15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Alabama in 2024 | How to Apply

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There are numerous reasons to consider receiving massage training in Alabama. Massage schools in Alabama prepare students for several career opportunities. 

Massage school graduates in Alabama may be able to work in spas or for sports teams, for example. 

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However, a graduate could potentially work in a rehabilitation institution or start their own small business.

The range of job prospects in the Heart of Dixie is one of the reasons why CareerOneStop predicts that demand for massage therapists will rise by 19% over the next decade. 

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Massage schools in Alabama, from Birmingham to Montgomery, may be your ticket to success.

Read on to learn more about the best massage therapy schools in Alabama.

See Also: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Minnesota|

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Are there Massage Therapy Schools in Alabama?

As you can see from the list below, Alabama has some excellent massage therapy schools. There are also some excellent prospects to establish a massage business once licensed.

  • Southern Union State Community College
  • Northeast Alabama Community College
  • George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
  • Gadsden State Community College
  • Blue Cliff Career College
  • Montgomery School of Bodywork & Massage
  • Birmingham School of Massage
  • Madison School of Massage Therapy
  • Massage Therapy Institute
  • Wiregrass School of Massage Therapy
  • BLUEWATER Institute for Massage Therapy

How Does One Become A Massage Therapist in Alabama?

To become a massage therapist in Alabama, a student must complete at least 650 hours of instruction at a state-recognized school. 

The prerequisite involves 100 hours or more of anatomy and physiology training, 35 hours of myology, 15 hours of osteology, and 10 hours of each of the circulatory and neurological systems.

Additional subjects vary per school, but basic massage theory and closely related topics must be covered for at least 250 hours. 

This will include training in touch modalities. There must be some training in business operations and water-based therapy. Another 50 hours of learning is made up of supervised practice.

Individual schools choose the classes for the remaining 50 hours. The state-approved options are hydrotherapy, business, ethics, and first aid. Some schools go above and beyond the 650-hour requirement.

However, for those who complete 750 hours of study, some of which are offered through continuing education, the state Board of Massage grants advanced certification. 

This could provide practitioners with additional possibilities and qualify them for higher-paying jobs. 

There are also post-graduate programs that prepare therapists for specialties like working with animals.

What are the Best Massage Therapy Schools in Alabama?

Below are the best massage therapy schools in Alabama:

1. Southern Union State Community College

The massage therapy curriculum at the school’s Opelika campus consists of three semesters (fall through summer) of nighttime classes (Monday through Thursday). 

Furthermore, the program includes classroom lectures, hands-on lab work, clinical sessions, and outreach opportunities.

Students learn Swedish massage, hot and cold therapies, stretching, and other methods in their first course, Introduction to Therapeutic Massage. 

They continue their education by studying Anatomy and Physiology, Musculoskeletal and Kinesiology, Business and Marketing Strategies, Therapeutic Massage for Special Populations, and Pathology.

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2. Northeast Alabama Community College

Introduction to Therapeutic Massage, Therapeutic Massage Lab, Anatomy and Physiology, Musculoskeletal and Kinesiology, Therapeutic Massage Supervised Clinic, Business, and Marketing Plans, Therapeutic Massage for Special Populations, and Pathology are among the courses offered to massage therapy students at his small school in Rainsville.

Those pursuing a 69-to 72-credit-hour associate in applied science degree in salon and spa management must also study English, humanities and fine arts, history, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. 

Also, there are three technical core courses and 38 credit hours of program option classes.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Missouri|

3. George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

This institution offers two massage therapy programs: a short-term certificate and an associate’s degree in salon and spa administration.

The 29 credit hours in the certificate program are divided among the following areas: Therapeutic Massage Lab, Anatomy and Physiology, Musculoskeletal and Kinesiology; Therapeutic Massage Supervised Clinical, Foundations of Therapeutic Massage, Business, and Marketing Plans, Therapeutic Massage for Special Populations, and Musculoskeletal and Kinesiology.

Additional lessons in spa techniques and practices, cosmetology, hair and facial treatments, bacteriology and sanitation, English composition, career and personal development, and other disciplines are required for students pursuing an associate’s degree.

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4. Gadsden State Community College

GSCC, located in the same city, offers a short-term certificate program in massage therapy. It takes 720 contact hours (29 credit hours) to complete.

Also, Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Business and Marketing Plans, Massage for Special Populations, and Pathology are among the courses available. 

Some classes are offered wholly online or in a hybrid format, including a few campus visits per semester. 

Students must also attend massage laboratories, supervised clinics, and lectures.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Vermont|

5. Blue Cliff Career College

This Mobile school boasts a 750-hour curriculum that provides a “solid foundation” in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. 

Consequently, some other courses are Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Spa Massage, Sports Massage, and Basic Shiatsu. 

The Swedish Massage lesson teaches you how to drape for a one-hour full-body massage. All students perform and receive massages in the classroom, and ten public members receive massages in the school clinic.

Furthermore, the teaching includes marketing and developing an operational company plan.

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6. Montgomery School of Bodywork & Massage

Kristi H. Duncan, BA, LMT, NCTMB, founded the Montgomery School of Bodywork & Massage in October 2002 to provide therapeutic, orthopedic, and Thai massage instruction.

Its objective is to give the students a complete course of study in both Eastern and Western massage treatment modalities. 

They will adapt to the field’s continued growth and change by embracing new methodologies to benefit the client’s therapeutic outcomes of enhanced health and wellness. 

This responsive approach to massage therapy education will assist students in realizing their potential and establishing themselves on the career path of their choice after graduation.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Louisiana

7. Birmingham School of Massage

Massage therapy is one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare professions, and it is gaining respect and acceptance from physicians, insurance companies, and other healthcare professionals. 

