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

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Are you in search of the best massage therapy schools in Houston? Search no more; we’ve got you covered.

This article fully reviews the best massage therapy schools in Houston, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.

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Massage therapy schools in Houston are for aspiring massage therapists who want to earn a certificate or certification from a state-approved, recognized school.

You will most likely take classes on medical terminology, body mechanics, massage ethics, anatomy, and physiology while attending massage therapy schools in Houston.

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In this article, we will discuss some massage therapy schools in Houston and the measures you should take to become a registered massage therapist.

See Also: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in New Jersey|Ranking

Are there Massage Therapy Schools in Houston?

The institutions below offer massage therapy programs in Houston

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  • Houston Community College
  • The College of HealthCare 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

How Does One Become A Massage Therapist in Houston?

To become a massage therapist in Houston, you must fulfill the following:

1. Finish a massage therapy program.

The first step toward becoming a massage therapist is to complete a certificate or diploma program from one of Houston’s authorized massage therapy schools.

The curriculum must include the following:

  • Theory, technique, and practice totaling 200 hours (including at least 125 hours of training in Swedish massage)
  • Pathology takes 40 hours.
  • 50 hours spent on an internship
  • Hydrotherapy for 20 hours
  • CPR and first aid are among the topics covered in 20 hours of health and hygiene classes.
  • Professional ethics, legislation, and business procedures for 45 hours

2. Complete practical requirements

There are practical constraints. These standards specify how many hours of hands-on experience massage students must have before receiving their licensure.

Typically, this is accomplished through an internship and work at a school’s massage clinic.

3. Pass the licensure exam.

After completing the massage therapist education program, you must pass a licensing exam.

The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX) sponsored by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards is required for TDLR (FSMTB).

4. Finish a certification

Certification is often obtained by completing a set amount of clinical hours and passing an examination. It is not needed to obtain a license, but it can make the process easier in some situations.

Certifications in massage therapy can be obtained in veterinary massage, palliative care, sports massage, spa management, and clinical rehabilitative massage.

What are the Best Massage Therapy Schools in Houston?

Below are the best massage therapy schools in Houston:

1. Houston Community College

3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002

Houston Community College is a substantial public university known for its inexpensive tuition and a high proportion of international students.

Their health programs are housed at the Texas Medical Centre, a large hospital.

Massage therapy students study the following courses:

  • Hydrotherapy
  • Health and Hygiene
  • Business Practices & Ethics
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Massage Therapy Fundamentals
  • Kinesiology
  • Pathology

This university offers internships where students can obtain hands-on experience with real clientele.

The college has an admission policy; nonetheless, applicants with an associate or higher degree in “qualifying” disciplines are preferred.

This essentially means that they will accept those with advanced degrees.

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2. The College of HealthCare Professions-Southwest Houston

7322 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY SUITE 100, Houston, Texas 77074

This massage therapy school in Houston offers a 680-hour massage therapy curriculum that includes 30 weeks of day classes or 43 weeks of evening programs.

You will take the following courses as part of their massage therapy program:

  • 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 must complete a final 80-hour internship at the school’s onsite clinic, which serves community residents.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Florida|Ranking

3. Cortiva Institute-Houston

13163 Northwest Freeway Ste. A Houston, Texas 77040-6307

This facility was previously known as the Texas Center for Massage Therapy.

This is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that offers a professional massage therapy curriculum with 815.5 hours of education and training that students may complete in as little as 7.5 months.

This school offers both day and evening classes.

Massage therapy programs often include studies in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, business skills, and eventually, law and ethics.

Students must additionally take the following courses:

  • Introduction to Acupressure & Eastern Theories,
  • Craniosacral Massage,
  • Hydrotherapy & Spa Preparation,
  • Reflexology,
  • Russian Sports Massage,
  • Shiatsu, and
  • Trigger Point Therapy & Techniques.

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4. Texas Health School

11211 Katy Fwy Ste 170, Houston, Texas 77079

Texas Health school provides a variety of allied health programs. Their massage therapy program is 715 clock hours long and “based on Swedish massage theory and techniques.”

In addition, students learn trigger points, deep tissue, and hot stone massage.

Shiatsu, Ayurveda, and Thai body massage techniques are also taught to students.

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.

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5. Houston School of Massage

10600 Northwest Freeway Suite 202, Houston, Texas 77092

This school provides massage training that leads to an associate degree.

This institution’s massage therapy program intends to improve students’ touch power and business professionalism to boost the success of its alums.

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, submit a completed application for admission, sign an enrollment agreement, and have a high school diploma or GED.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Georgia|Ranking

6. Texas School of Massage

17043 El Camino Real #201, Houston, TX 77058

The Texas School of Massage’s essential Massage Licensing Program involves theory and hands-on practice.

Students receive instruction in the art of Swedish massage methods, as well as an understanding of the structure and function of the human body.

The teacher/student ratio in the classroom is 24:1, and in the practice room, it is 12:1. This is done to ensure that pupils participate fully.

Students must be at least 18 years old. To attend, individuals must also have a high school diploma or GED. A completed application form must also be provided.

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7. Avalon Massage School

2990 Richmond Ave, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77098

The Massage Therapist curriculum at Avalon School of Massage prepares students for state licensure and entry-level employment in the profession.

The training will include the following:

  • Swedish Massage
  • Thai/Yoga Massage
  • Shiatsu Massage

A theoretical component of the program is provided online. A 12-week internship is also required as part of the course.

