Massage therapy schools in Tennessee only accept those with a high school diploma or GED. Taking college science, medical, and business classes can help win admission.
Schools eligible for state approval are authorized by the Tennessee Commission on Higher Education, the Tennessee Board of Regents, or a similar agency in another state.
The Board requires that MT programs provide at least 500 hours of instruction. There must be 200 hours of research coursework including anatomy, pathology, kinesiology, physiology (Eastern or Western), and hygiene/bloodborne pathogens.
Are There Massage Therapy Schools In Tennessee?
There are eight massage therapy schools in Tennessee, including private institutes and public colleges. Some focus exclusively on MT, while others offer multiple degree programs.
Certificate and diploma programs take one year or less. They consist of classroom lectures, laboratory classes and clinical experience. Graduates have the right to take an exam to obtain a state license.
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How Much Do Massage Therapy Schools Cost In Tennessee?
Although no other costs are paid directly to MBI, the Department of Education requires us to disclose other costs that you may pay when you enroll in the program.
Books and supplies will cost approximately $780.00. These can be purchased locally at the Mind/Body Connection store or elsewhere.
On-campus housing is not available, but we estimate that room and board in or around Nashville will cost $14,215.00 for the duration of the program. A $1,000.00 shipping charge is also allowed.
These additional costs are $15,995.00. Including tuition, the total cost of attendance (for an independent student) is expected to be $25,870.00.
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What Are The Requirements For Massage Therapy Schools In Tennessee?
The Tennessee Board of Massage Therapy requires that you pass the MBLEx or NCBTMB national exams in addition to 500 hours of coursework and study.
If you want to improve your skills, we encourage you to look for continuing education opportunities. Although Tennessee is one of the states that does not require these continuing education hours, it is important to be aware of new or changing methods.
These courses are often taught by specialist instructors who are knowledgeable about the latest massage therapy techniques.
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What Are The Best Massage Therapy Schools In Tennessee?
In the next few paragraphs, you will find some of the best massage therapy schools in Tennessee to complete your education and become licensed to practice massage therapy.
1. Genesis Career College-Cookeville
This private vocational school operates campuses in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The Cookeville site serves the Nashville-Chattanooga-Knoxville area.
GCC issues certificates to massage therapists, medical assistants, estheticians, manicurists, dental assistants and cosmetologists.
Part of the college’s School of Beauty and Wellness, students in the MT certification program study light and deep tissue massage, stone massage, acupressure, prenatal massage, neuromuscular therapy, aromatherapy, and myofascial massage.
Classes start every month. The school advertises small class sizes, guest speakers, mock interviews, licensure exam preparation and local employment services.
2. Platt College-Miller-Motte Technical-Chattanooga
The student body here mainly represents East Ridge, Hixon, Signal Mountain, Jasper and Cleveland. The school also offers massage therapy programs at five campuses in Georgia and the Carolinas.
The MT certificate curriculum focuses on “whole body wellness.” It has a minimum of 900 hours and 1350 hours available.
Along with standard courses in Hydrotherapy and Aromatherapy, Somatic Psychology, Seated and Sports Massage, Energy Techniques, Spa Therapy and Special Populations.
Students attend professional workshops as well as portfolio and resume building workshops. Graduates return for advanced training and career assistance.
3. Concorde Career College-Memphis
This private medical and dental school has 16 campuses in eight states. East Memphis is located between Audubon Square and White Station.
The CCC Diploma in Massage Therapy consists of 862 hours over 44 weeks. There are 507 hours of theoretical classes, 255 hours of laboratory classes and 100 hours of clinical practice. There are daytime and evening class schedules.
Students study Swedish massage, acupressure, sports massage, reflexology and deep tissue massage. For a fee, they provide full body massages as well as free chair massages for visitors at the on-campus clinic.
4. Roane State College
This public school offers a 720-hour, 30-credit certificate program in massage therapy that lasts 11 months. Students attend classes during three semesters — fall, spring, and summer.
The program is based on Swedish massage and neuromuscular therapy, but also includes “an overview of more than 100 approaches to therapeutic manipulation.”
In addition to state-mandated courses, students take massage therapy for special populations and somatic therapy.
The competitive admission process takes into account the scores of the applicants’ entrance exams for the program, qualifications and the results of the interview with the administrator.
The school helps in writing a resume, job search and employment. Job fairs give students the opportunity to meet employers.
5. Massage Institute of Memphis
A private institution that in 1987 became the first school of massage therapy in Tennessee.
The 700-hour curriculum consists of 200 hours of anatomy, physiology, neurology, and pathology; 200 hours of massage theory and practice; 150 hours of related modalities; and 50 hours of clinical work.
Classes include Eastern, European, Western and Ayurvedic massage techniques. Students learn hydrotherapy, electro/heliotherapy, aromatherapy, electrotherapy, trigger points, reflexology, seated massage and sports massage.
Other classes teach techniques for specialized populations such as the elderly, children, infants, pregnant women, victims of abuse, and clients with physical and psychological challenges.
6. Tennessee Career Institute
This private school offers a 750-hour massage therapy certificate program at its McMinnville and Murfreesboro campuses.
In addition to state-required coursework, classes include hydrotherapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports injury assessment, traditional Chinese medicine, and spa treatments.
Students study Swedish Technique, Deep Massage Technique, Medical Technique, Chair Technique, Prenatal Massage, Special Populations, and Thai Massage.
