Posted by Do you want to work as a massage therapist? Then you want to look at the best schools for massage therapy in the world.
The need for massage therapists is increasing with the demand for massage therapy. According to U.S. News & World Report, massage therapists are among the greatest healthcare support professions.
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What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a technique that involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.
The most common form of massage therapy in Western countries is called Swedish or classical massage; it is the core of most massage training programs. Other styles include sports massage, clinical massage to accomplish specific goals such as releasing muscle spasms, and massage traditions derived from Eastern cultures, such as Shiatsu and Tuina.
Massage therapy has been studied for several types of pain, including low-back pain, neck and shoulder pain, pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, and headaches.
Careers in Massage Therapy
There is a wide range of career opportunities in Massage therapy.
Licensed massage therapists can find jobs in:
- Spas
- Massage clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hotels and resorts
- Health centers
- Gyms and fitness centers
List of the Best Schools for Massage Therapy in the World
Below is a list of the best schools for massage therapy in the World:
- National Holistic Institute
- Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
- Colorado School of Healing Arts
- National University of Health Sciences
- Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy
- Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
- New York College of Health Professions
- Miami Dade College
- Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy
- Myotherapy College of Utah
- London School of Massage
- Cortiva Institute
- Northwestern Health Sciences University
- Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers
- ICT Schools.
15 Best Schools for Massage Therapy in the World
1. National Holistic Institute
- Founded: 1979
- Location: Emeryville, California
National Holistic Institute (NHI) is a well-established and highly regarded massage therapy school in California, USA, founded in 1979. NHI has 10 campuses across California, including the flagship campus in Emeryville.
NHI offers a comprehensive massage therapy training program, an advanced neuromuscular therapy program, and continuing education courses in massage therapy.
Students at NHI have access to a clinic where they can gain valuable experience in the massage therapy program.
NHI is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
- Founded: 1987
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) is a Tempe, Arizona-based institution that provides affordable and high-quality education in the field of healing arts.
SWIHA offers a range of massage programs that can be completed in 750 to 1000+ hours. In addition to massage programs, SWIHA is also a provider of continuing education in holistic healthcare.
SWIHA is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Furthermore, SWIHA is recognized by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
3. Colorado School of Healing Arts
- Founded: 1986
- Location: 7655 W Mississippi Ave Ste 100, Lakewood, CO, 80226
The Colorado School of Healing Arts (CSHA) is a renowned massage therapy school located in Lakewood, Colorado. It was established in 1986 and offers an exceptional training program in massage therapy.
The massage therapy program at CSHA can be completed in either 9 or 12 months. CSHA is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is also a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
Additionally, CSHA is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
4. National University of Health Sciences
- Founded: 1906
- Location: Lombard, Illinois
The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is a private, not-for-profit university that has been providing top-quality education in the field of integrative medicine since 1906.
NUHS offers an associate of applied science degree in Massage Therapy. NUHS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
5. Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) is a renowned school for massage therapy located in midtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was founded in 1946 and is considered the birthplace of massage therapy training in Canada.
CCMH offers a high-quality curriculum that prepares students for success as working professionals. The college provides applicants with a free medical terminology and body system course, which is strongly encouraged to complete before starting the program.
CCMH offers three intakes throughout the year for its massage therapy diploma program: Fast Track, Regular Track, and Online Blended Program. The Fast Track program is fully onsite, full-time, and takes 16 months straight through.
CCMH is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation, which is the highest level of accreditation for massage therapy schools in Canada.
6. Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
- Founded: 1994
- Location: 200 3400 30th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 2E2
Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy is a renowned institution that provides registered massage therapy education. It was founded in 1994 and has since graduated numerous well-rounded massage therapy professionals.
The college offers a registered massage therapy program that takes up to two years to complete, as well as a spa practitioner program. The registered massage therapy program is designed to provide students with the latest knowledge and skills necessary to become successful registered massage therapists.
The college is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA), which the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia recognizes.
7. New York College of Health Professions
- Founded: 1981
- Location: Muttontown, New York
New York College of Health Professions is a private college that provides quality education in massage therapy, acupuncture, and oriental medicine. The college has two campuses, one in Syosset and the other in Manhattan, New York.
The massage therapy program offered by the college is an advanced 72-credit associate in occupational studies (AOS) degree program that can be completed within 20 to 24 months.
The college is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and Commissioner of Education and is recognized by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
The college’s main campus is located in Muttontown, New York, and has a 70,000-square-foot facility with classrooms and teaching clinics. The college also has locations in Manhattan on the Upper West Side, University Settlement in the SoHo / Chinatown area, and the NY Open Center in midtown 3.
All programs offered by the college are NYS-accredited and lead to licensing and certification in their respective fields.
8. Miami Dade College
- Founded: 1960
- Location: Miami, Florida.
