Have you considered becoming a Tennessee licensed massage therapist? Students from all walks of life enroll in massage therapy school to begin or change their career path or to learn the skills necessary to open their own massage therapy business.
Potential massage therapists in Tennessee use a variety of massage techniques. Each style aims to promote client well-being and a higher quality of life.
Most massage schools in the state teach students Swedish and deep tissue massage, reflexology, spa treatments, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ethics, and business management.
Massage therapy is one of the fastest-growing professions in the country, with 37% growth expected over the next few years.
If these opportunities sound like a good fit for your career goals, you could be an excellent candidate for massage therapy school.
Keep reading to learn more about the best massage therapy schools in Tennessee.
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Are there Massage Therapy Schools in Tennessee?
There are a good number of massage therapy schools in Tennessee. Some of these schools include:
- 1. Roane State Community College
- 2. Concorde Career College-Memphis
- 3. Platt College-Miller-Motte Technical-Chattanooga
- 4. Genesis Career College-Cookeville
- 5. Hussian College-Daymar College Nashville
- 6. Mind Body Institute
- 7. Tennessee Career Institute
- 8. Massage Institute of Memphis
- 9. Nashville School of Massage Therapy
- 10. Arbor College-School of Massage
- 11. Chattanooga Massage Institute
- 12. Tennessee School of Massage
- 13. Reflections of Health School of Massage
- 14. Massage Institute of Cleveland
- 15. Georgia Career Institute Murfreesboro Campus
How Does One Become A Massage Therapist in Tennessee?
Massage therapy schools admit only applicants with a high school degree or GED. Taking college-level science, health, and business classes may help win admission.
Schools that qualify for state approval are authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the Tennessee Board of Regents, or a comparable agency in another state.
The board mandates that MT programs provide at least 500 hours of instruction. There must be 200 hours of science coursework, including anatomy, pathology, kinesiology, physiology (Eastern or Western), and hygiene/blood-borne pathogens.
The classes cover the benefits and contraindications of massages; basic massage techniques; manipulative techniques such as kneading, stretching, percussion, and joint movements; and draping, positioning, and personal body mechanics.
Ten hours must be spent on ethics and five on Tennessee laws and rules.
In addition, the state requires training in business operations, interpersonal communication, first aid, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In the hands-on section of a board-approved course, the student-to-instructor ratio cannot exceed 14:1.
The sorts of massage and other therapies taught differ by program. The majority offer training in both Western and Eastern modalities.
Students who want to concentrate on a specific method should look into colleges’ coursework.
A graduate applies to the Tennessee Massage Therapy Board for a license to practice as a massage therapist.
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards must approve you to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).
The test is usually available at Pearson VUE assessment sites around the state.
The board requires practitioners to renew their licenses every two years and complete 24 hours of continuing education.
What are the Best Massage Therapy Schools in Tennessee?
Below are the best massage therapy schools in Tennessee with some information about them:
1. Roane State Community College
This public institution offers an 11-month, 720-clock-hour, 30-credit massage therapy certificate program. Students take lessons three times a year, in the fall, spring, and summer.
The program is centered on Swedish massage and neuromuscular therapy, but it also includes an “overview of more than 100 therapeutic manipulation approaches.”
Students take Massage for Special Populations and Somatic Therapy in addition to state-mandated courses.
A competitive admissions process considers program applicants’ entrance exam scores, competency, and administrator interviews.
The school can help with résumé writing, job searches, and job placement. Job fairs allow students to meet with potential employers.
2. Concorde Career College-Memphis
This private medical and dental school has 16 sites spread throughout eight states. The location in East Memphis is between Audubon Square and White Station.
The massage therapy diploma program at CCC is 862 clock hours long and takes 44 weeks to complete. Five hundred and seven hours of classroom theory, 255 hours of lab sessions, and 100 hours of clinical practice are included. There are day and evening class schedules available.
Also, Swedish Massage, acupressure, event sports massage, reflexology, and deep tissue massage are all taught to students.
At an on-campus clinic, they provide full-body massages for a fee and free chair massages to members of the public.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Oklahoma|Ranking
3. Platt College-Miller-Motte Technical-Chattanooga
Most students come from East Ridge, Hixon, Signal Mountain, Jasper, and Cleveland.
