15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in New York City in 2024

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

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

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Do you want to become a massage therapist in New York? The first step toward realizing your dreams is to enroll in massage therapy college in New York. Massage therapist employment is expected to expand by 32% between 2020 and 2030.

State regulators have approved and certified 18 massage therapy schools in New York.

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Most massage therapy colleges in New York provide vocational certificates that take six months to two years to complete. 

There are also two-year or longer associate degree programs available. Instruction and hands-on experience prepare students for a state exam to become licensed practitioners.

In this article, we will talk about the 15 best massage therapy schools in New York. The colleges on our list were chosen based on the programs provided, the student population, accreditation, reputation, and, most importantly, the graduation percentage of their students.

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See Also: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Florida|Ranking

Are there Massage Therapy Schools in New York City?

There are many massage therapy schools in New York City. Some of these schools Include:

  • CUNY Queensborough Community College
  • Finger Lakes Community College
  • Niagara County Community College
  • A.S.A.A.S.A. College
  • S.U.N.Y. Morrisville
  • North Country Community College
  • Trocaire College
  • Swedish Institute a College of Health Sciences
  • Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus
  • New York College of Health Professions
  • Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage-Rochester
  • New York Institute of Massage Inc
  • Finger Lakes School of Massage
  • Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy
  • Authentic Thai Massage N.Y.CN.Y.C.

How Does One Become A Massage Therapist in New York City?

To become a massage therapist in New York, a high school graduate must apply online and pay a fee to the state office.

The New York State Massage Therapy Examination is required of all applicants. They can take the test in January or August if they pre-register with CASTLE Worldwide Inc.

Every three years, practitioners must renew their licenses. Each time, they must complete 36 hours of continuing education classes. 

Continue reading to view a list of the top massage therapy colleges in New York.

What are the Best Massage Therapy Schools in New York City?

This section will list and explain the 15 best massage therapy schools in New York City. They are:

1. C.L.U.N.Y. Queensborough Community College

The Massage Therapy program at CUNY Queensborough Community College is approved by the New York State Department of Education and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. 

This places them among the top massage therapy schools in New York.

Program of Study: Full-time, a two-year organized academic sequence begins in the fall semester and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy.

Graduates are eligible to take the New York State Massage Therapy Licensing Exam.

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2. Finger Lakes Community College

The main campus of this school is located just outside of Canandaigua.

The Therapeutic Massage/Integrated Health Care A.A.S.A.A.S. program consists of 64 credit hours and 1,000 clock hours over four semesters. 

Also, small Business Management; Yoga; Advanced First Aid, C.P.R.C.P.R., and AED; Swedish Massage; Health for Massage Therapists; Medical Massage; Shiatsu I and II; Law and Ethics; Complementary and Alternative Therapies; M.T.M.T. Research; Composition I and II; and Introduction to Psychology are offered in addition to the standard core courses.

The clinical practicum accounts for 325 hours of the program. Students and professors attend professional M.T.M.T. conferences, and there are opportunities to study abroad.

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3. Niagara County Community College

This is one of the massage therapy schools in New York that helps students understand the benefits of massage therapy through their Massage Therapy degree program.

Here are some of the reasons why you should pursue your massage therapy degree at this institution:

In 2018 and 2019, they had a 100% pass rate on the N.Y.S. Board Exam.

They provide a job placement program to assist you in starting your career immediately after graduation.

Their massage curriculum includes comprehensive training in Western and Eastern massage modalities, as well as business and science courses to round out your skill set for a rewarding profession.

They also provide a Student Clinic where students can get hands-on experience.

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4. A.S.A.A.S.A. College

One of the massage therapy colleges in New York that offers an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy is A.S.A. College. It is a 65-credit curriculum that can be completed in five semesters.

A.S.A. College meets the New York State Education Department’s minimum of 1000 clock hours (lecture, lab, and practicum contact hours) and all defined topic area criteria.

Through onsite internships and off-campus externships, students can practice their talents and prepare for the mandatory New York State Massage Therapy license examination.

