12 Best Part-time Massage Therapy Programs

Online Certificate Programs and Courses

Enrolling in massage therapy classes is great but can be time-consuming and can cause you to break your schedule. The simple solution is a part-time massage therapy program.

A part-time massage therapy program helps you accommodate massage therapy training into your busy schedule. Unlike full-time classes that take place during the week, part-time classes are usually held during the weekends.

If you are looking for a good part-time massage therapy program to enroll in, you are in the right place. I will mention 10 of the best programs for you to choose from.

Can Massage Be A Side Hustle?

Absolutely! Massage can be a side hustle for many people. As a massage therapist working in a spa or wellness center, you work in shifts. This allows you to have other jobs.

Massage is not just any side hustle, but a very rewarding one. It has a rapidly growing market, with an estimated 8.6% rise in the next 10 years. This makes massage an even more lucrative side hustle.

For the best experience of having massage as a side hustle, you should own your own massage therapy business. This way you can choose your own working hours and give appointments that fit your existing schedule.

Read also: 34 Best 4-6 Week Certificate Programs Online that Pay Well.

How Much Does It Cost to Become A Massage Therapist?

The cost of becoming a massage therapist can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the type of program you choose, and any additional certifications you pursue.

However, the tuition costs normally range between $3,000 and $15,000. It is also important to note that other fees may apply. These fees include the costs of textbooks, supplies, licensing fees, and exam costs.

As earlier stated, tuition and other fees depend on the type of institution and several other factors.

There are also free online courses that can help you improve your skills in massage therapy. You can find these courses on platforms like Alison and Coursera.

You can find other free courses in this article: 15 Free Online Healthcare Courses With Certificates in Canada.

How Much Does It Cost to Become A Massage Therapist in Canada?

The cost of becoming a massage therapist in Canada varies depending on your province or territory and the school you choose. Tuition for a massage therapy program in Canada ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 Canadian dollars. However, some institutions charge more or less than 20,000 Canadian dollars.

The fees you pay for a part-time massage therapy program cover tuition, textbooks, materials, clinic uniforms, a budget for licensing expenses, exam fees, and liability insurance. Massage equipment also adds to the total cost of a massage therapy program.

The number of massage therapy programs in Canada has increased. A part-time massage therapy program in Canada is also mostly cheaper than what you get in the US or UK. However, these massage classes in Canada are still top-notch, only more affordable.

12 Best Part-time Massage Therapy Programs

  • International Career Institute Massage Diploma Course
  • ATI College Massage Therapy Course
  • Nashville School of Massage Therapy Part-Time Classes
  • Massage Therapy Diploma
  • Harper Massage Therapy Program
  • RMT Diploma Program
  • Diploma in Massage Therapy on Alison
  • CNWSMT Part-Time Massage Therapy Program
  • Intensive Massage Therapy Program
  • CLC Massage Therapy
  • BCC Massage Therapy Program
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy

International Career Institute Massage Diploma Course

Fee: $895 for full payment or about $31.2 per week, which amounts to $1,000.

Duration: 32 weeks.

Institution offering the program: International Career Institute.

The International Career Institute offers this part-time massage therapy program online. You can also choose to take the course full-time. It is a distance learning program open to newbies and those seeking further professional studies.

The training you receive at the International Career Institute Massage Diploma Course is rich and all-encompassing. It also positions you well for employment opportunities.

The course outline includes 15 topics. Some topics include Human Anatomy and Physiology, which exposes you to the theory part of massage. However, much of the training is practical-based. You will also learn how to operate the various massage equipment.

By the end of the program, you should have learned several massage techniques, including superficial and deep massage. You will also understand when to apply each of them.

For more information about this program, see Massage Courses – Online Masseuse Training Course.

ATI College Massage Therapy Course

Fee: $11,000.

Duration: 10 months.

Institution offering the program: ATI College.

ATI College is a post-secondary institution that offers several medical programs, including a part-time massage therapy program.

It is an on-campus program that runs for 10 months. The program is open to entry-level students who want to take up massage therapy as a career.

In this program, you will learn various massage techniques, including Shiatsu massage, deep tissue massage, therapeutic massage, and sports massage, among many others. You will also gain theoretical and practical knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

The massage therapy program at ATI is approved by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). You will become a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) after completing the course.

For more information about the program, see ATI College.

Nashville School of Massage Therapy Part-Time Classes

Fee: Not specified.

Duration: 38 weeks.

Institution offering the program: Nashville School of Massage Therapy.

The part-time massage therapy program at the Nashville School of Massage Therapy is a 38-week on-site program. The program is open to those seeking a career in massage therapy. However, massage therapists who want to gain further certification can also apply.

The Nashville School of Massage Therapy (NSMT) offers a hands-on approach to massage training. The school also employs only professional instructors, so you can be sure to get the best training.