Massage therapy programs are available at the school’s five sites in Georgia and the Carolinas.
The MT certificate program emphasizes “whole-body wellness.” It has a 900-hour minimum and up to 1,350 hours available.
Along with the introductory courses, Somatic Psychology, Seated & Sports Massage, Energy Based Modalities, Spa Therapies, and Special Populations are available.
Students participate in career workshops and seminars on developing portfolios and resumes. Alumni return for refresher courses and career counseling.
4. Genesis Career College-Cookeville
This private vocational school has campuses in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The Cookeville location serves the Nashville-Chattanooga-Knoxville metropolitan area.
Massage therapists, medical assistants, estheticians, nail technicians, dental assistants, and cosmetologists receive GCC credentials.
Light and deep tissue massage, stone massage, pressure point therapy, prenatal massage, neuromuscular therapy, aromatherapy, and myofascial massage are all taught to students in the MT certificate program, part of the college’s School of Beauty & Wellness. Classes begin every month.
The institution prides itself on its small class sizes, guest speakers, mock job interviews, license exam preparation, and local job placement services.
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5. Hussian College-Daymar College Nashville
On its campuses in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio, this private technical school provides more than 30 professional tracks. Daymar originated in 1963 as the Owensboro Business College in the same-named Kentucky city.
The medical massage therapy certificate program consists of 900 clock hours students must finish in 12 months.
There is no part-time option. Swedish, therapeutic, sports, prenatal, and hot stone massage are all covered in the curriculum.
There are classes in Hydrotherapy, Reflexology, and Orthopedic Massage Applications in addition to the state-required courses. Participants in the program provide treatments to real clients at an on-campus clinic.
6. Mind Body Institute
MBI was founded by massage therapists in Nashville and is solely committed to MT education. Its 700-hour credential program takes nine months to complete, Monday through Thursday. There are day and evening classes available.
There are classes in Osteology and Myology, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology, Clinical Concepts, CPR, and Lymphatic Massage in addition to the required courses.
Participants in the program gain hands-on experience at a student clinic and complete 100 clock hours of clinical internships.
The school offers job placement assistance as well as continuing education classes. Classes commence in February, June, and September of each year.
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7. Tennessee Career Institute
This private institution has campuses in McMinnville and Murfreesboro and offers a 750-hour massage therapy certificate program.
Classes cover hydrotherapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports injury assessment, traditional Chinese medicine, and spa treatments, in addition to the mandatory state education.
Furthermore, Swedish, deep tissue, medicinal, chair, prenatal, special populations, and Thai massage techniques are taught to students.
The curriculum is completed in about a year of full-time study. There are day and evening class schedules available.
Although the school has a 100% admission rate, class numbers are limited. Each year, only around ten students graduate from the MT program.
8. Massage Institute of Memphis
In 1987, this private university became Tennessee’s first massage therapy school.
The 700-hour program includes 200 hours of anatomy, physiology, neurology, and pathology, 200 hours of massage theory and practice, 150 hours of allied modalities, and 50 hours of clinical work.
Classes cover Eastern, European, Western, and Ayurvedic massage methods. Hydrotherapy, electro/heliotherapy, aromatherapy, electrotherapy, trigger points, reflexology, seated Massage, and sports massage are all taught to students.
Other seminars cover approaches for special populations such as seniors, children, infants, pregnant women, abused people, and physically and mentally impaired clients.
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9. Nashville School of Massage Therapy
Nashville School of Massage Therapy is committed to providing high-quality Continuing Education classes to assist you in developing your skills, knowledge, and practice as a Massage Therapist.
Also, Nashville School of Massage Therapy is the obvious choice for high-quality massage therapy classes due to its affordable tuition, convenient location, and quality instruction.
The full-time massage therapy program goes above and beyond Tennessee requirements by providing 650 contact hours to prepare you for a successful career.
The FT program lasts 22 weeks, with classes held during the day. It’s never been easier to start your future career as a massage therapist by enrolling in Nashville’s premier massage therapy school!
A part-time program is a unique option for students who want to pursue a career in massage therapy but juggle multiple commitments throughout the year.
It combines exceptional training with an evening class schedule. The part-time massage therapy program of 650 contact hours lasts 38 weeks.
