Massage therapy is gaining popularity around the world today, and has an estimated growth rate of 8.6% over the next 10 years. The best part is that it does not take many years to learn. With a 1-year massage therapy program, you gain access to the exciting world of massage therapy.
As a massage therapist, you use your hands to administer soothing relief to your clients. Rubbing and kneading the soft tissues with your hands does the magic. Massage therapy is also an essential treatment for various medical conditions.
If you want to kick off or advance your career as a massage therapist, this article is for you. By the end of the article, you will have found a 1-year massage therapy program that suits you best.
If you love fast-paced programs, you may want to check out the Best 2-Week Certification Programs Online-Offline.
Table of Contents
Are There 1-Year Massage Therapy Programs?
Yes. You can find 1-year massage therapy programs in many countries. You can also access several online massage therapy programs from the comfort of your home.
A 1-year massage therapy program gives you a better chance of becoming a professional massage therapist. Unlike 3-month and 6-month programs, they have a large curriculum. You also have more time for hands-on practice.
Read Also: 20 Best 3-6 Months Online Diploma Courses.
Can I Become A Massage Therapist in One Year?
You can become a massage therapist in a year. Unlike other academic programs, massage therapy is a fast-paced course that you can learn in a short time.
However, massage therapy training has varying durations depending on what techniques you want to learn and the institute offering the training. A 1-year massage therapy program is enough to make you a massage therapist, as it covers topics needed in massage therapy.
Benefits of Being A Massage Therapist
Flexibility
Massage therapy is one of the most flexible jobs out there. It is usually a part-time job that works with shifts and the availability of clients. This means you have more room in your daily schedule and have time for other things.
Job Opportunities
A massage therapist is not limited to working in a spa. As a massage therapist, you can also work in a physical therapy clinic, hospitals, and more. With the growing job market for massage therapy, there are many more jobs to choose from. You can also take business management courses online to enable you to run an independent massage company.
Multiple Areas of Specialization
Massage therapy is a vast field with numerous specializations. As a result, you can choose to specialize in various niches in massage therapy.
There is a tendency to get bored when you do the same thing multiple times. Specializing in many different areas of massage therapy reduces that tendency.
See short certificate programs that pay well if you are interested in short programs.
10 Best 1-Year Massage Therapy Programs
- Humber’s Massage Therapy Advanced Diploma Program
- Therapeutic Massage Technical Diploma
- Accelerated Massage Therapy Diploma
- NC Massage Therapy Diploma Program
- 8-Month Hands-On Massage Therapy Training
- North Western Health Sciences University (NWHSU) Massage Therapy Program
- 12-Month Massage Therapy Certificate Program
- The Lauterstein-Conway Massage Therapy Program
- Concorde’s Massage Therapy Diploma Program
- Rock Valley College Massage Therapy Training
Humber’s Massage Therapy Advanced Diploma Program
Cost of the program: $3,944.68 for domestic students and $16,803 for international students.
Humber’s Massage Therapy Advanced Diploma Program is a 1-year massage therapy program that equips you with the required skills to become a key member of the health and wellness sector.
Massage therapy goes beyond rendering aimless massage. It requires the therapist to conduct a patient assessment to know what methods will work best. You will learn all these at Humber.
Humber, being an elite college, has its 1-year massage therapy program approved by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation. You will go through 330 workplace hours before you can graduate and become certified.
For more information about the program, see Massage Therapy – Humber College.
Therapeutic Massage Technical Diploma
Cost of the program: $4,386.
The Therapeutic Massage Technical Diploma is a 1-year massage therapy program offered by the Wisconsin Technical College System. The training will be most helpful if you are already in the healthcare field.
In this program, you not only receive hands-on training. You also get a basic understanding of the human skeletal and muscular systems. Knowledge of basic anatomy is useful for administering effective massage.
Another benefit of the training at Wisconsin Technical College is internship placement. These placements enhance your skills and also place you in a better position to gain employment after your studies.
At the end of the training, you receive a Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services massage therapy and bodywork therapy license.
For more information about the program, see Therapeutic Massage (One-Year).
Accelerated Massage Therapy Diploma
Cost of the program: Not specified.
The Accelerated Massage Therapy Program is a 1-year massage therapy program offered by the Ontario College of Health and Technology. The program runs for three semesters, covering 12 months.
The program also allows part-time studies, but the part-time course takes up to 20 months.
To enroll in this accelerated 1-year program, you must have a degree in Kinesiology. You must also have sound knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitative exercises.
The training you receive throughout this massage therapy program builds on your existing knowledge to equip you with hands-on skills. By the end of the program, you will have received a high level of training to confidently administer professional massage.
For more information about the program, see Accelerated Massage Therapy Diploma.
NC Massage Therapy Diploma Program
Cost of the program: $8,925.
NC Massage School organizes this 1-year massage therapy program. The school offers the program both full-time and part-time.
