So, you’re feeling the pull toward becoming a massage therapist, hm? If you’ve made your way to this article, we’re willing to bet that’s the case—and if so, let us be the first to congratulate you!

Chasing down a career in massage therapy is an exciting journey, one that is challenging, sure, but also deeply rewarding, and we’re excited for you to embark on this new adventure.

As an aspiring massage therapist, you’ve probably got all kinds of questions popping up in your brain, and undoubtedly some (if not most) of those questions are circling around massage therapy school. What’s it like? Is it terribly difficult? Is it worth it?

Don’t worry—those are totally normal questions. In fact, those are questions we’re here to answer head-on to give you the answers you seek. This blog is going to dive into a few of the details about massage therapy school that you’ve been looking for—read on to learn more about what you should know and what you should consider about massage therapy school.

What Exactly is Massage Therapy School?

If you’re on this journey already, you probably don’t need us to tell you exactly what massage therapy is (though, if you’re interested in a thorough definition, we suggest you check out this article right here for a little extra insight).

Massage therapy school, on the other hand, might need a little defining in order for you to figure out what it’s all about.

Massage therapy school—or massage therapy training school—is an accredited school or course that teaches you the art of therapeutic massage, theory of massage, offers hands-on training, prepares you for the knowledge you need to pass your MBLEx®, and equips you with the tools and training you need to receive your massage therapy license.

Every massage therapy school and licensing program is different, but all in all, you should expect to take some of the basic classes on anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, and other courses that deal with the studies of the human body, the location of organs, how the body works tissue mechanics, and more. In other words, expect to learn all the necessary knowledge about how the body works and how to help heal pains, aches, and more.

Ultimately, massage therapy school should be the primary source of education needed to kickstart your massage therapy journey and prepare you for your exam, licensing, and career.

What You Need to Know About Massage Therapy School

Attending massage therapy school is a must for anyone seeking a professional career in massage therapy—it prepares you for your exam, your licensing, your career, and beyond. But massage therapy school isn’t necessarily a coasting situation—it’s tough stuff that’s designed to mold you into a prepared, professional therapist.

In other words, you can expect to pour in some blood, sweat, and tears. It’s crucial to realize that massage therapy school is worth it for most, but might not be a great fit for everyone—especially if you’re not passionate about massage therapy or starting a career in massage therapy. It takes determination, persistence, patience, and hard work.

Not sure if massage therapy school is the right fit for you? Consider a few of the factors we mention below to make an informed decision that’s right for you.

The Top Massage Therapy School Factors to Consider

Educational Requirements Matter

Every massage therapy school is different, so it’s important to research what each school requires for enrollment. For some, a high school diploma or an equivalent certification might be the only requirement you need to meet. For other schools, you might need other licenses or degrees to qualify.

For example, there might be additional prerequisites like CPR, first aid, theory of massage therapy, or required coursework on hygiene or infection control procedures.

Ultimately, it all comes down to where you want to attend massage therapy school. Our advice? Research thoroughly to see if you qualify where you’d like to go.

School Isn’t Free

Like most things in life, massage therapy school isn’t free. You’ll need to consider the cost of your school, how you’ll pay for it, and what type of financial aid you can apply for/ receive. Because every state has different requirements, it might be cheaper to enroll in one area of the country than another, but ultimately, tuition can range anywhere from $3,000-$15,000.

Additionally, you’ll have to pay for more than just your courses, there will be other costs to consider, like:

• - Massage table (this might be included in tuition or it might not)
• - Textbooks
• - Fees
• - Student liability insurance

The good news? Most schools offer some sort of financial aid. Check out your accredited school’s financial aid and scholarship opportunities, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, or check out other ways to afford massage school.

You’ll Get Great Hands-On Training

Sure, you’ll take courses and study—a lot!—but you’ll also receive a ton of hands-on training that will prepare you for work in the field. This is a great opportunity to learn without judgment or anxiety—it’s school, right? Everyone is there to learn.

This is one of the most rewarding parts of massage therapy school because it’s precisely how you begin developing the skills you’ll need to be a wonderful massage therapist.

Taking the MBLEx® is a Part of the Deal

School is designed to prepare you for two things—getting your license and starting your career. The compelling part of this? You can’t begin your career until you get your license, and you can’t get your license until you ace your MBLEx®.

What’s the MBLEx®? It’s the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, a test that’s controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Passing the MBLEx® is required in almost all U.S. states as part of getting your massage therapy license. It’s a two-hour, computer-based test that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Massage therapy school is designed to help you pass this exam, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need additional guidance and study materials. Massage Study Buddy is the perfect resource for massage therapist students preparing to tackle the MBLEx®, offering flashcards, practice tests, and other resources to help you ace the exam.

Massage Study Buddy Has Your Back for Everything You Need to Succeed

Ready to embark on your massage therapist career? Massage Study Buddy is ready to help you get there! Complement everything you learn in massage therapist school with Massage Study Buddy’s high-quality study materials to help guarantee that you pass the MBLEx® with flying colors!

Check out Massage Study Buddy right here, right now to get a better idea of how the resources, test questions, and guidance can make your massage therapy courses, exams, and career more streamlined than ever.