Are you in search of the best massage therapy schools in Los Angeles? Search no more; we’ve got you covered.
This article fully reviews the best massage therapy schools in Los Angeles, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.
Massage therapy is a relatively common profession choice in the United States. If you want to work as an alternative medical practitioner, you could be interested in becoming a massage therapist.
Massage therapists efficiently use pressure on the body to facilitate injury healing and stress relief.
Also, Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, acupressure, and neuromuscular massage are some of the treatments massage therapists in California learn.
Massage therapists can specialize in approximately 80 different types of massages, known as modalities, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Most massage therapists in California specialize in many modalities.
Sit tight and read to find out more about the best massage therapy schools in Los Angeles.
See Also: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Florida| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
Are there Massage Therapy Schools in Los Angeles?
There are very few massage therapy schools in Los Angeles. These massage therapy schools are:
- Angeles College
- Palace Beauty College
- NHI Studio City | Los Angeles
- a2z Health Massage
- California Healing Arts College
- Southern California Health Institute
- Hollywood Career College
- Burke Williams
How Does One Become A Massage Therapist in Los Angeles?
A student must graduate from an accredited massage therapy school approved by CAMTC with either a high school diploma or a GED.
Certificate applications are accepted from people who have completed at least 500 clock hours of classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Additionally, anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business and ethics must all be included in a curriculum.
Passing one of the following competency tests is also required for certification: the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, the Board Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage, or the New York State Massage Therapy Examination.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in New York City| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
What are the Best Massage Therapy Schools in Los Angeles?
We chose the schools listed below based on their curriculum, accreditation, student population, graduation rate, and reputation.
1. Angeles College
AC is another private university that claims “small class sizes and experienced instructors.” MT students attend classes at the school’s City of Industry location at 17595 Almahurst St.
Western (Swedish), trigger points, deep tissue, specific populations, and supplementary holistic techniques are the massage modalities covered in the 720-hour Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage curriculum.
Students also learn myofascial release, reflexology, safety, emergency equipment use, client counseling, and practice administration.
Other topics covered in the courses include kinesiology, spa techniques, hydrotherapy, clinical pathology, professional practices, and product knowledge.
2. Palace Beauty College
At 1517 S. Western Ave., this privately owned school is “designed to simulate a salon environment” with “the type of modern professional equipment used in the best salons in America.”
The massage therapy curriculum comprises 600 hours of education, 20 of which are spent working in real-world clinics.Â
After 24 weeks, students graduate. They learn Swedish, spa, lymphatic, deep tissue, sports, special populations, medical, and Thai massage techniques.
Classes include Medical Terminology, Kinesiology, History of Massage, Consultation and Documentation, Hydrotherapy, Therapeutic Procedure, Reflexology, and Shiatsu, as required by the state.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Houston| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
3. NHI Studio City | Los Angeles
The massage therapy training programs at NHI Studio City are among the best in the country.
For almost 40 years, it has been a leader in massage therapy education, offering a comprehensive Massage Therapy Training Program and an Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program.
It is constantly fine-tuning and updating its massage therapy programs to ensure that you have a successful and flexible career.
The Massage Therapy Training Program will thoroughly equip you for a fulfilling future as a professional massage therapist.
The Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program advances your career by focusing on neuromuscular massage therapy.
It is available to those with prior massage therapy training or Massage Therapy Training Program graduates.
4. a2z Health Massage
a2z Health Massage Schools is based in Los Angeles, California, but online lessons are available.
This institution provides instruction in three certifications, the most popular of which is a Massage Therapy License, 300-Hr Certified Massage Therapist, and Holistic Practitioner.
Depending on the qualification, the time required to finish this education instruction ranges from 7.5 weeks to 1 year, with an average length of 8 months.
Also, depending on the qualification, the cost of attending a2z Health Massage Schools ranges from $2,200 to $6,000, with a median cost of $4,500.
The most frequently claimed benefits of attending a2z Health Massage Schools are “Good teachers” and a “Positive environment,” although respondents also mentioned “Hands-on training” and “Flexible class hours.”
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Colorado| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
5. California Healing Arts College
The California Healing Arts College in Los Angeles, California, is the place to go for alternative education in massage treatment and personal training; it is only 10 minutes from the gorgeous Santa Monica Pier.
In collaboration with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the college was the first in California to provide ACCSC-accredited courses.
The college has different massage therapy and personal training schools, so regardless of your subject, you will receive a focused learning experience that teaches you only what you desire to pursue.
Certificate programs in massage therapy or personal training at standard levels are available at the school. Students who want to get a diploma in their subject can take an intensive, advanced course.
Students pursuing a career as massage therapists must complete an internship experience as part of their education to gain experience working in a professional setting.