Students at this massage therapy school, like those at other massage therapy schools in New York, will learn four types of massages:

  • Swedish Massage
  • Shiatsu Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Sports Massage

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5. S.U.N.Y. Morrisville

You will learn how to assist people in repairing their health and improving their well-being through the S.U.N.Y. Morrisville Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in massage therapy.

Their massage therapy curriculum will teach you all types of massage therapy and provide you with the information you need to play an essential role in healthcare by manipulating the soft structures of the body.

The curriculum will assist its students in preparing to take the New York State Massage Therapy Exam, which their students have consistently passed with a 100% pass rate.

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6. Trocaire College

Trocaire College is a massage therapy school in New York that blends lectures, laboratory activities, and clinical components to provide a comprehensive grasp of massage therapy practices.

Graduates will be eligible to take the New York State board licensure exam. Graduates with a license can work in various settings, including wellness massage in spas, resorts, and cruise ships; sports massage in health clubs; medical massage in hospitals, rehab centers, and chiropractic offices; stress-management massage in corporate offices; and owning and operating private practices.

Trocaire provides them with both inspiration and assistance. Despite their hectic schedules, family obligations, and professional obligations, students study in class and laboratory and via real-life clinical encounters and service opportunities.

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7. Swedish Institute a College of Health Sciences

Choose Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy Program if you’re seeking a massage therapy school to help you break into this in-demand sector.

They are the country’s only Massage Therapy school with more than 100 years of continuous experience educating and training students to become professionally registered massage therapists.

Indeed, the Swedish Institute’s job website produces 2.5 jobs for every graduate. “The number of Massage Therapist job openings that come into their office each month far outnumbers the number of graduates available to fill them.”

Their Massage Therapy Program is offered in five-semester (20-month), six-semester (24-month), and eight-semester (32-month) terms.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in New Jersey|Ranking

8. Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus

Massage therapy seminars at Mildred Elley provide in-depth exposure and extensive instruction for various massage modalities.

Massage therapy lessons are available at all three of their school sites and are designed to educate you with time-tested massage techniques.

Students who complete the A.O.S. degree or Certificate program at Mildred Elley may be able to take their state Massage Therapy licensure exam and become registered massage therapists.

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9. New York College of Health Professions

The Massage Therapy program at New York College of Health Professions is a 72-credit advanced Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degree program.

Graduates of this program are qualified to take the New York State licensing exam and the Massage Board Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

In addition to its core curriculum of European Swedish massage therapy, which is based on standard Western anatomy and physiology, and Asian Bodywork, which is based on the principles of oriental medicine, the Massage Therapy program at New York College of Health Professions offers many currently practiced modalities of massage therapy.

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

10. New York Institute of Massage Inc

At the New York Institute of Massage (N.Y.I.M.), you will study the skills required to become a registered Massage Therapist.

Their recognized institution has provided specialized training for residents in and around Buffalo, New York, since 1994.

If you want to advance your career without putting your life on hold, and you want a clear, straightforward path to a fulfilling career as a Massage Therapist, this institution is for you.

They provide flexible class schedules so you can still devote time to what is important to you, your career, or your family.

Small class numbers, flexible study schedules, minimal time commitments, solid industry ties, transferable credits, and in-depth training are also available.

You can gain hands-on experience at their Student Clinic in a professional setting.

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11. Finger Lakes School of Massage

Finger Lakes School of Massage: Ithaca is in Ithaca, New York.

This institution provides instruction in six credentials, the most popular of which are a Massage Therapy License, a New York Massage Therapy License, and a Certificate in Massage and Hydrotherapy.

The average duration to complete this education training is seven months, ranging from 4.7 months to 21 months, depending on the qualification.

Finger Lakes School of Massage: Ithaca rated 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 14 reviews. 71% of reviewers said they would recommend Finger Lakes School of Massage – Ithaca to a friend.

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12. Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy

Their masterfully designed curriculum aims to enrich our students’ lives by providing a comprehensive study program that deliberately balances the art and science of therapeutic massage.

Furthermore, its staff and professors are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity, character, and ethics – while instilling these values in all their pupils.