10. Arbor College-School of Massage
Finding a massage and bodywork school that matches your personal goals is the key to your success among all the massage and bodywork schools in the country.
See for yourself what makes Arbor a proven launching pad for success before making such an important decision as selecting a school.
They believe providing innovative education and training students in a socially engaged, project-based format can elevate the Massage and bodywork profession.
Ed Bolden-Greer, the founder, is committed to bringing Massage and bodywork into mainstream healthcare by training and graduating massage and bodywork professionals with the highest academic credentials.
This desire to improve people’s lives motivates them to work every day to make the world a better place to live.
The primary focus is fourfold: to educate the public about the benefits of Massage and bodywork through community service and outreach education; to educate other allied health professionals, such as physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists, about the benefits of Massage and bodywork as an emerging health profession; to produce graduates who exceed the expectations of the public and other healthcare professionals and who exceed national standards, and to produce graduates who exceed the expectations of the people and other healthcare professionals.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Michigan|Requirements
11. Chattanooga Massage Institute
This massage school is committed to promoting excellence in the study and practice of massage therapy at Chattanooga Massage Institute.
A student-centered learning environment fosters growth while instilling professionalism, compassion, confidence, and respect in the graduates.
The philosophy is to provide excellent training in a more welcoming and personalized learning environment.
They believe a Massage is a form of communication and healing with the client and an extension of the therapist.
The goal is to teach the students excellent communication, technical, and clinical skills so that they can provide clients with a professional massage experience.
They strive to provide students with a well-rounded knowledge of the profession and a rewarding experience as they prepare for a career in massage therapy.
Also, they strive to raise awareness of the powerful impact of touch and encourage the students to embrace their uniqueness in developing their professional massage practice.
They promote the student’s personal “art of touch” growth and development by guiding them to this awareness.
12. Tennessee School of Massage
The Tennessee School of Massage, a Memphis Massage Institution, has been graduating leaders in the massage community for over three decades! In October 1988, David and Cissie Pryor established the Tennessee School of Massage.
They were both aware of the need for a comprehensive training program that provided holistic, professional massage training.
The Tennessee School of Massage has taught hundreds of students who are now licensed massage therapists serving clients in Memphis, the greater Mid-South, and across the country.
The Tennessee School of Massage focuses on classical massage techniques such as relaxing Swedish, Deep-Tissue, and Sports Massage, as well as Prenatal Massage, Therapeutic Touch, Sound Therapy with gongs, bells, and singing bowls, aromatherapy, and much more.
For nearly three decades, the techniques taught have been tried, proven, and perfected in their day spa.
Because of this unique blend of holistic wellness principles and personal development, the students can practice quality massage therapy while caring for their health and happiness.
Tennessee School of Massage students can work with real clients in a natural spa setting at Living Health Day Spa.Â
They are scheduled with clients in the spa who receive Massage, sound therapy, facials, wraps, and various other “spa” related services after developing the skills required to reach the level of “Intern.”
This provides them with “real-world” exposure and experience in client service, as well as the motivation and knowledge that their skills are valuable immediately upon graduating and moving into their unique chosen setting.
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13. Reflections of Health School of Massage
This school trains well-rounded, highly professional, skilled massage therapists who use classical and advanced techniques in massage therapy at Reflections of Health School of Massage, Inc. in Johnson City, TN.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has granted Reflections of Health School of Massage, Inc. permission to operate as a postsecondary educational institution.
To view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs Reflections of Health School of Massage, Inc. offers, go to www.tn.gov/thec and click on the Authorized Institutions Data link at the bottom of the screen under Recent Reports.
The desire is to embrace a proper balance of the mind, body, and spirit. Reflections of Health School of Massage, Inc. is an alternative healing arts school that believes massage therapy is essential to overall wellness.
While the art of touch represents the physical aspect, they want to embrace an understanding of the universal union of the mental, physical, and spiritual elements, which, when addressed properly, results in a homeostatic oneness of health.
14. Massage Institute of Cleveland
As a Massage Institute of Cleveland student, you will benefit from a supportive learning environment and a faculty dedicated to educational excellence.
This course combines theory and practice with lectures and hands-on activities to teach you the fundamentals of histology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology.
