 | 600 | 120 | 25.00% | 90 |
| Virgin Islands | 10 | 10 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Virginia | 2,870 | 3,480 | 610 | 21.30% | 480 |
| Washington | 8,630 | 11,840 | 3,210 | 37.20% | 2,010 |
| West Virginia | 220 | 260 | 40 | 18.20% | 40 |
| Wisconsin | 1,870 | 2,270 | 400 | 21.40% | 320 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $32,240 | $55,310 | $95,700 |
| U.S. | $32,240 | $55,310 | $95,700 |
| Alabama | $20,870 | $41,920 | $77,930 |
| Alaska | $51,530 | $88,830 | $163,240 |
| Arizona | $36,000 | $60,880 | $101,000 |
| Arkansas | $23,890 | $38,070 | $106,240 |
| California | $32,240 | $45,400 | $101,470 |
| Colorado | $45,750 | $56,110 | $82,070 |
| Connecticut | $31,200 | $59,890 | $89,730 |
| Delaware | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
| Florida | $32,110 | $48,940 | $73,210 |
| Georgia | $29,040 | $58,100 | $104,000 |
| Hawaii | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
| Idaho | $40,790 | $68,960 | $82,250 |
| Illinois | $29,500 | $60,670 | $93,400 |
| Indiana | $30,470 | $58,300 | $80,900 |
| Iowa | $40,420 | $63,060 | $104,000 |
| Kansas | $29,550 | $48,120 | $77,650 |
| Kentucky | $42,300 | $63,780 | $90,150 |
| Louisiana | $26,010 | $62,870 | $77,480 |
| Maine | $30,160 | $52,000 | $90,480 |
| Maryland | $35,550 | $56,960 | $104,010 |
| Massachusetts | $34,470 | $61,280 | $101,170 |
| Michigan | $34,070 | $61,950 | $86,900 |
| Minnesota | $45,900 | $62,770 | $93,190 |
| Mississippi | $24,980 | $39,980 | $118,420 |
| Missouri | $25,980 | $52,770 | $104,000 |
| Montana | $22,260 | $59,400 | $82,840 |
| Nebraska | $38,300 | $59,910 | $91,150 |
| Nevada | $23,800 | $44,730 | $85,020 |
| New Hampshire | $54,020 | $72,960 | $101,370 |
| New Jersey | $42,300 | $56,380 | $124,880 |
| New Mexico | $24,960 | $62,470 | $96,920 |
| New York | $35,450 | $50,210 | $112,720 |
| North Carolina | $36,720 | $61,570 | $93,850 |
| North Dakota | $28,060 | $53,450 | $79,640 |
| Ohio | $32,360 | $51,100 | $74,540 |
| Oklahoma | $28,410 | $41,600 | $58,740 |
| Oregon | $38,140 | $82,170 | $98,880 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,180 | $56,780 | $79,070 |
| Rhode Island | $45,760 | $56,160 | $69,100 |
| South Carolina | $21,160 | $47,640 | $78,230 |
| South Dakota | $37,100 | $46,540 | $61,090 |
| Tennessee | $25,570 | $49,480 | $70,130 |
| Texas | $27,110 | $49,550 | $79,710 |
| Utah | $32,930 | $59,780 | $109,030 |
| Vermont | $27,410 | $94,620 | $119,790 |
| Virginia | $29,490 | $52,030 | $79,680 |
| Washington | $56,860 | $79,700 | $109,320 |
| West Virginia | $24,950 | $31,080 | $77,380 |
| Wisconsin | $21,840 | $55,950 | $88,400 |
| Wyoming | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Massage Therapy Student Resources
So you’re about to start your training to become a massage therapist, but have more questions or would simply like to learn more about the profession. This shortlist of additional resources will help you get the most out of your education and achieve your professional goals.
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
The AMTA is the largest professional organization for massage therapists. Its website has a host of resources, including massage therapy schools and a list of massage therapy regulations for all 50 states.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
The ABMP primarily exists to help its members obtain necessarily liability insurance to work in the field of massage and bodywork. However, it also provides a host of resources, including the free Massage & Bodywork magazine, and tools to help students get through school and pass the MBLEx.
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
COMTA is the leading organization that accredits massage therapy programs in the United States. A special section on its website outlines what prospective massage therapy students should look for when choosing a program.
Federation of States Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
The FSMTB is the primary regulating body in the United States for massage therapists. Most notably, they oversee the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) which is widely used by states for licensing massage therapists.
Massage Therapy Foundation
This organization’s mission is to promote the benefits of massage therapy to the general public and advance massage therapy research.
