As more hospitals, clinics and private practices use massage therapy as part of their treatment plans, the demand for trained massage therapists has skyrocketed. When you’re ready to take the next step in your career, try exploring these massage therapy schools in Texas.
Attending massage therapy school in Texas can teach you how to work with your hands and help people feel better.
Massage therapists are often able to set their own schedule or even open their own private practice. More hospitals, clinics and medical practices are using massage therapy as part of their treatment, so the demand for massage therapists has increased proportionately.
Are There Massage Therapy Schools In Texas?
There are 23 massage therapy schools in Texas, including private institutions and public colleges. Some train only massage therapists, while others offer programs in multiple areas.
Most students are looking for certifications that take a year or less to complete. One college awards an Associate of Applied Science degree, which takes 16 months of study. Educational programs consist of classroom lectures, laboratory classes and clinical internships.
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DENTAL SCHOOLS
How Much Do Massage Therapy Schools Cost In Texas?
The time to complete this educational training ranges from 2.6 months to 1 year depending on the qualification, with an average completion time of 5.3 months.
The cost of attending a Texas massage school ranges from $1,500 to $5,500 depending on qualifications, with an average cost of $5,000.
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What Are The Requirements For Massage Therapy Schools In Texas?
To become a massage therapist in Texas, the first step is to either graduate from high school or obtain a GED. Health and science lessons help prepare students for MT studies.
The state board requires that a prospective medical practitioner enroll in an accredited graduate school with an MT program that involves 500 or more hours of study. The curriculum should include:
- 200 hours of theory, technique and practice (including at least 125 hours of Swedish massage training)
- 50 hours of anatomy, 50 hours of physiology and 25 hours of kinesiology
- 40 hours of pathology
- 45 hours of professional ethics, laws and business practices
- 20 hours of health and hygiene subjects including CPR and first aid
- 20 hours of hydrotherapy
- 50 hours of internship
Programs in many Texas schools exceed minimum standards. Some teach a wider range of massage techniques, require more additional business courses, or have additional hands-on opportunities.
Graduates are eligible to apply to the board for a license. They must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Massage Therapy.
Students take the exam at Pearson VUE testing centers. Therapists must renew their licenses every year. This involves receiving 12 hours of continuing education.
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What Are The Best Massage Therapy Schools In Texas?
We have compiled a list of the best massage therapy schools in Texas that will offer you a unique and personalized learning experience, where some programs may have as few as ten students.
Other schools offer larger programs with potentially 35 students or more, so keep that in mind when looking at different massage therapy schools.
1. Western Technical College
This professional training school in El Paso boasts an MT certificate program that is approved by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
The 750-hour curriculum includes 355 classroom hours and 295 laboratory hours. Students spend the remaining 100 hours in two on-site internships. The program consists of 25 weeks of full-time classes or 47 weeks of evening classes.
Courses include deep tissue massage, sports and chair massage; as well as spa and wellness treatments, trigger therapy and myofascial release.
Students practice their technique on anatomy and organ system mannequins. Teachers who have worked in this field teach all classes.
2. College of Health Professions – Southwest Houston
Massage therapy students enrolled at this private facility receive certification at campuses in Dallas, Fort Worth, Southwest Houston, and McAllen.
The program consists of 680 hours, including 358 lectures and 242 laboratory hours. Two clinical rotations include 60 hours of practical experience and 40 hours of business practice.
The curriculum consists of 30-45 weeks of full-time classes or 43-65 weeks of evening classes.
Students will learn about client assessment, aromatherapy, trigger point therapy, client acquisition and retention, and equipment maintenance.
They will master the methods of pregnancy, deep tissue, sports, chair massage, hot stones and oriental massage.
3. Parker University School of Massage Therapy
A private school founded in 1978, Parker offers an MT certificate and Associate of Applied Science programs recognized by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
The 600-hour certificate program includes courses in nutrition, myofascial therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and oriental medicine.
