Massage therapy is an in-demand profession that allows you to genuinely provide help to people who need it. It is a profession that fits well with an active lifestyle, and there are often career oppotunities in relaxing vacation destinations. Getting a certificate in massage therapy is an essential step for getting started in this field, as most states require certification for any professional massage therapist. Students learn basic and advanced massage techniques, in addition to acquiring a strong knowlege base about muscles and soft tissue in the human body.
For our list of the top 10 affordable massage therapy certificate programs, we started with a list of over 60 programs with a tuition of $8000 or less (based on tuition reported on collegenavigator.gov). The best programs were then chosen and ranked according to the quality of the programs (based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio, which was also reported on collegenavigator.gov).
Here is our list of the top 10 affordable massage therapy certificates:
- Manatee Technical College
- Gateway Community College – Central City
- Laurel Business Institute
- Emily Griffith Technical College
- Bayshire Beauty Academy
- Marion Technical College
- Withlacoochee Technical College
- Olney Central College
- Renton Technical College
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
10. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Valdosta, Georgia
Neuromuscular Massage Therapist Diploma
The massage therapy certificate program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical is a very affordable certificate program. The courses offer specialized training in nervous system pathology, preparing students to be specialists in their field. The 56-credit curriculum teaches massage therapy fundamentals, Swedish massage, musculoskeletal anatomy, identification of diseases and conditions, medical documentation, and client care.
Tuition: $2,663
9. Renton Technical College
Renton, Washington
Massage Therapy Practitioner Certificate
website
Renton Technical College offers various options for massage therapy degrees, including a 54-credit certificate program. The program begins each fall, and it can be completed in three quarters. Students will learn and practice techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, hydrotherapy, and hot stone massage. The program includes a practical externship to fully prepare students to enter the workplace.
Tuition: $7,595
8. Olney Central College
Olney, Illinois
Massage Therapy Certificate
Olney Central College offers a 43-credit certificate program in massage therapy. This program is designed to give students all the skills they need for entry-level employment. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. In addition to the required 43 credits, students have the opportunity to take additional “topic” courses to gain extra knowledge and give them greater opportunity for career advancement.
Tuition: $7,580
7. Withlacoochee Technical College
Inverness, Florida
Massage Therapy Certificate 
At Withlacoochee Technical College, students can earn an affordable certificate in massage therapy. The 750-hour curriculum offers various options for daytime classes. Students will take courses in anatomy and physiology, theory and clinical practice, statutes, rules, history of massage, hydrotherapy, and business. Graduates will be fully equipped for employment as licensed Florida massage therapists.
Tuition: $7,166
6. Marion Technical College
Ocala, Florida
Massage Therapy Certificate
The massage therapy certificate program at Marion Technical College is a great option for those looking to earn an affordable certificate. The program requires only 21 weeks of study, and boasts of a 100% completion rate and 98% job placement rate. The purpose of the massage therapy program is to prepare students for employment as Florida licensed massage therapists. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, basic massage therapy and history, business, and professional ethics.
Tuition: $7,378
5. Bayshire Beauty Academy
Bay City, Michigan
Massage Therapy Certificate 
Bayshire Beauty Academy offers an affordable certificate program in massage therapy. Students can choose to study in either a part-time or full-time manner, and the program will fully prepare its participants for the state licensing exam. The extensive curriculum covers various science and massage techniques, and students will be equipped for entry-level employment. Additionally, all students will participate in a hands-on, supervised clinical experience.
Tuition: $5,572
4. Emily Griffith Technical College
Denver, Colorado
Massage Therapy Certificate
Emily Griffith Technical College offers many exciting programs, including a massage therapy certificate. This flexible, part-time program has various start dates throughout the year and can be completed in 10 ½ months. The comprehensive curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, business practices and ethics, and lifestyle wellness. Students will participate in workshops with massage professionals, and they will attend field trips. The program includes real-life practice on clients at a massage clinic.
Tuition: $7,653
3. Laurel Business Institute
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Massage Therapy Certificate
Laurel Business Institute offers a certificate program in massage therapy at their main campus, as well as at three other campuses, which are in Morgantown, WV; Meadville, PA; and Hermitage, PA. The program teaches a wide variety of massage styles and modalities so that students can feel equipped to work in many different settings. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on anatomy, physiology, and ethics. Students will have the opportunity for supervised practice in the school’s massage clinic.
Tuition: $7,604
2. Gateway Community College – Central City
Phoenix, Arizona
Massage Therapy Certificate
At Gateway Community College, students can earn an affordable certificate in Massage Therapy while studying just 24 hours per week. The curriculum consists of four subsequent courses, totaling 700 hours of study: massage therapy basics, MT advanced, MT mastery I and MT mastery II. The program places a focus on structural massage, combining an understanding of anatomy with power tissue sculpting techniques. Students will graduate with the skills needed to enter the field in a wide variety of settings.
Tuition: $2,109
1. Manatee Technical College
Bradenton, Florida
Massage Therapy Certificate 
Manatee Technical College offers the top affordable certificate program in massage therapy. This flexible, part-time program can be completed in 10 months, and it offers both day and evening classes. The 750-hour curriculum covers various types of massage techniques, including Swedish, neuromuscular, and reflexology massages. The program is approved by both the Florida Board of Massage Therapy and the Florida Department of Health, and graduates of the program have a 100% on-time completion rate and licensure rate.
Tuition: $4,106
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