The classes for the part-time massage therapy program are held on Mondays through Thursdays from 6 PM to 9:45 PM The program is also flexible to accommodate your busy schedule.

You also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships sponsored by employers. The campus site is another advantage. The location is only a few minutes drive from Nashville.

See Part-Time Classes – Nashville School of Massage Therapy for more information.

Massage Therapy Diploma

Fee: Not specified.

Duration: 96 weeks.

Institution offering the program: National Institute of Hairstyling and Advanced Aesthetics.

The Massage Therapy Diploma at the National Institute of Hairstyling and Advanced Aesthetics prepares you for the CMTO’s Registration Examination. The Massage Therapy Diploma is a part-time massage therapy program lasting 96 weeks with weekend classes only.

Meanwhile, there is also a full-time program option. The full-time program runs for 69 weeks.

The topics offered in the program include the following:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Theory of Massage Therapy
  • Swedish Techniques
  • Public Health
  • Kinesiology and Remedial Exercise
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Nutrition
  • Ethics and Regulations
  • Self-Employment Business Management

After completing the program and taking the CMTO’s Registration Examination, you become a registered Massage Therapist in Ontario.

For more information about this program, see Massage Therapy Diploma | National Institute.

Harper Massage Therapy Program

Fee: Not specified.

Duration: 17 months.

Institution offering the program: Harper College.

Harper College offers one of the best massage therapy programs. The part-time massage therapy program runs for 17 months with only weekend classes, but Harper College also offers a full-time program which you can complete in 11 months.

The course prepares you for employment in beauty spas, chiropractic offices, and rehabilitation centers, among many other job opportunities. You can take advantage of most of these employment opportunities part-time while having your own establishment.

The course content provides instructions for you to administer both relaxation and rehabilitative massage to your clients.

The Harper Massage Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

See Harper Massage Therapy Program for more information.

RMT Diploma Program

Fee: Not specified.

Duration: 3 years.

Institution offering the program: Royal Canadian College.

The RMT Diploma Program is a COMTA-approved offered by the Royal Canadian College. It has three options: the full-time option, the advanced standing option, and the part-time massage therapy program. The part-time classes are evening classes that run from 6 PM to 9:30 PM.

The RMT Diploma Program offers flexibility to ensure learning is convenient and efficient. The total lecture time is about 2,200 hours.

The first year contains 13 courses, while the second year has 15 courses. The courses offered include medical health courses such as Anatomy and Physiology.

You also take professional development and business management courses, which means that the course is suitable for those looking to start a massage therapy business.

Most of the courses offered include various massage techniques and the use of massage equipment.

For more information about the program, see RMT Diploma Program.

Diploma in Massage Therapy on Alison

Fee: It is free.

Duration: 6-10 hours.

Institution offering the program: Study Box.

Study Box offers a diploma course in massage therapy. It is an online course that lasts between 6 to 10 hours.

The Diploma in Massage Therapy course examines the history of massage treatment and discusses the benefits of massage varieties. In this course, you will also learn the importance of prenatal and postpartum massage. You also gain the knowledge you need to start and run your massage business.

The diploma course is CPD-approved. With the certificate you receive, you can apply for massage jobs or even set up your own massage establishment. However, you must get up to 80% in the assessment before acquiring the certificate.

See Diploma in Massage Therapy for more information about the course.

CNWSMT Part-Time Massage Therapy Program

Institution offering the program: Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy (CNWSMT).

Fee: Not specified.

Duration: 14 months for part-time with morning classes and 22 months for part-time with evening classes.

The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy (CNWSMT) offers a part-time massage therapy program approved by New York State. The program runs in two different classes: morning and evening massage therapy classes.

The morning part-time program runs Mondays through Fridays from 9 PM to 12:30 PM It also involves one Saturday class per month, which runs from 9 AM to 4:30 PM It lasts for 14 months.

The evening part-time classes take place three evenings per week from 6 PM to 9:30 PM and one or two Saturdays per month from 9 AM to 4:30 PM It lasts 22 months.

After your application, you can apply for the course catalog and a student handbook to receive further information on each of the part-time programs.

See Massage Therapy Programs | CNWSMT for more information about the program.

Intensive Massage Therapy Program

Fee: Not specified.

Duration: 13 months.

Institution offering the program: Northern Virginia School of Massage Therapy.

The Northern Virginia School of Massage Therapy offers a part-time massage therapy program that prepares you to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

The part-time weekend massage therapy classes are held every Sunday from 9 AM to 6:30 PM and every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM (a 13-month program). The total learning duration is 600 hours.

The course teaches you massage theory and practice. You also learn how to give a full-body massage utilizing the five fundamental Swedish strokes to improve relaxation and reduce tension. Other massage techniques, such as deep tissue massage and sports massage, are also included in the course curriculum.