Also, students with a high school diploma, GED, or passing scores on the Ability to Benefit test may schedule an interview with an admissions representative to establish enrollment eligibility.
The Healing Arts College provides financial assistance to qualified students through government programs, including Pell grants, SEO grants, PLUS loans, and work-study programs.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in New Jersey| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
6. Hollywood Career College
Hollywood Career College is a massage school that is BPPE and CAMTC-approved and offers a 500-hour massage program.
HCC is a private institution that has received BPPE approval to operate. This clearance signifies that the institution has met the state standards outlined in California’s EDC Title 3, Division 10, Part 59, Chapter 8 – Private Postsecondary Institutions (94800 – 94950).
This is a massage treatment school that is available to the general public. The school aims to encourage students to practice their talents before graduating. All of the massage modalities are listed below;
- Swedish massage
- Hot Stone massage
- Prenatal massage
- Reflexology
- Deep tissue massage
- Sport massage
7. Southern California Health Institute
Education is one of the most valuable investments you can make—students at the institution benefit from learning from educators who care about their future.
Massage Therapists, Physical Therapy Aides, Personal Trainers, Medical Billers and Coders, and Medical Assistants’ social values and ethical boundaries are cared for and respected by the faculty.
The Southern California Health Institute (Sochi) is a massage school in Los Angeles built on the idea of healing through touch.
As one of the leading massage therapy schools in Los Angeles, it focuses on giving hands-on teaching with an emphasis on medical massage, deep tissue, and sports massage, as well as mixing eastern and spa massage modalities to better prepare a well-rounded Certified Massage Therapist.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Texas| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
8. Burke Williams
Are you a kind and intuitive person eager to assist others? Are you seeking a fulfilling job in health and healing? The Burke Williams Academy of Massage Therapy is the place to be. They provide more than just a massage therapy education; they’ve designed the best work/study program. It’s the debt-free way to get started in the massage industry.
Burke Williams’ fundamental values are pride, graciousness, passion, creativity, and family. That is what a “five-star rating” means to them.
If this speaks to you, they’d love to hear from you. Burke Williams Academy of Massage Therapy is looking for “five-star” students to join their growing families!
How Long are Massage Therapy Schools in Los Angeles?
To become a massage therapist in Los Angeles, you must complete a training program that covers massage theory and hands-on massage techniques.
Students must also complete the NCETMB-National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, administered by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).
California, unlike some other states, has two levels of certification. The Certified Massage Practitioner first takes 250 hours of study and training.
It will be phased out by January 1, 2015. The Certified Massage Therapist is the second level of certification (CMT).
CMTs in Los Angeles must complete 500 hours of massage education and training, at least 250 of which must be completed at an accredited Los Angeles massage therapy school.
The remaining 250 hours could be completed through a school or a continuing education provider.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Georgia| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
How Much are Massage Therapy Schools in Los Angeles?
Massage therapy school tuition is sometimes less expensive than a four-year college degree, but expenses vary significantly from program to program.
Most schools require 500 to 1,000 hours of massage therapy training to graduate, and expenses are higher for programs that offer more training hours and a more in-depth curriculum.
As you consider your educational alternatives, arm yourself with excellent guidance on how to finance your education.
Tuition for massage therapy education varies wildly. Some community college programs cost as little as $5,000-$7,000. There are, however, others with tuition as high as $20,000 for a one-year program.
How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in Los Angeles?
The median annual salary and hourly pay for a practitioner in this city are around $33,450 and more than $16—lower than the national averages of $41,420 and $20.
The top 10% of LA-area MTs earn roughly $65,000 per year, or $31.25 per hour, below national averages of over $78,300, or more than $37.60.
The bottom 10% earn over $23,350, or more than $11.20, higher than the roughly $21,350, or about $10.25, reported nationally.
The metropolitan area had 6,800 practitioners in 2018, a rapidly increasing figure. Federal officials forecast 29% job growth in the field statewide from 2016 to 2026, a faster rate than the 26% national median.
Check Out: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in New Jersey|Ranking
Conclusion
Massage therapy is an ordinary job choice around the country these days. If you prefer working with people in a small group setting and have a flexible schedule, consider enrolling in massage schools in Los Angeles.
There aren’t many massage therapy schools in Los Angeles, but the ones there are fantastic, and they offer terrific programs that you may check out if you reside in the city and want to be a massage therapist.
FAQs
Do you need a massage license in Los Angeles?
You must submit a new application each year and gain approval from the Los Angeles County Business License Commission to continue operating.
How do I become a massage therapist in Los Angeles?
Massage therapists pursuing CAMTC certification must finish a CAMTC-accredited 500-hour massage therapy education program.
What is one of the cons of being a massage therapist in Los Angeles?
One disadvantage of working as a massage therapist is that it might be physically demanding.
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