Apart from the 1-year program, NC Massage School also offers 6-month massage programs.
The curriculum is divided into three parts. The first part covers muscle courses such as anatomy and physiology, pathology, and kinesiology. The second part contains practice-building courses like professional development, somatic psychology, ethics, and business planning.
In the third part, you will learn various massage techniques, like Swedish massage. The topics covered by the third part of the curriculum include Tai Chi, Neuromuscular Therapy, Postural Assessment, Hydrotherapy, Acupressure, Body Mechanics, and Video Mechanics.
The school employs some of the best massage instructors. The teaching style involves hands-on training until you become a pro.
For more information about the program, see NC Massage Therapy Diploma Program.
8-Month Hands-On Massage Therapy Training
Cost of the program: Not specified.
The 8-Month Hands-On Massage Therapy Training is a hands-on massage training program offered by the National Holistic Institute (NHI). The institute has on-campus clinics. Training in these clinics exposes you to real-world experience, making you a thorough and confident massage therapist.
The NHI employs several teaching methods to suit each student’s profile. Teaching methods at NHI include Audio and Visual kinesthetic.
The following are massage techniques you will learn before the end of this program:
- Swedish Massage
- Lymphatic Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Prenatal Massage
- Aromatherapy and Spa Life
- Hot Stone Massage
Some other topics you get trained on during this program include Acupressure, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu, Rocking and Shaking, Energy Work, and Thai Massage.
The program is a 1-year massage therapy program for those who prefer part-time studies. While the full-time option lasts 8 months.
It is also a flexible program, as it runs both morning and evening classes. This makes it easier to fit it into your busy daily schedule. If you are interested in evening classes online or offline, see 15 Best Evening Courses For Adults in the UK and Ireland.
The NHI also offers a financial aid program to help you with the fees.
For more information about the program, see 8 Month Hands-On Massage Therapy Training.
NWHSU Massage Therapy Program
Cost of the program: Not specified.
Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a series of health-related programs, including a 1-year massage therapy program. However, the program may take between 12-16 months.
The massage therapy program offered at NWHSU permits specialization, allowing you to stand out in your massage therapy career.
The training offered at the massage therapy programs at North Western Health Sciences University is anatomy-based. A good knowledge of Anatomy helps you offer better massage.
The curriculum incorporates Eastern and Western bodywork approaches. You also have several electives to choose from. Sports massage, Craniosacral Therapy, and Cupping are among the electives.
At North Western Health Sciences University, you can also receive financial aid to fund your massage therapy training. Federal aid, state aid, scholarships, and grants are financial aid programs you can benefit from.
The Massage Therapy Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
For more information about the program, see California School of Massage Therapy.
12-Month Massage Therapy Certificate Program
Cost of the program: Not specified.
The 12-Month Massage Therapy Certificate Program is a hands-on training program offered by WellSpring School of Allied Health. It is a 1-year massage therapy program that helps you develop your skills using real clients.
The program exposes you to a wide range of employment opportunities in massage therapy. The knowledge you receive not only prepares you for spas but also for jobs in hospitals and wellness centers.
The things you will learn from the program include the following:
- Swedish Massage
- Hydro Therapy
- Reflexology
- Sports Massage
- Perinatal Massage
- Massage for Older Adults
- Intermediate Massage Techniques
- Neuromuscular Massage
- Integrative Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
You also receive CPR training with certification in this program. The program makes massage therapy a satisfying and rewarding vocation by expanding your understanding of anatomy, pathology, practical communication, and business training.
The classes take a flexible approach as there are daytime and evening sessions. You can also apply for financial aid to help fund your massage therapy training.
For more information about the program, see Massage Therapy Certificate – WellSpring School of Allied Health.
The Lauterstein-Conway Massage Therapy Program
Cost of the program: Not specified.
The Lauterstein-Conway Massage Therapy Program is one of the best massage therapy training programs in Texas, USA. In this program, you will learn to employ Arts and Science approaches to administer a holistic massage that soothes the body, mind, and spirit.
Like most other massage therapy programs, the Lauterstein-Conway program helps you understand Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Kinesiology. A good understanding of these subject areas improves your massage therapy skills.
You receive training on some of the best massage techniques, including Swedish Massage. You also get trained on a peculiar Lauterstein deep massage method.
You will also learn business management. If you want to stand alone in your career as a massage therapist, the business management class would be especially helpful.
The 1-year massage therapy program is part-time and only involves Saturday classes. The full-time program lasts for 6 months.
For more information about the program, see Massage Therapy Program – Admissions.
Concorde’s Massage Therapy Diploma Program
Cost of the program: Not specified.
Concorde offers a 1-year massage therapy program in a supportive learning environment. The program provides theoretical learning and hands-on training. It also equips you with social attributes consistent with those of professional massage therapists.
