If you’re considering massage therapy school, you may have many questions on what you can expect starting this new endeavor. You’ve already decided you can see yourself enjoying a career as a massage therapist offering healing and restoration to your future clients, but you’re still wondering how to get started and what the path to get into your career looks like.

We are going to take a closer look at how to get into a program, what you will study, and what has to happen before you can officially call yourself a certified massage therapist. Take a look below for a basic guide to massage therapy school.

Prerequisites for massage therapy school

If you plan to apply to massage therapy school, you’ll first need to understand a few prerequisites to getting into the school. Typically you’ll need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. If you have more education than that, it will surely benefit your future career in massage therapy. You’ll likely have to pass a criminal background check with the state to get a license.

Aside from the prereqs of the school and the state, you’ll also want to consider the physical demands of the job. You’ll be standing for long periods of time and will be performing physical movements that can be hard on the body. You’ll want to be sure to be in good shape, practice proper posture and form for the work you will be doing, and plan to get massages yourself as well.

What will you study?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of the body’s muscles and soft tissues towards wellness and relief of pain or tension. You will be learning about massage techniques and practicing them. You’ll also get to delve into the history of massage and there will be a focus on everything from anatomy to ethics to self-care.

Your state’s licensing requirements are what matter in massage therapy school and that will also determine how many hours you take at a time. You’ll likely find options for daytime or evening classes for those that have busy schedules and need options on what time classes are taken. School can last for up to two years but may not take that long.

What to look for and costs

The costs of massage therapy school will vary in different areas of the country and where you plan to practice. Most states are going to require that you’ve completed around 500 hours and it may total to around $15,000 for the program. You’ll have expenses in not only tuition, but also books, a massage table, student liability insurance, and other fees.

Make sure you find a school that’s first accredited, and then one that offers a program that works for you and understanding where the school’s job placement rate is at. Ask if there is financial aid available and what the campus and faculty are like. Ask as many questions as you can to make sure you find the right fit.

Insurance and testing

You’ll have to take a test from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards called the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination or MBLEx test. This is required in most states to finally get your license and practice massage therapy. There may be other required tests as well, but this is the main one for licensure. It will take two hours to complete and it can be retaken if you fail the first time.

During school, you’ll have to have student liability insurance since you’ll be performing therapy on students and other people of the public for training purposes. A mistake can happen during a session that would require insurance or you could have an accident occur, like a slip and fall, that you’ll want to have liability insurance to cover you. Check if it’s included in your tuition and fees.

After graduation

Once you’ve completed school, you’ll have to get the license in the state you plan to practice. You’ll take the MBLEx and any other requirements of your state. Then you can apply and pay for a licensing fee to the state’s massage therapy board. You’ll need professional liability insurance.

You’ll need to maintain your license which could include continued education and fees. Then you can work for a massage franchise, a spa, a hospital, your own private practice, or many other opportunities where massage therapy is needed.

This is an overview to give you an idea of what you can expect during your time at massage therapy school.