Massage Therapy Schools in Houston are for prospective massage therapists who plan to complete a certificate or diploma degree program from an accredited school that is approved by the state.
While attending the massage therapy schools in Houston, you will likely take courses in medical terminology, body mechanics, massage ethics, anatomy, and physiology.
In this article, we will be listing some massage therapy schools in Houston and most importantly, the steps you should take to become a licensed massage therapist.
Job Outlook for Massage Therapists
As of the year 2017, massage therapists earn a median salary of $39,990 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In Texas, about 9,050 are currently employed. Change in Employment is speculated at 30 % between 2020 to 2026.
Over the decade, about 23,300 openings are projected each year for massage therapists.
Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement cases.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
- Complete a massage therapy program
- Complete practical requirements
- Pass the licensing examination
- Apply for a state license
- Complete a certification
Complete a massage therapy program
The first step toward becoming a massage therapist is completing a certificate or diploma degree program from any of the accredited massage therapy schools in Houston.
To become a massage therapist in Texas in general, you must graduate from high school or earn a GED. Health and science classes help prepare students for massage therapy training.
The state board requires that a prospective practitioner enrolls in an accredited postsecondary school that is offering a massage therapy program and that provides at least 500 or more clock hours of instruction.
The curriculum must provide:
- 200 hours of theory, technique, and practice (including at least 125 hours of training in Swedish massage)
- 40 hours of pathology
- 50 hours in an internship
- 20 hours of hydrotherapy
- 20 hours of health and hygiene subjects, including CPR and first aid
- 45 hours of professional ethics, laws, and business practices
Programs in many Texas schools exceed the minimum standards. A lot of massage therapy schools in Houston teach a wider array of massage techniques, and some of them require students to take additional business courses.
Therefore once you graduate from any of the massage therapy schools in Houston, you are eligible to apply to the board for licensure.
Complete practical requirements
There are practical requirements. These requirements stipulate the number of hours of hands-on experience that massage students must have before obtaining their license.
This is usually achieved through an internship and working at a school’s massage clinic.
Pass the licensing examination
After you complete the massage therapy education program, a licensing exam is required.
TDLR requires a passing score on the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Furthermore, applicants for the massage therapy license in Texas must submit their FSMTB exam results with their license application (Apply Online or see Texas Massage Therapist License Application PDF).
Find out more about the massage therapy licensing exam.
Complete a certification
A certification is usually earned by completing a certain number of clinical hours and an examination. However, it is not necessarily required to get a license, but it can make the process easier in some cases.
Massage therapy certifications can be earned in veterinary massage, palliative care, sports massage, spa management, and clinical rehabilitative massage.
The List of Massage Therapy Schools in Houston
These institutions below offer massage therapy programs.
- Houston Community College
- The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston
- Cortiva Institute-Houston
- Texas Health School
- Houston School of Massage
- Texas School of Massage
- Avalon Massage School
- Lone Star College
- Laurel School of Massage
- The Woodlands School of Massage Therapy
- Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Massage
- HFE & Massotherapy School
- Asia-Pacific Massage Institute
- Serenity Massage School
- San Jacinto College
Houston Community College
- 3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002
Houston Community College is a large public institution popular for its low tuition rates and a high percentage of international students.
Their health programs are based in the Texas Medical Centre, which is a major hospital.
Massage therapy students take classes in the following areas:
- Hydrotherapy
- Health and Hygiene
- Business Practices & Ethics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Massage Therapy Fundamentals
- Kinesiology
- Pathology
There are internships in this institution where students are opportune to gain hands-on experience with real clients.
The college has an admission policy, however, they prefer applicants who associate or have higher degrees in “qualifying” fields.
What this means in essence is that they accept those with some type of advanced degree.
The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston
- 7322 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY SUITE 100, Houston, Texas 77074
This is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston with a 680-hour massage therapy program that entails 30 weeks of day classes or 43 weeks of evening classes.
In their massage therapy program, you will take the following courses:
- Client Assessment,
- Massage Therapy Modalities and Techniques,
- Aromatherapy,
- Pregnancy Massage Technique,
- Swedish Deep Tissue Massage,
- Practices & Professional Ethics,
- Trigger Points Technique,
- Sports Massage Technique,
- Client Acquisition and Retention,
- Equipment Maintenance, and
- Navigating Legal and Ethical Issues.
In addition, students undergo a final 80 clock hours which involves an internship at the school’s onsite clinic which serves community members.
Cortiva Institute-Houston
- 13163 Northwest Freeway Ste. A, Houston, Texas 77040-6307
This institution was formerly known as Texas Center for Massage Therapy.
This is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston with a professional massage therapy program that involves 815.5 hours of instruction, as well as training which students finish in as little as 7.5 months.
This institution offers day and evening class schedules.
The massage therapy curriculum features typical courses covering anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, business skills, and finally law and ethics.