Miami Dade College is a public college located in Miami, Florida. It has eight campuses spread across Miami-Dade County. The college offers a Massage Therapy Career Technical Certificate program that prepares students for a career as licensed massage therapists.
The program is offered in three tracks: Generic Option, Accelerated Option, and Transitional Option. The Generic option is designed for individuals without a current healthcare-related certification/license, while the Accelerated Option is specifically designed for graduates of an accredited college degree program for physical therapist assistants or physical therapy.
The Transitional Option is designed for individuals licensed in designated healthcare professions.
The program requires completing specific courses totaling 25 vocational credits (750 hours) and takes approximately one year to complete. The estimated tuition cost for the program is $2,277.00.
9. Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy
- Founded: 1998
- Location: Albany, New York
The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy has been providing quality education to students interested in pursuing a career in therapeutic massage and bodywork since 1998.
The school offers a New York State-recognized massage therapy training program in three formats: a full-time day program that lasts for 9 months, a part-time morning program that lasts for 14 months, and a part-time evening program that lasts for 22 months.
It is important to note that the school only provides education to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
The curriculum at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art and science of therapeutic massage.
10. Myotherapy College of Utah
- Founded: 1987
- Location: Millcreek City, Utah
Myotherapy College of Utah is a massage therapy school that has been preparing students for a career in massage therapy and bodywork since 1987.
The college offers a 750-hour credit massage therapy program that is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become licensed massage therapists. The program is offered in four terms starting in January, April, July, and October.
The college is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The college’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of massage therapy and bodywork, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and ethics.
Myotherapy College of Utah is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is approved by the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
11. London School of Massage
- Founded: 1994
- Location: 455 Caledonian Road, London N7 9BA
London School of Massage is a training provider that specializes in body therapy and massage education. They offer a range of courses, including a diploma in massage and an advanced therapeutic massage diploma.
The London School of Massage is the UK’s most successful complementary training school committed to excellence in the training, assessment, and practice of professional massage and body therapy.
They provide training courses in holistic massage, sports massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, baby massage, and other related body therapies.
The courses are part-time and held over weekends, evenings, or daytime so that you can complete your training around work or family commitments.
The London School of Massage is accredited by ITEC, VTCT, FHT, Think Tree, IGCT, IICT, WMC, and maintains the high standards set by these organizations for alternative and complementary medicine.
12. Cortiva Institute
- Founded: 1974
- Located: Pompano Beach, Florida, United States
Cortiva Institute is a renowned institution that offers quality education and hands-on training in massage therapy and skincare. The school provides a professional massage therapy program that is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the field.
Cortiva Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
Students at Cortiva Institute are automatically enrolled as members of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), the largest massage therapy organization in the United States.
This membership provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including liability insurance, marketing tools, and continuing education opportunities.
13. Northwestern Health Sciences University
- Founded: 1941
- Location: Bloomington, Minnesota, United States
Northwestern Health Sciences University is a private university situated in Bloomington, Minnesota. It was established in 1941 as Northwestern College of Chiropractic.
The university offers degree and certificate programs in massage therapy.
Northwestern Health Sciences University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and its massage therapy programs are accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
14. Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers
- Founded: 1974
- Location: Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers is a beauty school located in Hollywood, Florida.
The institute offers diploma programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, skin care, nail technology, and massage therapy.
The massage therapy program can be completed in 5 months.
Hollywood Institute is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Careers Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and is a member of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
15. ICT Schools
- Locations: ICT Kikkawa College in Toronto, Ontario, and ICT Northumberland College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
ICT Schools is a Canadian educational institution that offers quality education in massage therapy. The school has two campuses located in Canada: ICT Kikkawa College in Toronto, Ontario, and ICT Northumberland College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The massage therapy diploma program is available in three different formats: regular (82 weeks), fast-track (73 weeks), or part-time.
ICT Schools has been providing quality education in massage therapy for over 43 years. The school offers a range of programs, including Continuing Education for Massage Therapy, Medical Office Administrator, and Certificates and Training in Healthcare, Business, Languages, and Technology.
ICT Schools’ massage therapy program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful massage therapists. The program is offered at both campuses and is open for admission throughout the year.
FAQs
Are these rankings applicable for international students?
Yes, the rankings include schools from around the world, making them relevant for both local and international students. Be sure to check each school's admission policies for specific information.
How can I explore more about each school?
We encourage readers to visit the official websites of the listed schools for in-depth information. Hyperlinks to each school's website are provided in the article for your convenience.
Can I share my experiences or thoughts about these schools?
Absolutely! We encourage readers to share their experiences, thoughts, and any additional information in the comments section of the article.
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.Conclusion
In conclusion, the demand for massage therapy is increasing rapidly, thus increasing the need for massage therapists.
The schools listed above are some of the best in the world and offer recognized and accredited degrees in massage therapy.
Pursuing a career in massage therapy can be a rewarding experience, and with the right education, you can become a professional massage therapist and help people improve their health and well-being.
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