Foundations of Massage, Assessment Skills, Sports Massage, Chair Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Introduction to Energy, Polarity, CranioSacral Therapy, and Shiatsu are offered in addition to the state-mandated courses.

https://www.cnwsmt.com/

13. Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage-Rochester

This university provides an M.T.M.T. certificate program at its Syracuse and Rochester campuses, 

Students can complete 1,000 hours of teaching and training in as little as six months. Part-time day and evening programs last 12 to 15 months. The time is divided evenly between classes and hands-on practice.

In addition to the standard courses, classes include Energy Techniques, New York State Law & Ethics, Business, Communications, and Abuse Awareness. Swedish, sports, chair, and prenatal massage modalities are taught to students. 

At an on-campus clinic, they offer Swedish massages, deep-tissue therapy, and particular muscle treatments to the public.

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

14. North Country Community College

N.C.C.C. is a small public school that offers massage therapy A.A.S. degrees. These students study on the Saranac Lake campus.

The program is 1,000 clock hours and 64 credits long. 

There are fundamental courses in Human Biology, Introduction to Disease, Quantitative Business Skills, Remedial Western Massage, Advanced Topics in M.T., English Composition I, Psychology of Personal Growth, and Psychology of Human Relations, in addition to the state-required classes. 

General education classes are also included in the curriculum.

Enrollees receive career services and 150 hours of practical practice at a public, student-run clinic.

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15. Authentic Thai Massage N.Y.CN.Y.C.

This is New York City’s first Thai Massage therapist school and workshop; they have the greatest and most authentic workshop that offers various services and seminars to fit all requirements and sorts of individuals.

They are well-known for their excellent traditional Thai-style procedures, which are unique to the New York area, and their methods target the nerves and muscles, which benefit various sections of the body.

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How Long are Massage Therapy Schools in New York City?

Most massage therapy schools in New York require students to have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Enrolling in a program recognized by the New York Office of the Professions at an accredited post-secondary institution is critical.

The curriculum must include at least 1,000 clock hours of anatomy, physiology, and neurology classes.

In addition, the state requires 150 hours of Kinesiology or myology, 100 hours of pathology, and 150 hours of massage theory and techniques.

At least 325 hours are spent on technique and practice.

One hundred fifty of these hours must be spent giving massages and other therapies to actual customers.

Seventy-five hours will be spent on cleanliness and first aid. Although the state mandates both Eastern and Western approaches, programs specialize in different modalities.

How Much are Massage Therapy Schools in New York City?

You must scrutinize your options before enrolling in any of the massage therapy colleges in New York.

Most massage therapy colleges in New York demand up to 1000 hours before you can receive your degree.

The cost of training per hour ranges between $6 and $17. As a result, the initiative will cost between $3,000 and $11,000 to implement.

Aside from tuition, there is also the application fee to consider. Other expenses may include the cost of the massage table and table linen, as well as the cost of lotion. Additional costs include textbooks, other study materials, and licensing fees.

How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in New York City?

Undoubtedly, New York’s average wage ranks second in the country. The average hourly wage is $29.94. There is, however, a wide range of actual salaries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also released salary statistics for massage therapists at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile.

Those in the 25th percentile earn $17.48 per hour, while those in the 75th percentile get $41.69. The average is $28.06.

Two metropolitan areas have been identified as having the highest rates in the country. Binghamton and the Nassau County-Suffolk County Metropolitan Division are these urban areas.

The mean wage in Binghamton is $35.42 (median: $30.94), whereas the median salary in Nassau County-Suffolk County is $31.99 (median: $28.68).

Those at the top of the pay scale can earn exceptionally high hourly income in these two areas; the 90th percentile wage in the Nassau-Suffolk area is $59.74.

Conclusion

The New York City area offers 18 colleges that provide massage programs. This article includes information on 15 colleges offering undergraduate massage therapy degrees.

I hope you make the right choice!

F.A.Q.s

Can you take massage therapy classes online in N.Y.C?

Yes, you can. You may need additional skills and certification as a massage therapist to make a more reasonable salary, which includes some accelerated massage therapy schools.

What is the highest position for a Massage Therapist in N.Y.C.?

As a massage therapist, you can advance to the post of chief executive officer.

What is the highest degree of massage therapy in N.Y.C.?

The highest voluntary credential offered to massage therapists is board certification.

Reference

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