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8. Lone Star College

5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Lone Star College is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that provides a massage therapy certificate program that equips students with the technical abilities and competencies needed to work 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.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage has approved their program. After completing the curriculum, students can take the massage therapy licensing exam.

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9. Laurel School of Massage

16686 Champion Forest Dr. Spring, TX 77379

Laurel School of Massage provides massage therapy programs that equip students with the knowledge and abilities required to sit for the state exam and become licensed massage therapists.

Their curriculum comprises the following topics:

  • Swedish massage,
  • anatomy,
  • physiology,
  • kinesiology,
  • pathology,
  • hydrotherapy,
  • business practices and ethics,
  • health and Hygiene, and
  • massage internship

To enroll, applicants must submit a $200 application fee and be 18 years old.

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10. The Woodlands School of Massage Therapy

18 Augusta Pines Dr., Ste. 205W, Spring, Texas, 77389

The Woodlands School of Massage Therapy is also one of the Houston massage therapy schools that can lead to state licensing when students complete their massage therapy exam.

Also, Swedish massage, advanced massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, ethics, and business practices are covered in their massage therapy program. 

There is also a massage internship and health and hygiene classes.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Dallas TX |Ranking

11. Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Massage

7011 Harwin Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77036

This is one of the massage therapy schools in Houston that provides basic massage therapy programs that prepare adults for Texas licensing.

The following topics will be covered in both theory and practice:

  • 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 old, provide an official picture ID and your social security number, and, most importantly, understand written and conversational English.

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12. HFE & Massotherapy School

4141 SW Fwy Ste 510 Houston, TX 77027

This is one of the Houston massage therapy schools that provides a state-licensed massage therapy program that prepares students for Texas massage therapy licensing.

Every two months, new classes begin with the following course requirements:

  • principles of massage techniques,
  • kinesiology,
  • anatomy,
  • pathology,
  • hydrotherapy,
  • human health hygiene,
  • business practices and ethics, and
  • clinical internship.
  • Upon graduation, students can take the state exam to become licensed massage therapists.

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13. Asia-Pacific Massage Institute

1500 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77077

One of the massage therapy schools in Houston with certified massage therapy programs that train students for state licensing is the Asia-Pacific Massage Institute School of Nature.

They have experienced educators, and their massage therapy program includes the following topics:

  • 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 provide both day and evening classes. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old. They must also be able to converse successfully in English.

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14. Serenity Massage School

40 N. Main Street, Kingwood, Texas 77339

Serenity Massage School is one of the Houston massage therapy schools that provides massage therapy programs.

They provide an advanced course with 650 hours of training. This course helps students prepare for the licensing exam.

Students must be 17 years old to enroll in day or evening classes.

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15. San Jacinto College

13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089

San Jacinto College is also one of Houston’s well-known massage therapy colleges, preparing adults for careers as massage therapists.

Health and Hygiene, hydrotherapy, massage therapy principles, pathology for massage, kinesiology, and, most crucially, massage therapy internships are all part of their curriculum.

Students enrolled full-time can complete the degree in two semesters.

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How Long are Massage Therapy Schools in Houston?

A minimum of 500 hours of schooling is required to earn a massage therapy license in Texas.

When studying full-time, a 500-600-hour course can be completed in as little as five months.

On the other hand, part-time courses in any of these massage therapy schools in Houston will take longer to complete.

How Much are Massage Therapy Schools in Houston?

Before committing to this career and choosing a school, you should carefully analyze the cost of a massage therapy education and the financing options available. 

Most state health boards need 500 to 600 hours of training and passing the MBLEx before you can call yourself a qualified massage therapist (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam). 

However, most programs last this long, but others may require up to 1000 hours before you can receive your certificate.

The hourly cost of instruction ranges between $6 and $17. This equates to a program cost ranging from $3,000 to $11,000. 

Aside from the tuition price, which is the most expensive component, several additional expenditures are involved with the program. 

These costs include an application fee, the cost of a massage table and table linen, lotions and creams, textbooks and other study materials, and licensing fees.

How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in Houston?

Massage therapists earn between $35,000 to $39,990 per year, less than the national average of around $41,500 (or about $20 per hour).

In Houston, those in the top 10% earn roughly $57,900, significantly less than the national average of around $78,300.

In Houston, though, the bottom 10% earn more than $19,000 a year.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of massage therapists will increase by 32% to 14,950 by 2026.

During the next decade, around 23,300 openings for massage therapists are expected each year.

Many of these openings are projected to be caused by the need to replace people who change occupations or leave the labor force, such as retirement cases.

Conclusion

It may interest you that the demand for massage therapists is high. This is especially true in Houston and other Texas areas, where government analysts expect more robust job growth than the national average. 

Dozens of Houston spas, clinics, and other facilities employ these practitioners.

Therefore, if you live in Houston and are passionate about working with your hands, you should consider being a massage therapist.

FAQs

Is going to massage therapy school in Houston worth it?

Yes. You can also experience a high job satisfaction level by getting a massage treatment degree.

What is one of the cons of being a massage therapist?

One of the cons of being a massage therapist is that the job can take a physical toll on your body.

Is becoming a massage therapist in Houston hard?

Massage therapy programs are tough but exciting, challenging but not brutal, and interesting but not difficult for students with a passion for wellness.

Reference

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