13 Best Massage therapy schools in Arizona:Key Facts

There are top massage therapy schools in Arizona; we’ve compiled the list of the schools for massage therapy in Tucson and Phoenix as well as the cost of these schools.

A fulfilling career in massage treatment is in high demand. Although the occupation is part of the allied health industry, there are many specialties from which to pick. 

Pregnancy massages, deep tissue massages, sports massages, and aromatherapy are a few popular specializations. 

Whatever their area of expertise, all therapists apply pressure to different locations on the body to reduce stress and discomfort. 

Students may graduate with either a professional certificate or an associate’s degree in applied science, depending on the institution.

Other than what is taught in school, there is no requirement for work experience or on-the-job training in order to practice in the state.

Arizona has higher job prospects than the average state in this quickly expanding industry. 

In Arizona, massage therapy has become both a vital part of one’s general health and a popular pastime. 

Before applying for and charging for massage services, massage therapists are frequently required to obtain a license in several states.

Also Read:10 Top Massage Therapy Schools in Vancouver|Costs & Duration

Is Going to Massage Therapy School Worth It?

In many ways, working as a massage therapist is fulfilling. Your abilities will not only be in great demand, but you’ll also play a part in helping others heal from wounds, cope with stress, and feel better all around. 

In addition, the field has good earning potential. 

The ability to work for yourself, if you so choose, is one of the benefits of obtaining a massage therapy license. 

As long as they hold the appropriate degree, massage therapists can work independently and establish their own practices. This enables you to create your own clientele and enjoy scheduling flexibility.

Additionally, massage therapists can work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, their own businesses, spas, fitness centers, and more. Another benefit of this professional path is the diversity of employment options. 

With this flexibility, you can quickly find a job if your circumstances change and you need to move from your current area to another one or if you just wish to change jobs.

Also Read:13 Top Massage Therapy Schools in Calgary| Requirements –

How Long Does it Take to Become a Massage Therapist in Arizona?

The fact that licensing requires ongoing maintenance should not be overlooked. You will often need to complete some Continuing Education (CE) course hours in addition to your license renewal requirements. 

You will also need to abide by the state’s unique acts, laws, rules, and regulations with relation to the practice of massage therapy in addition to obtaining and renewing your license. 

In Arizona, you must complete 700 hours of massage therapy school in order to become a licensed massage therapist.

Also Read:15 Top Massage Therapy Schools in Houston|Tuition –

Do You Need a License to Massage in Arizona?

Individuals working in the massage profession are issued licenses by the State of Arizona and the Massage Board for terms up to two years, renewable upon re-registration.

Also Read:35 Top Massage Therapy Schools in Ontario

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Massage in Arizona?

The Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy issues licenses to massage therapists in Arizona. 

A person must be at least 18 years old, satisfy Arizona’s educational standards, and pass a background check in order to obtain a license. Exams will frequently be necessary as well.

How To Become A Massage Therapist In Arizona; Basic Requirements 

In this state, obtaining a high school diploma is typically the initial requirement for becoming a massage therapist. 

However, at the Western Maricopa Education Center in a Phoenix suburb, you are able to start your professional training during your senior year. The program has a rigorous admissions procedure. 

A student must complete 700 hours of study in a massage therapy school that has been accredited. 

Body form and function, ethics and other professional standards, theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and practical experience are all required to be included in the curriculum, according to the state board.

Some students complete more than 1,000 hours of education and training, which may expand their job options and increase their income. 

It’s possible to get financial aid. Graduates from institutions that Arizona’s board does not recognize are required to pass a test given by either the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. 

To practice in the state, you must pass a certification exam and submit an application. 

A criminal background check, fingerprinting, and documentation of U.S. citizenship are a few of the licensing criteria.

Massage Therapy Schools In Arizona

1. Chandler-Gilbert Community College

This university is a sizable public community college and one of Arizona’s first massage therapy programs. It belongs to the district of Maricopa County Community Colleges. 

