Career Center - Top Spa & Massage Schools

How Do the Top Massage Schools Compare?

There are many more massage schools today than there were even 10 years ago. Some focus on massage for clinical or medical settings. Others are more holistic, offering training in Eastern modalities or teaching spa therapy techniques. Reputation matters. If you graduate from a school that is recognized and respected, you will enjoy greater credibility and a better chance of landing your ideal job.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a school. For example, you need to find a school that will not only prepare you to pass a state licensing exam, but will also inspire you and feed your creative spirit. Training in the right school can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. You'll work with talented teachers and get lots of hands-on experience.

Though each school has a unique approach, the four compared and described below are leaders in the field—widely recognized as premier massage schools. You can learn a lot by exploring these options, even if there isn't a location in your area. Which one seems like the best fit for you? How does your local program compare? You won't regret taking the time to make the right decision.

All of these schools are accredited and offer financial aid. Students who do not qualify for grants or scholarships may still be eligible for low-interest loans or no-interest payment plans.

Cortiva Institute

Cortiva is a cooperative community of leading massage schools across the country. Their approach is holistic and integrative, training massage therapists to work in many settings—from clinics and hospitals to spas, resorts and private practices.

Course Offerings

Program offerings vary by location, but Cortiva's core program in professional massage therapy addresses three main areas of study:

• Anatomy, physiology and pathology
• Massage theory and practice
• Interpersonal communication and professional foundations

Cortiva offers extensive hands-on course work and additional hands-on training through community outreach programs and student clinics. Depending on location, students may be able to customize their studies with elective courses and work toward a specific career path.

Here are some elective course options:

• Spa techniques
• Specialties such as Thai massage and craniosacral therapy
• Topical application of herbal remedies
• Pregnancy massage
• Aromatherapy
• Focus on hands or feet

Cortiva, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, also offers continuing education classes and a certification course for personal fitness trainers.

Tuition and Length of Training

Costs and hours of training vary by location, in keeping with regional laws, economies and requirements. Average tuition is approximately $5,000 to $13,000, depending on the location. Most Cortiva programs range between 750 and 1,000 hours. They can be completed in nine to 21 months through a choice of day or evening/weekend classes.

School Locations

There are 12 Cortiva locations in eight states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington.

National Holistic Institute

California's National Holistic Institute (NHI) offers a comprehensive and well-respected program preparing massage therapists to work in a wide variety of settings.

Course Offerings

NHI's massage training program incorporates both Eastern and Western philosophies. Every student receives a solid foundation in science, massage technique and business skills, but there is plenty of room for customization. Students may focus on clinical massage or explore more holistic approaches that incorporate energy work.

Tuition and Length of Training

The 720-hour NHI program can take between 10 to 12 months to complete, depending on your choice of schedule. Tuition is $13,000, but this can vary considerably depending on an individual student's situation and grant eligibility.

School Locations

National Holistic Institute has one location in Los Angeles and four locations in the greater Bay Area – Emeryville, San Francisco, San Jose and Petaluma in Sonoma County.

The Soma Institute

The Soma Institute is a pioneer in clinical massage therapy. The experienced staff focuses on preparing massage therapists to provide exceptional health care and to collaborate with multidisciplinary health care teams. Although graduates may work in any massage specialty, medical and sports massage are emphasized.

Course Offerings

Soma offers an extensive foundation in clinical massage therapy, including the following core courses:

• Clinical Anatomy & Anatomy Lab
• Clinical Integration, including documentation and testing
• Clinical Massage Therapy Techniques, including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, fascial release, lymphatic drainage and neuromuscular Techniques
• Complementary Therapies, including Eastern traditions and alternative approaches
• Hydrotherapy
• Kinesiology
• Pathology
• Sports Massage
• Professional Development

There is also a required on-campus internship and externship in a hospital or other clinical setting. The clinical massage therapy program exceeds the licensing requirements of most states and emphasizes hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.

Tuition and Length of Training

Soma's 750-hour program costs $12,000. Unlike most massage schools, Soma incorporates all student expenses in the cost of training including textbooks, handouts, equipment, supplies, CPR/first aid training, professional liability insurance and even an iPod Nano to listen to podcasts of all class lectures.

Several flexible program schedules are available. Students can take classes two days a week and finish in 11 months. Or they can choose from two 14-month options – three evenings a week, or one evening and one Saturday a week.

School Locations

Soma is located in downtown Chicago.

Southwest Institute of the Healing Arts

The Southwest Institute of the Healing Arts (SWIHA) is a comprehensive school for holistic health care. In addition to massage therapy, SWIHA offers continuing education, diploma and degree programs in aromatherapy, herbalism, holistic nutrition, hypnotherapy, life coaching and natural aesthetics.

SWIHA Course Offerings

SWIHA offers a choice of massage therapy training programs:

• Master Massage Practitioner (1,000 hours) – Meets highest requirement for training in the country, preparing students to work in demanding settings with breadth and depth of experience
• Professional Massage Practitioner (750 hours) – Designed to allow students to choose one or two areas of specialization to enhance their skills
• Advanced Therapeutic Massage (600 hours) – Qualifies you for massage therapy licensing in Arizona and prepares you for entry-level work as a massage therapist

Students can customize their training with "Certificates of Excellence" in a wide range of specialties. These 100- to 300- hour programs include the following courses:

• Chinese Shamanic Medicine
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Spa Treatments
• Tui Na
• Zen Shiatsu

Tuition and Length of Training

SWIHA tuition begins at $6,000 for the 600-hour Advanced Therapeutic Massage program and goes up to $12,000 for the 1,000 hour Master Massage Practitioner program. Books, supplies and fees will cost an additional $300 to $800.

The shortest 600-hour program can be completed in nine months full time or 18 months part time. The longest 1,000-hour program can be completed in 14 months full time or 29 months part time.

School Locations

SWIHA's campus is located in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Related Articles:

• Which Spa or Beauty School is Right for You?
• Accreditation
• Paying for Massage & Beauty School
• How Do the Top Beauty Schools Compare?

View all our Spa and Beauty Articles to learn more about the spa, massage and beauty industry.

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