Massage therapy schools in Florida can set you up for a career where you can have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Massage schools in Florida teach the basics of therapeutic massage as well as different types of massage such as Swedish, Shiatsu, and more.
If you want to help people feel their best through natural treatments, then becoming a massage therapist in Florida is for you. Spa treatments are on the rise in America, with recent studies showing that nearly 1 in 6 people seek massages each year.
The results of massage therapy can include increased flexibility and mobility, as well as relief from pain and muscle tension.
Are There Massage Therapy Schools In Florida?
There are approximately 70 massage therapy schools in Florida, ensuring that all of the state’s future professionals can study close to home.
Programs consist of coursework and laboratory work, as well as practical experience in student clinics and real-world settings. Students typically receive their certificates in less than a year. Some schools offer associate degree programs that take longer.
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How Much Do Massage Therapy Schools Cost In Florida?
If your program has a clinic where students practice, you may be required to pay a clinic fee and obtain malpractice insurance. According to Naturalhealers.com, programs typically range from $6 to $17 per credit hour.
States that require massage therapy licensure may require more hours of training before you are eligible to practice, which will affect the cost of the program.
Most states with criteria for massage therapy licensing typically require 500 to 600 hours of massage therapy training. This equates to a tuition range of $6,000 to $10,000 for your certificate.
The cost may vary depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Find out whether you need to pay your tuition in full or if you can pay in installments before you start your programme. Late payments may result in fees or affect your status in the program. Expect the books to add about $200 to $300.
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What Are The Requirements For Massage Therapy Schools In Florida?
Schools require a high school diploma (with a certain minimum GPA) or GED. Taking a few high school math and science classes can help a student gain admission.
To become a massage therapist in Florida, you must graduate from an accredited higher education institution approved by the state board. Programs must consist of at least 500 hours of study and training.
After graduation, the next step is to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
The organization reviews students’ educational records to determine whether to allow them to take the test.
FSMTB reserves test session locations at testing centers in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Port Charlotte, and Altamonte Springs.
The MBLEx, which the student must complete in two hours, contains 100 multiple-choice questions on the computer.
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What Are The Best Massage Therapy Schools In Florida?
If you’re looking for a career in health and wellness that can make a real difference to people, look no further than massage therapy.
Massage schools in Florida can put you on the path to a career where you can help others on a daily basis and maybe even be your own boss.
Massage therapy schools in Florida will teach you the basics of therapeutic massage as well as different types of massage – such as Swedish, Shiatsu, deep tissue massage, and more.
#1 Southeastern College-West Palm Beach
Here, students attend classes at the West Palm Beach Campus, the Jacksonville Main Campus, or the Miami Lakes Area Branch Campus.
The program includes 900 hours of coursework and four clinical experiences. Students also do 25 “volunteer/community” hours. Full-time students take eight months (twice as long for part-time students) to complete their Diploma in Professional Clinical Massage.
The main courses are “Orientation to massage therapy” and “Massage and neuromuscular therapy I-VII”. Students also learn the laws of massage, basic massage therapy techniques, and related techniques.
#2 Manatyn Technical College
This school’s 750-hour program involves 11 months of day and evening classes at the main campus in Brandenton.
The curriculum covers various types of therapeutic massage, such as Swedish, neuromuscular, and reflexology.
Courses include anatomy and physiology, massage therapy basics, massage statutes/regulations and history, hydrotherapy theory and practice, related techniques, legal aspects of massage practice, professional ethics, and business skills.
The student must also complete a clinical practicum. The program has a 100 percent on-time performance rate. More than 90 percent of students pass the licensing exam and secure employment in the field.
#3 Erwin Technical College
This Tampa public school dates back to 1925. Her nine-month, 750-hour program includes 250 hours of hands-on classroom instruction and 25 hours of outdoor massage.
Students will learn about body awareness and mechanics, joint range of motion, ethics and Florida law.
They receive instruction in deep Swedish and integrative massage, foot reflexology, energetic touch, chair massage, therapeutic massage techniques, and hydrotherapy.
Other courses cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathology, client assessment, business and marketing skills and professionalism. Students massage clients in the classroom.
#4 Sheridan Technical College
This Hollywood facility is part of the Broward Public School District. Students in the seven-month, 750-hour massage therapy program attend anatomy classes; physiology; Kinesiology; Clinical pathology.
Classes also include Theory, assessment and application of therapeutic massage; Professional standards and ethics; and Law and Business Practice. They will learn about the basics of Swedish massage, hydrotherapy and other related methods.
Additional core courses cover AIDS education, CPR, human relations, employment skills, and computer literacy. Some classes are available online.
#5 Pensacola State College
The massage therapy professional certificate program here at the city’s oldest institution of higher learning includes 750 hours (25 professional credits).
The curriculum teaches massage theory and practice, hydrotherapy theory and practice, hygiene, practice demonstration, human anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of massage practice, related modalities, leadership and human relations skills, health and safety, and employment skills.
Students choose either a full-time day track for approximately eight months (two semesters) or a part-time evening track for 12 months (three semesters).
#6 Daytona State College
This school offers a two-semester, 25-credit program at its Daytona Beach campus. Classes are held in the evening. The total amount of training and internship is 750 hours.
The curriculum combines Eastern and Western massage techniques. Core courses include anatomy and physiology, health concepts, pathology, theories of body practice, history of massage therapy, and Florida law.
Program participants gain real-world experience working with government clients during internships and at the on-campus student clinic.