AAS requires an additional 26 credit hours of general education courses in computers, English composition, speaking, college algebra, American literature, and general psychology.
Both programs take 16 months to complete. Day and evening class schedules are available, and programs begin three times a year. Students benefit from interacting with Parker chiropractic students.
4. Healing Hands Massage Institute
Healing Hands Massage Institute takes a hands-on approach to prepare students to successfully pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) to become a licensed massage therapist.
The curriculum includes 450 laboratory hours and 50 internship hours and is designed to meet the core requirements of the state of Texas.
Course topics include anatomy, physiology, business practices, health and hygiene, hydrotherapy, kinesiology, pathology, Swedish massage and internships.
The school offers exam preparation and employment services for all students. Morning, afternoon and evening programs are available.
The duration of morning classes is 6 months, full-time classes are 2.5 months, and evening classes are 6 months.
5. Texas Massage Institute
The massage therapy curriculum is recognized by the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). The basic massage program includes laboratory training and an internship.
Experienced instructors will cover the basics of therapeutic massage in a well-equipped school premises. Students will also have the opportunity to visit members of the public at the school’s massage clinic.
Areas of study include Swedish Massage, Anatomy and Physiology, Health and Hygiene, Hydrotherapy, Business Practice and Professional Ethics, and a first semester internship.
There will also be intensive training for Texas certification as a Registered Massage Therapist and specialized techniques that will give students a competitive edge in the industry.
Full-time and part-time schedules are available to meet the needs of students.
6. Hands-On Approach School of Massage
The Hands On Approach prepares students for a career as a massage therapist through a foundational massage therapy program.
The curriculum meets Texas state requirements for massage therapists, but uses a modernized approach so that students can easily transition into today’s work environment.
Experienced instructors provide individual training with a hands-on approach that begins on the first day of class. Students will benefit from presentations prepared by experienced massage therapists.
They will practice new skills in first-class facilities, which include large training rooms, hydromassage, jacuzzi. Graduates will be prepared to succeed on the state exam and have all the training they need to get their first job or start a massage therapy business.
7. Cortiva Institute
The massage therapy program at Cortiva Institute prepares students for success in the field of massage therapy.
Through sessions based on knowledge in the classroom and laboratory, as well as therapeutic and clinical techniques in the spa, students will be equipped with all the skills necessary to transition into the world of massage therapy.
Instructors will cover a range of styles based on Swedish theory. Body therapies include sports massage, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy, reflexology, stretching and more.
Other areas of study include anatomy and physiology, professional ethics, communication, marketing and business.
Graduates will be prepared to take the exam to become a licensed massage therapist and equipped to work as competent professionals in a variety of settings.
After graduation, they can apply for seven certificates – Life Support Basics, Stretching, Clinical Massage, Hydrotherapy, HIV Certificate, Barbicide and Coivd-19 Barbicide.
8. McLennan Community College
Waco Public School, WCC, offers a certificate that takes less than a year to complete. The program emphasizes “mind-body integration.”
There are 470 hours of study followed by 50 hours of internship. Students study basic courses, in addition to classes on the study of medical terminology, the basics of improving the body, using equipment and safety techniques.
There are daytime and evening class schedules. MCC, like most community colleges, charges lower tuition than a typical private institution.
The school has “limitless opportunities for continuing education.” It provides success coaching, tutoring, consulting services, student development and counseling.
9. El Paso Community College
This public school houses a massage therapy program in what it describes as a “state-of-the-art facility” in EPCC’s Administrative Services Center on Viscount Boulevard.
Obtaining a certificate takes only seven and a half months. The program includes 525 hours of study, including 75 hours of internship.
Students study the technique of sports, prenatal, spa and clinical massage. The class schedule is flexible, with the possibility of weekends.
All instructors have at least 20 years of massage experience. The school touts its “military-friendly” policies, low tuition and placement services.
10. San Jacinto Community College
This Houston school is ranked among the top 10 community colleges in the country, according to the Aspen Institute. It has a massage therapy program at the Central Campus in Pasadena.