The study program takes about a year of full-time study. There are daytime and evening class schedules. The school has a 100 percent acceptance rate, but class sizes are limited. Only about 10 students graduate from the MT program each year.
7. Mind Body Institute
Founded by massage therapists in Nashville, MBI is completely dedicated to MT education. Its 700-hour certification program takes nine months, Monday through Thursday, to complete. Day and evening classes are available.
In addition to the required courses, there are classes in osteology and myology, advanced anatomy and physiology, clinical concepts, CPR, and lymphatic massage.
Program participants get practical experience in a student clinic and spend 100 hours of clinical practice. The school provides employment services and advanced training courses. Classes start in February, June and September.
8. Hussian College-Daymar College Nashville
This private technical school offers more than 30 career paths at its campuses in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. Daymar began in 1963 as Owensboro Business College in the city of the same name, Kentucky.
The massage therapy certification program includes 900 hours that students complete over 12 months. There are no part-time options. The curriculum covers Swedish, therapeutic, sports, prenatal and hot stone massage.
In addition to the mandatory courses, there are classes on hydrotherapy, reflexology and the use of orthopedic massage. Program participants treat real clients in an on-campus clinic.
Nashville School of Massage Therapy
The Nashville School of Massage Therapy offers an introduction to a wide variety of techniques. Kinesiology and research literacy are among the courses.
Addresses the needs of special populations, such as the elderly and the frail. The business course includes resume development and online appearance.
The Cumberland Institute for Holistic Studies in Brentwood offers a 500-hour program that introduces Swedish massage, acupressure, neuromuscular therapy and integrative therapy.
The Georgia Career Institute in Murfreesboro provides advanced instruction in Western modalities such as Swedish massage and medical massage.
It also includes an introduction to oriental techniques such as Thai massage and reflexology. Georgia Career Institute is considered a beauty school; other programs include cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics.
How Much Do Massage Therapists In Tennessee Earn?
Massage therapists in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $41,110 excluding tips. Salaries for licensed massage therapists in the state range from $17,580 to $58,450 per year. Salaries are best in big cities and resort or tourist areas.
Licensed massage therapists are qualified to work in spas, resorts, medical facilities, hospitals, health salons, health clubs and gyms or to start their own successful businesses as sole practitioners.
Many massage therapists work part-time and can set their own hours. Today, the sky’s the limit when you decide to take your career into your own hands, so consider one of the many great massage therapy schools in Tennessee.
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How Do I Become A Massage Therapist In Tennessee?
Have you considered a career as a licensed massage therapist in Tennessee? Students of all backgrounds enroll in massage therapy school to start or change their careers or gain the knowledge they need to start their own massage therapy business.
Potential massage therapists in Tennessee use different massage styles. Each style aims to promote the client’s well-being and higher quality of life.
At most massage schools in the state, students study Swedish and deep tissue massage, reflexology, spa treatments, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ethics and business management.
Tennessee, like many other states, requires you to successfully complete a minimum of 500 hours of study at an accredited school.
During your training you will focus on three main areas including massage technique and professional development. Upon completion, you will feel confident in your abilities to assess clients, develop treatment plans, and marketing and business.
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Best Paying Massage Therapy Jobs In Tennessee
Companies are looking to hire professional, courteous massage therapist to provide guests with a wide range of massage services in Tennessee.
The massage therapist will consult with guests to screen them for underlying ailments and assist in selecting appropriate services. You will perform the massage in such a way as to prevent injuries to the wrists and other parts of the body.
Squeeze Massage – Massage Therapist Lead
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg – Massage Therapist
1 Hotel Nashville – Massage Therapist
Bobby Nashville – Massage Therapist | On-call
LaFollette Medical Center – Massage Therapist – PRN/Part-Time
JW Marriott Nashville Downtown – Massage Therapist
Grand Hyatt Nashville – Massage Therapist
Eden Day Spa and Salon – Stylist, Massage Therapist & Nail Therapist
Massage Therapy Schools In Tennessee FAQs
You can graduate in two years or less and then take the exams to become a licensed massage therapist. Earning an education from a Tennessee massage school can qualify you to work in chiropractor offices, spas, or even start your own home-based therapy business.
To practice massage in Tennessee, the State Massage Licensing Board requires education and national certification testing. This ensures that only the best trained and most qualified massage therapists practice in the state.
A minimum of 500 hours of study at an approved school is required, followed by passing the NCBTMB or MBLEx national exams. Getting a massage therapy education and license can allow you to help people and improve your life at the same time. Completion of additional classes allows the therapist to specialize in an area of bodywork that interests him or is in demand in his field.
Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing professions in the country with a steady growth of 37% over the next few years. If these opportunities are right for your career, you may be an excellent candidate for a massage therapy education.
Tennessee cosmetology licenses are required to be renewed every two years, and you can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. You must complete 24 hours of continuing education to renew your license.
Conclusion
Students of all backgrounds enroll in massage therapy school to start or change their careers or gain the knowledge they need to start their own massage therapy business. Potential massage therapists in Tennessee use different massage styles.
Each style aims to promote the client’s well-being and higher quality of life. At most massage schools in the state, students study Swedish and deep tissue massage, reflexology, spa treatments, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ethics and business management.
References
- careerswiki.com – Massage Therapy Schools In Tennessee
- beautyschoolsdirectory.com – Massage Schools in Tennessee
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