#7 Florida State College at Jacksonville
The 750-hour program at this school is called the Workforce Certificate in Massage Therapy (W.C.).
Instructors teach massage theory and practice, hydrotherapy theory and practice, hygiene, human anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical aspects of massage practice, related therapies, leadership and human relations skills, health and safety, and employment skills.
Students learn to perform various massage techniques; as well as hydrotherapy, sauna and steam room treatments, local and full baths, hydromassage baths and paraffin baths.
#8 Keizer University Fort Lauderdale
Students at this school on the Port St. Lucie campus earn an associate degree in massage therapy.
The 750-hour program focuses on anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and applied massage therapy techniques.
In addition, students study Eastern body massage and Western massage, sports massage and hydrotherapy.
Courses include body systems, human structure and function, legal and ethical business practices, massage theory, and spa theory. Students must also complete 26 credit hours of general education classes.
#9 Palm Beach State College
This school’s 750-hour program is located on the PBSC campus in Boca Raton.
Courses cover anatomy and physiology, hydrotherapy, myology, pathology, health care concepts, medical malpractice, HIV/AIDS education, history, public law, ethics, a range of related modalities, and traditional oriental medicine.
In the state clinic, students practice Swedish massage, stone massage, Vichy peeling, chair massage, hand and foot reflexology.
They also receive hands-on training in the Therapeutic Learning Lab and the Hydrotherapy Lab. Classes teach how to gather information about a client, assess their needs, and fill out medical records.
#10 Broward College
This large Fort Lauderdale school was ranked third nationally in the 2019 Aspen Community College Excellence Awards.
The 750-hour massage therapy program at North Campus includes day and evening classes. It combines lectures, discussions, hands-on demonstrations, interactive exercises, videos, guest speakers, field trips, and supervised massage practice on and off campus.
Core courses are Basic Life Support (CPR), Medical Ethics and Standards, Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Massage Therapy, Related Techniques, Hydrotherapy Techniques, and Medical Ethics and Standards. Each student also participates in a clinical practicum.
How Much Do Massage Therapy In Florida Earn?
According to the 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists in Florida can earn an average annual salary of $38,500 or $18.51 per hour.
The massage industry is expected to grow at approximately 32% through 2026, which is higher than the average for other professions in the United States. The BLS reports that Florida has the second highest employment rate for massage therapists in the nation.
In addition, the Naples-Marco Island area ranks third in the country for the concentration of massage therapist jobs in metro areas, and the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach area has the fifth-highest concentration of massage therapist jobs in the nation for metro areas.
Opportunities for massage therapists in Florida include working in arthritis clinics, health spas and resorts, home health care programs, physical therapy clinics, and sports medicine centers.
Since Florida is home to many cruise ships, many massage therapists work in the cruise industry. Consider these massage schools in Florida when you’re deciding where to start your career.
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How Do I Become A Massage Therapist In Florida?
To become a massage therapist, the Florida Department of Health requires that you first obtain a license to practice in the state. One of the requirements to obtain a massage therapist license is to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
In addition, you will need to provide proof that you have completed a massage therapy course at a licensed beauty school or have a degree in massage therapy. Preventing medical accidents is a top concern, so you are also required to take a 2-hour medical malpractice safety course.
After completing your massage therapy program, you must pass one of these exams to be considered for licensure:
- National certification exam in therapeutic massage and bodywork
- National certification exam in therapeutic massage
- State exam for obtaining a state license
- Licensing exam in massage and bodywork
Finally, you will need to pay a license fee of $155 to obtain your license.
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Massage Therapy Schools In Florida FAQs
To obtain a license, the Florida Board of Massage Therapy requires students to be at least 18 years of age and complete at least 500 hours in an approved massage therapy training program. The state of Florida also requires massage therapy license applicants to complete a 2-hour medical malpractice course as part of their training course.
The state of Florida requires massage therapists to complete a training program that includes at least 500 hours of training. Once you complete the application process and receive your license, you will need to renew every two years and pay a fee of $105. Florida also requires massage therapists to complete at least 25 hours of continuing education every two years. One of them should be the HIV/AIDS course. You can find all licensing and renewal information through the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
Florida will also allow you to obtain a massage therapist’s license. To obtain this certification, you must not be currently enrolled in a massage therapy program and have a sponsor who has practiced in Florida for at least three years. Apprenticeships normally last 12 months, but you are given 24 months to complete. During your training you will need to spend a certain number of hours on subjects such as the theory and history of massage therapy, physiology and massage practice statutes and regulations.
The job outlook for massage therapists in Florida is positive, with many jobs available for you to choose from. Jobs in spas, private medical offices, sports rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and hospices. Graduates can even start their own private clinic. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is projected to be 20% over the next ten years.
Basic massage therapy programs consist of 500 hours, but you will have the opportunity to take advanced training courses at a number of schools, including Florida Academy. These advanced courses will allow you to focus on specific areas of massage, including medical, sports, and neuromuscular, and typically require 200 additional program hours.
Conclusion
Massage therapy schools in Florida aim to equip students with a variety of massage skills and techniques used to provide physical and mental relaxation to patients. In this state, you can find various degree and certificate programs that offer training in the art of massage therapy.
A certification program offered by massage therapy schools in Florida can take only a few months to complete, while degree programs can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years. Topics covered in these trainings include:
Students who attend well-known massage therapy schools in Florida can find work in physical therapy clinics, spas, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, or beauty salons.
References
- beautyschoolsdirectory.com – Massage Therapy Schools in Florida
- careerswiki.com – Massage Therapy Schools in Florida
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