The 592-hour, 23-credit curriculum meets state requirements. They also teach spa techniques and “healthy living”. Obtaining a certificate lasts nine months, during two semesters of full-time study.
There are daytime and evening class schedules. Programs start in March and October.
The school has an on-campus clinic where students give massages to real clients, as well as continuing education courses for practicing physicians.
How Much Do Massage Therapists In Texas Earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a massage therapist in Texas is $40,090. Salaries in the Lone Star State range from $17,500 to $67,520, excluding tips.
Texas also has the third highest employment of massage therapists in the nation. A career in massage therapy promotes health and healthier choices for massage clients. Is it time to explore a Texas school of massage therapy?
Employment opportunities for massage therapists in Texas include spas, salons, gyms, health and wellness practices of all types, country clubs, sports teams and events, hotels, resorts, and more.
Many massage therapists decide to open their own business and receive clients at their homes or in the therapist’s private office.
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How Do I Become A Massage Therapist In Texas?
In Texas, you must obtain a license before practicing massage. You must first submit your official transcript to the Texas Department of Public Health that demonstrates that you have completed the required coursework at an eligible school.
Then you must pass either the Federation of State Boards of Massage Therapy exam or the National Certification Board of Massage Therapy and Bodywork exam.
Texas also requires a license renewal every two years, which costs $106. In addition, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education for every two renewal years.
Texas also has a unique opportunity for mentoring programs through renowned massage therapists such as Spa Alexis Massage and Bodywork. Once licensed, it is important to meet with other massage therapy professionals to grow professionally.
You should consider becoming a part of the Texas Massage Therapist Association or the Texas Chapter of the American Massage Therapist Association.
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Best Paying Massage Therapy Jobs In Texas
Companies are looking to hire a professional, courteous massage therapist to provide our guests with a wide range of massage services.
The masseuse 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.
Marriott International, Inc – Dallas, TX – Spa Massage Therapist
University of North Texas – Denton, TX – PRN Contract Massage Therapist
University of North Texas – Denton, TX – Contracted Massage Therapist
Cambridge Spa Group – Mesquite, TX – Licensed Massage Therapist
Miraval Austin Resort and Spa – Austin, TX – MASSAGE THERAPIST
Equinox Fitness Clubs – Licensed Massage Therapist, Plano
Nordstrom Inc – Houston, TX Massage Therapist
Marriott International, Inc – Grapevine, TX – Massage Therapist
Cimarron Hills Golf and Country Club – Georgetown, TX – Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy Schools In Texas FAQs
Massage therapy licenses in Texas require a minimum of 500 hours of training in the practice of massage therapy. The Texas Department of Health requires at least 125 hours of this to study the theory and technique of Swedish massage therapy.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services regulates the massage therapy industry in the state. In order to obtain your license, you must first complete a minimum training program of 500 hours. You will also need to complete at least 6 hours of continuing education courses each year between your renewals.
The initial license fee is $117 for your application + $87 for the examination fee. At the time of renewal, you will submit a fee of $106 along with your application and proof of continuing education.
Texas ranks among the top five states for massage therapist employment, with 4,270 massage therapist jobs, excluding those who are self-employed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for massage therapists will grow by 20 percent between 2010 and 2020. You can also earn a comfortable income as the average salary for massage therapists in Texas is $38,000 or about $18.27 per hour.
Conclusion
Massage therapy careers in Texas are as big as the Lone Star State itself. The power of the body allows trained massage therapists to pamper, rejuvenate and heal clients from stress and pain.
Attending massage therapy schools in Texas can teach you how to work with your hands and help people feel better. Massage therapists are often able to set their own schedule or even open their own private practice.
More hospitals, clinics and medical practices are using massage therapy as part of their treatment, so the demand for massage therapists has increased proportionately.
References
- careerswiki.com – Massage Therapy Schools in Texas
- tradeschoolsnearyou.com – Massage Therapy Schools in Dallas, TX
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