Before finishing their associate degree in massage therapy program, students at this massage therapy school complete 750 hours of instruction and training in the classroom and at a clinic on campus. 

They can select from four different sorts of degrees depending on their area of specialization.

The massage therapy programs are well-designed to provide students with the fundamental and most recent technical skills to meet the requirements for State of Arizona licensure. 

Additionally, it aids in preparing all students for careers as massage practitioners.

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2. Phoenix College

Students at this institution have the option of pursuing a certificate or an associate’s degree. 

They require 15 prerequisite credits in anatomy and physiology, healthcare delivery, medical terminology, alternative medicine, and introduction to a massage therapy in order to be admitted to the 61–68 credit hour degree program. 

The certificate curriculum includes the following courses. 

They must also complete general education coursework in the scientific sciences, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, writing, oral communication, official reading, and the humanities and fine arts.

General, hands-on, 12 massage specialties and physical activity are the four paths. In the school’s Massage Practice Center, all students gain practical experience.

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3. Arizona Western College

This school is situated in Yuma and offers two programs; an occupational certificate and an associate’s degree.

All pupils study active and passive joint movement techniques, as well as Swedish, deep-tissue, sports, pregnancy, and other specialist massage techniques. 

English composition, arithmetic, arts and humanities, social and behavioral science, and physical and biological science are a few of the additional courses needed for people pursuing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees.

The well-structured massage therapy programs provide students with all the fundamental knowledge and abilities needed to become registered massage therapists in Arizona. 

The fundamental conceptual and technical knowledge required to perform a therapeutic massage are combined with the individual’s emotional, spiritual, and physical components in the therapeutic massage courses.

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4. Central Arizona College

Another top massage therapy school in Arizona is listed here. It is devoted to providing massage therapy students with a high-quality, reasonably priced education that is industry-driven.

All of our massage therapy programs are carefully constructed to impart knowledge of massage techniques that improve wellness. 

It offers a variety of massage therapy courses, including: 

  • Massage Therapies For Special Populations

  • Therapeutic Massage

  • Spa Services

  • Relaxation massage 

  • Therapeutic massage 

  • Hydrotherapy

  • Physiotherapy

  • Body mechanics 

  • Pathophysiology

However, students need to finish 39–43 semester hours in order to receive a certificate. The curriculum offers certification for chiropractic assistants. 

Furthermore, students pursue the same courses in addition to general education and expanded medical subjects to earn an associate’s degree.

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5. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is an additional top-notch massage therapy school in Arizona.It is a prestigious institution located in Phoenix, Arizona.

It has been around for more than 25 years. They offer Four-degree programs. 

These programs offered include:

  • Professional massage practitioner 
  • Master massage practitioner 
  • Master Massage with a specialty in aesthetics 
  • Professional massage practitioner 

The topics covered in the courses include natural beauty, reflexology, fibromyalgia therapy, nutrition, aromatherapy, infant touch, deep-tissue massage, canine massage, and medical-massage.

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6. GateWay Community College-Central City

This school is situated in Phoenix and grants certificates in massage therapy. The curriculum comprises 700 hours of study that must be completed in eight months. 

The school defines structural massage as the capacity to couple and combine a strong understanding of anatomy with powerful tissue sculpting techniques to achieve radical change in the body.

Students learn how to use their hands, fingers, forearms, knuckles, fists, and elbows to perform Swedish, deep-tissue, Asian, sports, and pregnancy massages. There are also business classes available. 

Their massage therapy programs provide students with solid fundamental skills and provide them with the necessary tools to establish a good position in the massage therapy business.

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7. Arizona College-Glendale

The curriculum for the 35-week program here emphasizes bodywork and financial skills. 

Anatomy and physiology classes teach students about movement, postural alignment, and structural dysfunction. 

They study business and marketing as well as massage techniques in classrooms and labs.

