Massage Therapy Degrees - Video
Massage Therapy degrees are awarded through massage therapy schools, college programs and massage training programs. Students who earn a degree in Massage Therapy can work as a massage therapist in private practice, spas, resorts, fitness centers and healthcare facilities. Learn more about earning a Massage Therapy degree here.
Degree Overview
Degrees in Massage Therapy are awarded through massage schools, training programs and colleges. Although admission requirements can vary among programs, most degree granting institutions require applicants to have a high school diploma or a GED. Prior coursework in anatomy or physiology is also considered beneficial.
The length of time that it takes to complete a degree program in Massage Therapy can vary as well. Most programs last between six months and two years. However, there are intensive programs that are longer in duration.
Required Courses
The average Massage Therapy degree program combines instruction in business with courses in massage therapy. Required courses commonly include instruction in:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Massage Techniques
- Ethics
- and Business Practices
Some Massage Therapy programs give students the opportunity to specialize in a specific type of massage, such as Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage or neuromuscular massage. These programs typically offer additional courses related to these specialties.
Careers in Massage Therapy
Most of the students who earn a degree in Massage Therapy go on to become massage therapists. They practice in a variety of different settings, including spas, resorts, fitness centers and medical facilities. Some therapists even travel to client locations to give chair massages or massages on a portable table. More than half of all therapists are self-employed and many practice massage as a secondary source of income.