Students also take the following:
- Introduction to Acupressure & Eastern Theories,
- Craniosacral Massage,
- Hydrotherapy & Spa Preparation,
- Reflexology,
- Russian Sports Massage,
- Shiatsu, and
- Trigger Point Therapy & Techniques.
Texas Health School
- 11211 Katy Fwy Ste 170, Houston, Texas 77079
Texas Health school offers a range of allied health programs. Their massage therapy curriculum consists of 715 clock hours, and it is “based on Swedish massage theory and techniques.”
However, that’s not all, students learn trigger points, deep tissue, and hot stone massage.
Students also learn Asian body massage methods such as Shiatsu, Ayurveda, and Thai.
Other courses are:
- Anatomy & Physiology,
- Health and Hygiene,
- Hydrotherapy Business Practice and Career Plan,
- Kinesiology, Pathology,
- Clinical and Energy Based Massage, and
- Professional Law & Ethics.
Houston School of Massage
- Associate Massage Therapy Program (AMTP)
- Duration: 8 months
- Contact hours: 500
- Website: https://houstonschoolofmassage.com/
- Address: 10600 Northwest Freeway Suite 202, Houston, Texas 77092
- Phone: 713-0681-5275
This institution offers massage training that leads to an associate degree.
The massage therapy program in this institution seeks to develop students’ power of touch combined with professionalism in business in order to promote the success of its graduates.
Course topics include:
- massage therapy techniques
- human anatomy and physiology,
- human kinesiology,
- human pathology,
- human health and hygiene,
- business practices and professional ethics,
- hydrotherapy, and
- internship program.
Applicants must be 18 years or older, they must submit a completed application for admission, sign an enrollment agreement, and have a high school diploma or GED.
Texas School of Massage
- Basic Massage Licensing Program
- Duration: 8 months
- Contact hours: 500
- Website: https://texasschoolofmassage.com/
- Address: 17043 El Camino Real #201, Houston, TX 77058
- Phone: (281) 488-3903
The basic Massage Licensing Program offered by the Texas School of Massage includes theory and hands-on practice.
The training educates students in the art of Swedish massage techniques, giving them an understanding of the structure and function of the human body.
The teacher/student ratio is 24:1 in the classroom and 12:1 in the practice room. This is to make sure that students participate effectively.
Students must be 18 years or older. Also, they must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Additionally, a completed application form must be submitted.
Avalon Massage School
- Basic Massage Licensing Program
- Duration: 6 to 8 months
- Contact hours: 500
- Website: https://www.avalonmassageschool.com/
- Address: 2990 Richmond Ave, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77098
- Phone: (713) 333-5250
- Tuition for the program is between $6,000 and $7,970.
The Massage Therapist program at Avalon School of Massage prepares students for a state license and entry-level employment in the industry.
The training will include:
- Swedish Massage
- Thai/Yoga Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
The program has a theoretical component, which is delivered online. A 12-week internship must also be completed as a major part of the training.
Lone Star College
- Massage Therapy Certificate
- Duration: 9 months
- Credit hours: 23
- Tuition costs $90 per credit for in-district students
- Website: https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/massage-therapy-certificate.htm
- Address: 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
- Phone: 832-813-6500
Lone Star College is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that offers a massage therapy certificate program that prepares students with the needed technical skills and competencies as massage therapists.
They offer the following courses:
- health and hygiene,
- massage therapy fundamentals I,
- anatomy and physiology for massage,
- business practices and professional ethics,
- hydrotherapy/therapeutic modalities,
- kinesiology for massage,
- massage therapy fundamentals II,
- pathology for massage, and
- massage therapy internship.
Their program is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage. After the program is completed, students can sit for the massage therapy licensing exam.
Laurel School of Massage
- Massage Therapy Program
- Duration: 6 months (full-time) 10.5 months (part-time)
- Contact hours: 500
- The program cost is $7,187.
- Website: http://www.laurelschoolofmassage.com/
- Address: 16686 Champion Forest Dr. Spring, TX 77379
- Phone: 832-969-0040
Laurel School of Massage offers massage therapy programs that prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to apply for the state exam in order to become licensed massage therapists.
Their course curriculum includes the following:
- Swedish massage,
- anatomy,
- physiology,
- kinesiology,
- pathology,
- hydrotherapy,
- business practices and ethics,
- health and hygiene, and
- massage internship
Applicants must pay an application fee of $200 and must be 18 years or above to enroll.
The Woodlands School of Massage Therapy
- Massage Therapy Licensing Program
- Duration: 7 months (full-time) 8 months (part-time)
- Contact hours: 500
- Application Fee: $50
- The program cost is $6,499.
- Website: https://woodlandsmassageschool.com/
- Address: 18 Augusta Pines Dr., Ste. 205W, Spring, Texas, 77389
- Phone: 281-367-7400
The Woodlands school of massage therapy is also one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that is eligible for state licensing after students pass their massage therapy exam.
In their massage therapy curriculum, you will find, Swedish Massage, advanced massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, ethics, and business practices. You will also find health and hygiene, as well as massage internship.
Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Massage
- Fundamental Massage Therapy
- Duration: 5 months
- Contact hours: 500
- The total program cost is $4,995.
- Website: https://www.cidescohouston.com/massage
- Address: 7011 Harwin Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77036
- Phone: (713) 783-9988
- Email: info@CIDESCOhouston.com
This is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that offers fundamental massage therapy programs which prepare adults for licensure in Texas.
Theory and practical instruction will cover the following:
- self-care,
- hygiene and personal injury prevention,
- business practices and professional ethics,
- hydrotherapy,
- kinesiology,
- pathology,
- pharmacology,
- proper body mechanics, and
- client safety.
To enroll, you must be at least 18 years of age, you must submit your official picture ID and social security number, and most importantly, you must understand written and verbal English.
HFE & Massotherapy School
- Massage Therapy Certificate
- Duration: 5.5 to 6 months
- Contact hours: 500
- Website: http://www.hfemassageschool.com/
- Address: 4141 SW Fwy Ste 510 Houston, TX 77027
- Phone: (713) 528-2097
- Alt: (713) 960-1122
This is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that offers a state-licensed massage therapy program that prepares students for the massage therapy licensure in Texas.
New classes start every two months with the course requirements as follows:
- principles of massage techniques,
- kinesiology,
- anatomy,
- pathology,
- hydrotherapy,
- human health hygiene,
- business practices and ethics, and
- clinical internship.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the state exam to become licensed massage therapists.
Asia-Pacific Massage Institute
- Massage Therapy Certificate
- Duration: 6 months
- Contact hours: 500
- Website: http://www.apm-institute.com/home.html
- Address: 1500 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77077
- Phone: 832-693-4477
- Email: APMImanager@outlook.com
- Tuition for the program is $4,900 if paid in full.
- The cost is $6,000 if paid in installments for 10 months.
Asia-Pacific Massage Institute School of Nature is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that has accredited massage therapy programs that prepare students for state licensure.
They have experienced instructors, with their massage therapy program covering:
- Swedish Massage Therapy techniques,
- anatomy and physiology,
- kinesiology,
- hydrotherapy,
- health and hygiene,
- pathology,
- business practices,
- Thai traditional massage,
- Shiatsu or Trigger point therapy,
- acupressure,
- pregnancy massage,
- aromatherapy, and
- internship.
They offer day and evening classes. Applicants must be 18 years of age to apply. They must also be able to communicate effectively in English.
Serenity Massage School
- Website:https://www.serenitymassageschool.com/aboutschool
- Address: 40 N. Main Street, Kingwood, Texas 77339,
- Phone: (281) 358-0401
- Email: SerenityPLLC@gmail.com
- The total cost of tuition and books is $6,984.19.
Serenity Massage School is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that offers massage therapy programs.
They offer an advanced course that comprises 650 hours of instruction. This course prepares students for the licensure exam.
They offer day and evening classes and students must be at least 17 years of age to enroll.
San Jacinto College
- Massage Therapy, Certificate of Technology
- Duration: 5 months
- Contact hours: 640
- Credit hours: 24
- Tuition costs approximately $1,872 for in-district residents.
- Website: https://www.sanjac.edu/career/massage-therapy
- Address: 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089
- Phone: 281-998-6150
- Email: information@sjcd.edu
San Jacinto College is also one of the known massage therapy schools in Houston that prepares adults for a career as massage therapists.
Their curriculum includes courses like health and hygiene, hydrotherapy, massage therapy fundamentals, pathology for massage, kinesiology for massage, and most importantly, they offer massage therapy internships.
Full-time students can complete the program in two semesters.
How Much Do Massage Therapists Earn in Texas
As we mentioned earlier, the median pay for massage therapists ranges between $35,000 and $39,990 annually, which is less than the national average of almost $41,500 a year (or about $20 per hour).
In Houston, those with incomes of the highest 10 percent bring in around $57,900, which is considerably lower than the nationwide average of about $78,300.
However, the lowest 10 percent receive over $19,000, in Houston.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the number of massage therapists will increase to 14,950 by 2026-a 32% improvement.
How long do massage therapy schools in Houston Take?
For you to be able to obtain a massage therapy license in Texas, a minimum of 500 hours of education is required.
How long is massage therapy school?
A 500 to 600-hour course usually takes as few as five months to be completed when studying full-time.
However, if you decide to take part-time courses in any of these massage therapy schools in Houston, it will take longer to complete.
How do you become a licensed massage therapist?
To become a massage therapist, the following must be met:
You must at least be a high school graduate with appropriate training from local or international training institutions.
You must obtain licensure from the Department of Health.
Furthermore, to qualify for licensure, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
(1)Applicant must be at least 18 years of age or have received a high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma;
(2) An applicant must have completed a course of study at any of the recognized massage therapy schools in Houston.
Alternatively, an applicant must have completed an apprenticeship program that meets standards approved by the Board of Massage Therapy; and
(3) Finally, an applicant must have received a passing grade on an examination administered by the Department of Health.
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