The program’s last component is an internship that provides students with real-world experience with massage tables, massage chairs, and hot stones. 

Flexible morning and evening class schedules, financial aid, private tutoring, and job placement assistance are all available at the institution. Every five weeks, a new class session begins.

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8. Carrington College

If you attend Carrington College-Tucson, you might start your massage therapy career in less than a year. 

It provides different massage techniques as well as flexible full-time and part-time timetables for students. 

Anatomy and Physiology are among the subjects covered. 

Others include; Anatomy and PhysiologyTerminology; Functions and Structures of the Body’s Muscular, Skeletal, and Internal Systems, Ethical, Legal, and Business Concerns.

The last requirement is to complete an internship in order to gain practical experience. In addition, students attend a career development lecture.

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9. Cortiva Institute

This institution provides a variety of massage therapy programs that can be completed in as little as seven and a half months. 

Campuses can be found in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson. An internship at a public clinic is part of the program. 

Students are automatically members of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), the country’s largest such organization.

Membership comes with complimentary liability insurance. Professional development and job placement services are promoted by the school. 

Finally, Cortiva graduates have been hired by thousands of companies. Some of them pay students’ tuition.

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10. Arizona School of Integrative Studies

This massage therapy school has campuses in Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff, and Mesa. Also, a full-time student must devote 26 weeks to completing the 800-hour massage therapy curriculum at this school.

Throughout the course of a year, part-timers attend evening and weekend classes. 

Furthermore, Swedish massage, training for chiropractic assistants, neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, craniosacral therapy, connective tissue therapy, shiatsu, hydrotherapy, integrative massage, and polarity treatment are among the topics covered in the course work.

Additionally, students work in a clinic where they receive practical experience and develop the abilities required to pass licensing exams. There are options for individual payment plans, financial help, and scholarships.

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11. Advanced Massage Arts & Education

A variety of massage therapy courses are available through Advanced Massage Arts & Education, including:

  • CPR
  • lymphatic drainage,
  • the Body Release Series
  • Reiki

All of their courses are expertly created to advance therapists’ expertise and knowledge.

Making people appear better and healthier has long been the goal of massage treatment. You can pursue a lucrative massage therapy career if you are passionate about alleviating people’s suffering and want to help those who are experiencing stress or joint pain.

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12. School of Japanese Healing Arts (SOJHA)

You can learn about Japanese healing techniques and gain a deep understanding of Japanese culture via SOJHA. It offers graduate-level instruction and training in a number of Japanese bodywork practices.

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13. Sedona School of Massage

An environment of relaxation and study is provided at this massage school in Arizona, with a concentration on some of the more advanced, efficient methods.

The following bodywork treatments are covered: Swedish, Polarity, Connective Tissue Therapy (myofascial techniques), Shiatsu, Neuromuscular Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy, and Cranial-Sacral Therapy.

The program also includes lessons on communication, therapeutic skill development, ethics, and fundamental business principles.

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How Much Does Massage Therapy School Cost in Arizona?

The average cost of massage therapy schools in Arizona is $13,500. 

However, some schools grant students aid and loans.

How Much Does a Massage Therapist Make in Arizona? 

The average Massage Therapist salary in Arizona is $54,794. However, the usual range is between $48,050 and $62,940.

Salary ranges can vary greatly based on the city and many other essential aspects, such as schooling, certifications, additional talents, and the number of years you have spent in your industry.

Conclusion:

In Arizona, there are roughly 20 massage therapy schools. Many are in Phoenix and Tucson, with others in smaller towns including Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, and Yuma.

However, there are schools that stand out amongst others. Thus, in this article, we’ve selected the best 10 massage therapy schools in Arizona as well as the time taken to become a massage therapist.

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Editor’s Pick

References 

● Massage Therapist Salary in Arizona

● 12 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Arizona [Update 2022]

● Top 10 Massage Therapy Schools in Arizona (2022 Rankings)

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