Are you in search of the best massage therapy schools in Florida? Not to worry; we’ve got you covered.
This article fully reviews the best massage therapy schools in Florida, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.
Massage therapy is an excellent health and well-being career that may make a difference in people’s lives.
Massage schools in Florida can put you on the path to a career that allows you to help others daily while also allowing you to be your boss.
Florida massage schools may teach you the fundamentals of therapeutic massage and several forms of massage, such as Swedish, Shiatsu, deep tissue, and others.
Imagine learning all this while surrounded by the Sunshine State’s warm beaches, colorful attractions, and various chances.
Massage training may be suitable if you want to help others feel better by using natural, alternative therapies.
Keep reading to find out more!
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Are there Massage Therapy Schools in Florida?
There are many massage therapy schools in Florida, and some of them are
- Miami Dade College
- Broward College
- Palm Beach State College
- Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Daytona State College
- Pensacola State College
- Sheridan Technical College
- Erwin Technical College
- Manatee Technical College
- Southeastern College-West Palm Beach
- Radford M Locklin Technical Center
- La Belle Beauty Academy
- Ridge Technical College
- Fortis Institute-Pensacola
How Does One Become A Massage Therapist in Florida?
A high school diploma (with a particular minimum grade point average) or a GED is required by schools. Taking many math and science classes in high school may help a kid get into college.
To become a massage therapist in Florida, you must graduate from an authorized postsecondary institution approved by the state board. Programs must include at least 500 hours of study and instruction.
Following graduation, the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards will give the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) (FSMTB).
The organization examines students’ academic records to decide whether they can take the test.
The FSMTB reserves exam seats at testing locations in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Port Charlotte, and Altamonte Springs.
The MBLEx consists of 100 multiple-choice questions on a computer that a student must complete in two hours.
The FSMTB website has a video that describes what to expect and answers frequently asked questions. The video demonstrates how to respond to queries and control on-screen alternatives.
At the testing center, students receive their unofficial exam results. Within two days, the FSMTB submits official reports to the state board.
To fulfill continuing education obligations, a practitioner must finish a 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course.
The class must be taught by a massage therapy school or a continuing education provider approved by the state board.
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What are the Best Massage Therapy Schools in Florida?
There are over 70 massage therapy schools in Florida, guaranteeing that all aspiring practitioners in the state can study close to home.
Coursework and laboratories are included, as well as hands-on experience in student clinics and real-world situations.
Certificates are typically awarded in less than a year. Some colleges provide associate of science degree diploma programs that are more time-consuming to complete.
Below are the best massage therapy schools in Florida:
1. Miami Dade College
- Graduation Rate- 35%
- Student Population- 56001
The 750-hour, 25-credit technical certificate program on this school’s Medical Campus is divided into three tracks: generic, accelerated, and transitional.
Core courses include Introduction to Health Care, Anatomy and Physiology, History and Standards, Introduction to Massage Therapy, Allied Modalities, Hydrotherapy Modalities, and general education requirements. Students also have clinical experiences.
Off-campus instruction is part of the program. Because “this program is highly demanding,” the school urges students to limit their job to 20 hours per week.
2. Broward College
- Graduation Rate- 31%
- Student Population- 40754
This huge Fort Lauderdale campus placed third nationally in the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The 750-hour massage therapy program on the North Campus has day and evening classes.
It mixes lectures, debates, practical demonstrations, interactive exercises, films, guest lecturers, field trips, and supervised massage practice on and off campus.
Essential Life Support (CPR), Medical Ethics and Standards, Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Massage Therapy, Allied Modalities, Hydrotherapy Modalities, and Medical Ethics and Standards are all required courses. Every student also participates in a clinical practicum.
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3. Palm Beach State College
- Graduation Rate- 37%
- Student Population- 30052
The 750-hour curriculum at this school is located on the PBSC campus in Boca Raton.
Anatomy and physiology, hydrotherapy, myology, pathology, health care principles, medical errors, HIV/AIDS education, history, state law, ethics, a range of associated modalities, and traditional Oriental medicine are the topics covered in the courses.
Students learn Swedish massage, stone massage, Vichy exfoliation, chair massage, and hand and foot reflexology in a public clinic.
In addition, they receive hands-on training in a therapeutic training lab and a hydrotherapy lab. Classes teach students how to acquire client information, assess their requirements, and prepare medical documentation.
4. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
- Graduation Rate- 65%
- Student Population- 18335
Massage therapy associate of science degrees is awarded to students at this school’s Port St. Lucie campus.
Anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and applied therapeutic massage techniques are all covered in the 750-hour program.
Students also learn Eastern and Western massage modalities, sports massage, and hydrotherapy.