Massage therapy, recognized for its therapeutic advantages, is being introduced as an adjunct to many conventional medical treatment procedures.

Also, the 650-hour training program culminates in dual certifications, with the student gaining certifications in massage therapy and advanced neuromuscular therapy techniques. 

The Birmingham School of Massage, unlike many other massage therapy schools, incorporates dual certification as part of its core curriculum.

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8. Madison School of Massage Therapy

MSMT strives to provide a loving learning atmosphere in which the students can obtain hands-on clinical training and classroom education that will prepare them for a rewarding future in massage therapy.

All applicants must meet the following prerequisites to be considered for admission to the Madison School of Massage Therapy:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Submit a completed admission application with the $25 non-refundable entry fee.
  • Conduct an in-person interview with at least one faculty member or staff member.
  • Be in good physical and mental health and of good character.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Connecticut|

9. Massage Therapy Institute

Massage Therapy Institute’s clinic opened in October 1993, and the school in April 1994. The purpose is to deliver high-quality massage therapy as an alternative to medical treatment. 

However, they think the mind, body, and environment are inextricably linked and contribute to the body’s sense of well-being. 

MTI’s massage approach blends the healing capabilities of touch with applied therapies to help the body relax and recuperate.

They provide treatments from both professional massage therapists and students.

They are also available for on-site massage for small and large local businesses.

The personnel is committed to academic quality, professional development, and practical application. The mission is to provide the best learning experience possible for all students.

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10. Wiregrass School of Massage Therapy

They were formerly known as the Enterprise School of Massage. For the past ten years, they have been a state-approved and licensed massage therapy school (S-128). 

The students routinely excel in the real world because of a multimodal approach to education that blends technical and hands-on learning. 

They’ve helped numerous people achieve their career and life goals since they opened their doors.

This institution is ideal for anyone wishing to better their profession or begin a new one. Explore the site to learn more about a career that leads to healing.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in South Carolina|

11. Bluewater Institute for Massage Therapy

This school takes pleasure in the efficacy of its program at the Bluewater Institute for Massage Therapy (BIMT), which is designed to fulfill the demands of the ever-emerging area of massage therapy.

It is an exciting moment to enter the massage therapy profession, whether as a new job or a shift in life goals. 

Massage and bodywork are becoming more widely accepted as essential components of holistic and complementary therapy. 

Also, massage therapists work in various settings, including sports clinics, chiropractic offices, hospitals, hospices, traditional spas, health clubs, hair salons, resorts, and yoga studios. 

Furthermore, many bodywork professionals enjoy self-employment, which allows for flexible scheduling and high-income potential.

The comprehensive Massage Therapy Certification Program includes 650 hours of in-depth instruction in the most in-demand and effective massage therapy and bodywork techniques, advanced anatomy, pathology, kinesiology, and physiology, business development skills, therapist self-care, and body mechanics practices, and Student Clinic/Practical Applications to help you gain all the experience you need to start working right away.

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Also Read-15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Illinois|

How Long are Massage Therapy Schools in Alabama?

Students must finish at least 650 hours of training to perform a variety of massage treatments to assist clients in improving their health. 

Massage therapy students also teach anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and business methods. 

Massage schools in Alabama allow students to practice their skills while expert professors and massage therapists supervise them. 

All massage therapists in Alabama must be licensed by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 

Additionally, massage therapy students finish their National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) exams after completing the training hours and practical and/or oral examinations offered by the State of Alabama Board. 

If the previous requirements are met, the massage student will be certified and licensed to practice in Alabama.

How Much are Massage Therapy Schools in Alabama?

Massage therapy school tuition may be less expensive than a four-year college degree, though fees vary widely depending on the curriculum.

Before issuing a license to perform massage therapy, most institutions demand 500 to 1,000 hours of study, and more intensive programs are more expensive to participate in.

When you examine your educational options, ensure you have the correct financial advice.

The cost of attending massage therapy schools varies significantly. Community college courses can range from $5,000 to $7,000. Others will charge you up to $20,000 for a one-year curriculum.

How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in Alabama?

The anticipated job growth rate in this field in Alabama from 2016 to 2026 is 16.77 percent, which is lower than the national average of 26 percent but still higher than most other professions.

The number of massage therapist positions in the state is predicted to grow from 660 to 770 during the next decade. 

Although Huntsville has the most opportunities, firms in Mobile and Montgomery pay more.

The statewide median salary is more than $34,000 per year or nearly $17 per hour. The highest 10% of earners earn more than $49,000 per year, or about $24 per hour, while the bottom 10% earn less than $18,000 per year, or about $9 per hour. 

However, annual incomes in the United States range from slightly more than $20,000 to well over $77,000.

Conclusion

Massage therapists in Alabama help customers enhance their health and wellness by manipulating the body’s soft tissues, which aids circulation and improves muscle health. 

As a student at an Alabama massage therapy school, you will learn to provide tailored care to each client to reduce pain and tension. 

After completing a massage education program, you will sit for exams to become an Alabama-certified massage therapist. 

Also, the Alabama massage school suits individuals passionate about health and fitness. 

Enrollment in Alabama massage therapy colleges requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and students must be at least 18 years old.

I hope this article answers your questions about Alabama’s best massage therapy schools.

FAQs

How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Alabama?

The Massage Therapist License requires a minimum of 650 hours from an authorized massage therapy school.

What is a passing score on the MBLEx?

What is an MBLEx Passing Score? A score of 630 is required to be declared passing for the MBLEx exam.

How many times can you take the MBLEx?

The FSMTB, which administers the MBLEx, does not limit the number of times you can take it. However, the FSMTB restricts the number of times you can take the exam to 30 days.

Reference

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