Concorde employs some of the best educators in the field of massage therapy. The educators teach by practicals. They also allow you to work with real clients. All these help boost your confidence, so you can stand alone as a massage therapist in the future.
Anatomy and Physiology are among the subject areas you will learn, and how to apply them to improve the physical health of patients.
The curriculum covers the following areas:
- Swedish massage
- Acupressure
- Event-sports Massage
- Reflexology
- Deep-tissue Massage
- Professional and Business Ethics and Legal Issues related to the practice of Massage Therapy
The curriculum prepares you for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX). It also makes you job-ready.
For more information about the program, see Massage Therapy | Concorde Career Colleges.
Rock Valley College Massage Therapy Training
Cost of the program: $7,995.
The Rock Valley College Massage Therapy Training Program is a 1-year massage therapy program that spans a total of 600 hours of training. The massage training program is offered in partnership with Bodycraft Wellness and Massage Center, LLC.
The program begins every September, while the Fast Track Day Program starts every April. The curriculum equips you with the required skills to become a professional massage therapist. You also learn about business management so that you can run your private massage start-up in the future.
By the end of the program, you will have learned several basic and advanced massage techniques, including deep tissue massage and Swedish massage.
To be eligible for the program, you must have received a 60-minute massage from a licensed massage therapist and you must also have a high school Diploma or GED.
It is important to note that the program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. However, other funding sources are available upon application.
For more information, see Rock Valley College Massage Therapy.
How Long Can You Last As A Massage Therapist?
A massage therapist usually lasts only about 5-8 years. Many massage therapists suffer from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), also called Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS).
Repetitive hand movements from several massage therapy sessions cause strains, burnouts, and pain, collectively referred to as Occupational Overuse Syndrome.
After taking up a 1-year massage therapy program to start your career, you should know that it can only last a short time. About five years in that line of work will subject your hands to strain. Your hands would also have lost their magic. Eventually, you will have to quit.
How Long is A Full-Body Massage?
A full-body massage usually lasts between 90-120 minutes. Some may last only 60 minutes, but a more thorough job takes longer.
A full-body massage involves massaging the whole body, from head to toe. Massaging a specific part of the body takes longer.
A full-body massage is also more efficient at relieving stress.
How Many Hours Should A Massage Be?
The duration of a massage depends on the type. For example, a full-body massage takes about 90 minutes, whereas a back massage alone takes only about 30-45 minutes.
Although a good massage takes time, time is not the sole determinant of efficiency in massage therapy.
What is the Easiest Massage to Learn?
Swedish Massage is the easiest massage technique to learn. Swedish massage involves several techniques such as kneading, percussion, vibration, tapping, and rolling.
The combination of these techniques offers full relaxation to the person receiving the massage.
Aside from Swedish Massage, 1-year massage therapy programs offer you the opportunity to learn other basic and advanced massage techniques.
Disadvantages of Being A Massage Therapist
Exposure to Injury
Perhaps the tendency to develop injuries is the worst of all the disadvantages of being a massage therapist.
As a massage therapist, you may develop strains and other muscle injuries over time. Experts call this Repetitive Strain Injury or Occupational Overuse Syndrome.
Short-term Career
Another disadvantage of being a massage therapist is that you cannot be in that line of work for long. Massage therapy is a short-lived career.
No matter how much you love it, you most likely will work for less than a decade before retiring. The reason for this is that you will be a victim of OOS and RSI as massage therapy is quite demanding.
Inconsistent Income
Most massage therapists receive their pay per session. This can be a problem if you do not get constant clients. Unlike a regular salary, it is harder to plan with an inconsistent income.
License Requirements
Many states, especially in developed countries like the US, demand that massage therapists have a license. The process involved in acquiring this license can be strenuous.
However, the first step is usually enrolling in a massage therapy program. The program gives you the training required to obtain a license.
FAQs On 1-Year Massage Therapy Programs
Do All 1-Year Massage Therapy Programs Accept Federal Financial Aid?
No, some 1-year massage therapy programs are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. However, you can consider other funding sources, like scholarships.
How Old Are Most Massage Therapists?
Most massage therapists are about 40 years old. However, age is not a major limiting factor when considering this profession.
How Many Massages Should a Client Receive Per Month?
Clients undergoing stress will need to receive a massage once in three weeks or once a month.
How Many Times Can You Massage a Day?
You can give a massage as many times as you wish. However, massaging may be strenuous, so you may want to limit the number of massages you give in a day.
Should You Receive Massage Every Day?
Yes. You can receive a massage every day depending on your health demands.
Conclusion
Massage therapy has shown impressive market growth over the years. The best way to position yourself in this rising market is to take up a 1-year massage therapy program.
A 1-year massage therapy program will expose you to basic and advanced knowledge of the human body and how it works. A good understanding of the body helps you administer the right care through massage.
Through these programs, you also learn different massage techniques and how to apply them effectively.
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