Body Systems, Human Structure and Functions, Legal and Ethical Business Practices, Massage Theory, and Spa Theory are the courses offered.
In addition, students must finish 26 credit hours of general education courses.
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5. Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Graduation Rate- 38%
- Student Population- 21092
This school’s 750-hour program is known as the Massage Therapy Workforce Certificate (W.C.).
Massage theory and practice, hydrotherapy theory and practice, hygiene, human anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical elements of massage practice, allied treatments, leadership, human relations skills, health and safety, and employability skills are all taught by instructors.
Students learn about massage techniques, hydrotherapy, sauna and steam room treatments, local and full-immersion baths, whirlpool baths, and paraffin baths.
6. Daytona State College
- Graduation Rate- 37%
- Student Population- 13970
This school provides a two-semester, 25-credit curriculum on its Daytona Beach campus. Classes are held in the evening. 750 hours of instruction and training
The curriculum incorporates both Eastern and Western massage therapy techniques. Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare Concepts, Pathologies, Theories of Bodywork Practices, History of Massage, and Florida Laws are all required courses.
During internships and in an on-campus student clinic, program members acquire hands-on experience with public clients.
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7. Pensacola State College
- Graduation Rate- 29%
- Student Population- 9655
The 750-hour massage treatment vocational certificate program at the city’s oldest postsecondary institution is offered here (25 vocational credits).
Massage theory and practice, hydrotherapy theory and practice, hygiene, practice demonstration, human anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of massage practice, related modalities, leadership, human relations skills, health and safety, and employability skills are all covered in the program.
Students can choose between a full-time daytime track lasting around eight months (two semesters) or a part-time evening track lasting 12 months (three semesters).
8. Sheridan Technical College
Graduation Rate- 60%
Student Population- 1797
This Hollywood school is part of the Broward County Public School District.
In the seven-month, 750-hour program, massage therapy students study Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Clinical Pathology, Massage Therapy Theory, Assessment and Application, Professional Standards and Ethics, and Law and Business Practice.
They learn the fundamentals of Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, and other complementary treatments.
AIDS education, CPR, human relations, employability skills, and computer literacy are other key courses offered. Some classes are offered online.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Georgia| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
9. Erwin Technical College
- Graduation Rate- 68%
- Student Population- 1015
This Tampa public school was founded in 1925. Its 750-hour program lasts nine months and involves 250 hours of classroom instruction and 25 hours of outdoor massages.
Body awareness and mechanics, joint range of motion, ethics, and Florida law are among the topics covered by students.
They learn deep Swedish and integrated-style massage techniques, foot reflexology, energetic touch, chair massage, therapeutic massage techniques, and hydrotherapy treatment.
Other topics covered in other seminars include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathology, client assessment, business and marketing abilities, and professionalism. In the classroom, students give massages to clients.
10. Manatee Technical College
Graduation Rate- 71%
Student Population- 803
The 750-hour program at this school consists of 11 months of day and evening classes on the main campus in Bradenton.
The curriculum includes therapeutic massage techniques such as Swedish, neuromuscular, and reflexology.
Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Massage Therapy, Statutes/Rules and Massage History, Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy, Allied Modalities, Legal Aspects of Massage Practice, Professional Ethics, and Entrepreneurial Skills are among the courses offered. A clinical practicum is also required of students.
The program is wholly completed on time. More than 90% of students pass the license exam and find work in the field.
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11. Southeastern College-West Palm Beach
- Graduation Rate- 82%
- Student Population- 499
Students at this campus attend classes at the West Palm Beach Campus, the Jacksonville Main Campus, or the Miami Lakes Area Branch Campus.
The curriculum includes 900 clock hours of classroom instruction and four clinical experiences. Students must additionally complete 25 “volunteer/community” hours. Diplomas in professional clinical massage therapy are earned in eight months for full-time students (twice as long for part-time students).
The required core courses are oriented to Massage Therapy and Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy I through VII.
Also, massage law, basic massage treatment techniques, and associated modalities are taught to students.
12. Radford M Locklin Technical Center
- Graduation Rate- 68%
- Student Population- 596
This Milton public school offers a 750-hour program.
The admittance rate is 100%. However, class numbers are limited to less than ten people.
Students with poor results on the Adult Basic Education Test (TABE) may be required to enroll in remedial math, language, or reading lessons.
“Mosby’s Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, and Pathology,” “Tappan’s Handbook of Massage Therapy: Blending Art With Science,” and “Trail Guide to the Body” is the textbooks.”
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13. La Belle Beauty Academy
- Graduation Rate- 99%
- Student Population- 365
This Miami school’s program consists of 600 hours, 150 of which are clinical practices.