This course covers the steps in giving a massage, including preparation, assistance, positioning, draping, maintaining contact, body mechanics, massage procedures, and assessment techniques.
The total cost of tuition is $4,900.00. They offer scholarship opportunities and allow interest-free monthly payments to help accommodate students as best as possible.
If you are interested in the program but are concerned about your financial situation, please contact them, and they will do everything they can to find you a scholarship.
Massage Institute of Cleveland provides numerous CEUs. They offer classes ranging from Tennessee law and ethics to Medical Massage and Advanced stretching.
Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Colorado|Ranking
15. Georgia Career Institute Murfreesboro Campus
The specialized programs are designed to prepare future professionals for successful careers in the Beauty and Wellness Industry.
To master these specialty trades, they ensure that the students are taught through real-world, authentic salon and spa experiences, utilizing cutting-edge equipment, professional facilities, and qualified educators. Every step of the way, the GCI family is there for students!
The Massage Therapy industry actively seeks qualified professionals to enter the ever-expanding field of Therapeutic Massage.
Professional facilities and educators teach proven techniques and modalities for all therapy levels.
Also, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Sports Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, Prenatal Massage, Swedish Massage, Thai Massage, and Reflexology are all covered in the Institute’s 750-hour program.
This comprehensive training provides an excellent opportunity for entry-level massage therapists to prepare for the demands of this rapidly growing field.
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How Long are Massage Therapy Schools in Tennessee?
The State Board of Massage Licensure requires education and national certification testing to practice massage therapy in Tennessee.
Only the most highly trained and qualified massage therapists work in the state. A minimum of 500 hours of education from an approved school is required, followed by the NCBTMB or MBLEx national exams.
Obtaining a massage therapy education and license may allow you to help people while also improving your life.
Additional classes allow the therapist to specialize in an area of bodywork that interests them or is in high demand.
Therapists who specialize or have specialized skills may be able to increase their earnings and client base.
See Also-15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in New York City|Ranking
How Much are Massage Therapy Schools in Tennessee?
Massage therapy school tuition can be less expensive than a four-year college degree, but costs vary greatly depending on the program.
Most schools require 500 to 1,000 hours of massage therapy training to graduate, and the cost of programs with more training hours and a more comprehensive curriculum is higher.
As you consider your educational options, arm yourself with sound advice on how to finance your education.
Massage therapy school tuition costs vary greatly. Some community college programs cost as little as $5,000 to $7,000 per year. Others will charge you up to $20,000 for a one-year curriculum.
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How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in Tennessee?
The average income in this state is $44,300 per year or $21.25 per hour, which is higher than the national median of about $41,400 or $20.
Tennessee’s top-paid 10% earns more than $73,600, or nearly $35.50 per hour, less than the national average of about $78,300, or $37.65 per hour.
The state’s lowest-paid 10% earn more than $17,800, or about $8.50 per hour, but not nearly as much as the national median of more than $21,300, or approximately $10.25 per hour.
According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee had 1,820 massage therapists in 2016. The BLS anticipates a 37 percent increase to 2,490 by 2016. The projected national median for the next ten years is 26%.
Conclusion
Did you know that the demand for massage therapists is expected to skyrocket by the end of the decade?
People like you are studying to become certified in massage therapy all over the country to better their lives and help others.
There is no need to leave Tennessee when there are numerous massage schools.
You could finish in two years or less and then sit for the board exams to become a licensed massage therapist.
A massage school education can prepare you to work in chiropractor’s offices, salons, and spas or even start your own at-home therapeutic business.
FAQs
How do I get a massage license in Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee requires 500 hours of training. 200 science classroom hours, 200 massage theory and practice classroom hours, 85 related subjects classroom hours, ten ethics classroom hours, 5 Tennessee Massage statutes and regulations classroom hours
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Tennessee?
A minimum of 500 hours of education from an approved school is required, followed by the NCBTMB or MBLEx national exams.
Do you have to be licensed to do massages in Tennessee?
Its mission is to protect Tennesseans’ health, safety, and welfare by requiring those who practice massage therapy in the state to be qualified.
How do I renew my massage therapy license in Tennessee?
Licenses can be renewed online 45 days before their expiration date. The renewal link is available on the Massage Board Licensure page. Practicing on an expired license violates the law and the board’s rules.
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