Classical massage movements, full body treatments, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, clinical massage techniques, sports massage, somatic therapies, reflexology, Shiatsu, acupressure, and the following message types: chair, Swedish, deep tissue, hot stones, sports, and Thai are all taught to students.
Also, other courses include basic massage history and theory, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, business operations, laws and ethics, and clinical practice.
14. Ridge Technical College
Graduation Rate- 86%
Student Population- 387
This public institution, located eight miles northeast of Winter Haven, provides a 750-hour program that includes labs and clinical experiences.
Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology, Safety and Hygiene, Oral and Written Communication, Massage Modalities, Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy, Florida Laws and Rules, and Business Practices, Standards, and Professional Ethics are among the courses offered. Swedish and hot stone massage, Oriental therapies, stretching, joint mobilization, and other specialist therapies are taught to students.
Applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Miami| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
15. Fortis Institute-Pensacola
Graduation Rate- 59%
Student Population- 564
Fortis operates more than 40 colleges and institutes across 15 states. The 750-hour massage therapy curriculum is completed in 25 weeks. Although it is a non-credit program, alums earn certificates.
Complementary Bodywork, Anatomy & Physiology, First Aid, Adaptive Massage, Law and Ethics, Massage Basics, Massage Techniques, and Professional Development are required courses.
Three clinical experiences and an externship are also available to students.
Applicants can take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam four times. Every month, new program classes begin.
How Long are Massage Therapy Schools in Florida?
A massage therapy program must have a minimum of “500 classroom hours completed at a rate of no more than six classroom hours per day and no more than 30 classroom hours per calendar week,” according to the State of Florida Massage Therapy Board.
This means you’ll be in school for at least six months.
If you do the math, you’ll notice that 500 divided by 30 equals 16.67, implying that you should plan on spending at least 17 weeks in class.
That figure, however, does not include weekends or holidays. Because most institutions only attend lessons Monday through Friday, the minimum course of study will be closer to 24 weeks, or around six months.
This is based on a full-time study schedule for a 500-hour program; however, most massage therapy schools in Miami are lengthier and average approximately 700 hours of classroom time.
In short, most massage therapy colleges in Florida will last about 8 or 9 months. Of course, depending on the curriculum, part-time students will have to spend close to a year in school.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in North Carolina| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
How Much are Massage Therapy Schools in Florida?
The cost of a massage therapy course and the available financing methods are crucial factors to consider before committing to this path and selecting a school.
Before you can call yourself a qualified massage therapist, most state health boards need 500 to 600 hours of training and pass the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam).
Most programs last this long, though some may take up to 1000 hours before you can get your certificate.
The cost of instruction per hour ranges between $6 and $17. This amounts to a program cost of $3,000 to $11,000.
Aside from the tuition fee, the single greatest component, several extra costs are associated with the program.
These expenses include an application fee, the cost of a massage table and table linen, the cost of lotions and creams, the cost of textbooks and other study materials, and the cost of licensing.
How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in Florida?
The average practitioner in this state earns over $38,000 per year, or about $18.30 per hour – a little less than the national median of roughly $41,500 per year, or $20 per hour.
In Florida, the top 10% earn more than $89,600, or $43, compared to the national average of around $78,300, or $38.
The poorest 10% earn more than $19,300 or $9.30 per hour in Florida, less than the national average of $21,300 or $10.25 per hour.
In 2016, 13,670 massage therapists were working in the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number will rise to 18,030 by 2026.
That is a 32% increase in job growth, quicker than the predicted national median of 26% and significantly more significant than most other professions.
Conclusion
Massage therapy colleges in Florida might help you pursue a career where you can make a difference in the lives of others.
Massage schools in Florida teach essential therapeutic massage and many forms of massage, such as Swedish, Shiatsu, and others.
If you desire to help people feel better by using natural treatments, becoming a Florida massage therapist may be for you.
Spa treatments are on the rise in America, with recent surveys indicating that nearly one in every six people seek massage therapy treatment each year.
Massage therapy can result in enhanced flexibility, mobility, and relief from pain and muscle tension.
I hope this article is helpful to you.
FAQs
Is going to massage therapy school in Florida Worth it?
Overall, massage therapists report high job satisfaction with their employment. Massage therapy was ranked among the best career paths in the 2021 U.S. News 100 Best Jobs survey. You can achieve a high level of job satisfaction by pursuing a degree.
What are the cons of being a massage therapist in Florida?
One disadvantage of working as a massage therapist is that it might be physically demanding. Massage therapy will inevitably require you to use your body for several hours.
How long does it take to become a masseuse in Florida?
To become licensed, students must be at least 18 years old and finish a 500-hour massage therapy training program certified by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
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