You learn contraindications, massage effects, draping, and proper body mechanics to help you in giving a good massage and ensure a client’s comfort. The curriculum also contains business topics such as set-up requirements, marketing, and spa management.

If you are interested in starting your own massage business, see Top 12 Business Management Courses Online.

Visit the Northern Virginia School of Massage Therapy.

CLC Massage Therapy

Fee: $8,900.

Duration: 12 months.

Institution offering the program: College of Lake County.

The part-time massage therapy program offered by the College of Lake County (CLC) prepares you to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). The program offers 12 courses with 33 credit hours (712 contact hours).

The massage therapy program at CLC prepares you for job opportunities in Wellness centers, sports clinics, private practice, salons, spas, hospitals, nursing homes, and other health or leisure venues.

The program takes both theoretical and practical approaches. The classes take different forms. It includes classroom lectures, lab practice, and clinical hours.

For more information about the programs, see Massage Therapy | College of Lake County.

BCC Massage Therapy Program

Fee: Not specified.

Duration: 12 months.

Institution offering the program: Berkshire Community College (BCC).

The part-time massage therapy program at Berkshire Community College offers training in client-care-focused massage therapy. In this program, you will not only learn massage but also how to administer complete health services to your clients.

The BCC Massage Therapy training combines a specialized understanding of the role of relaxation in well-being with a specific knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

The program also offers opportunities for you to work as a part-time massage therapist. It opens you up to the opportunity to practice professional massage therapy after graduation. As a massage therapist, you can work in a spa, fitness center, medical or wellness office, or privately.

For more information about this program, see Massage Therapy (Certificate).

If you like this course, then you may also be interested in exploring other areas of healthcare, here are a few other articles related to healthcare:

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy

Fee: $210 per credit hour.

Duration: 3-4 years.

AAS in Massage Therapy is a massage therapy program at Queensborough Community College. The program prepares you for the New York State Licensing Exam for Massage Therapy.

Queensborough’s Massage Therapy Program is certified by the New York State Department of Education and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

One of the major requirements for admission is a high school diploma or its equivalent. You must also take the CUNY Assessment Tests in Writing and Reading and the CUNY Mathematics Assessment Test (CMAT) for incoming freshmen and non-CUNY transfer students.

The tuition fee for the part-time massage therapy program is $210 per credit hour. However, you may spend up to $2,000 on textbooks, uniforms, malpractice insurance, equipment, and supplies for the whole program.

The course curriculum contains Mathematics, The English Language, and other Social Science electives. However, the following courses form a major part of the curriculum:

  • Pathology for Massage Therapy
  • Eastern Massage Therapy
  • Western Massage Therapy
  • Professional Issues in Massage Therapy

At the end of the program, you will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) and prepare for the NYS licensing exam. You can use your A.A.S. to pursue further Bachelor of Science or Master of Science studies in Traditional Oriental Medicine. You can also take a B.Sc or M.Sc in Acupuncture from the Pacific College of Medicine.

For more information about the program, see Massage Therapy (AAS) Degree Program at Queensborough Community College.

Do Massage Therapists Make A Lot of Money?

The earnings of a massage therapist are about $22,580-79,000 per year, with the average amount at $43,620. However, the income varies greatly depending on several factors, including location, expertise, the services provided, and the demand for massage treatment in the area.

Massage therapists may earn a very modest income in some places, while in others with more demand and affluent clientele, they may earn a more considerable income.

You should also know that many massage therapists operate on an hourly or independent contractor basis, which might affect their pay. Some may augment their income by providing extra treatments, working in spas, wellness centers, or even as mobile therapists.

Overall, while massage therapy can be a rewarding career with a good wage, it is necessary to weigh your options and be sure it is a right career path for you.

Can You Do Massages Without A License in Canada?

Yes. You can do massages in some provinces in Canada with a license. An individual giving an unlicensed massage is referred to as a masseuse. However, you cannot become a massage therapist without a license.

The laws governing the provision of massages without a license in Canada differ by province or territory. It is best to consult with local authorities or relevant professional organizations to learn about the unique requirements in your area. Professional massage services in many provinces require a license or certification.

It is also important to note that you can have a certificate in massage therapy without having a license. The license is what makes you a professional massage therapist.

FAQs on Part-time Massage Therapy Programs

What is One of the Most Important Knowledge Areas for Massage Therapists?

Anatomy and Physiology are the most important knowledge areas for effective massage therapists.

What is the Best Part of Massage Therapy?

Making your clients feel better is the peak of the satisfaction you derive from being a massage therapist.

Is a Part-Time Massage Therapy Program Better Than a Full-Time Program?

A part-time massage therapy program operates with the same curriculum as a full-time program so it is not necessarily better. It is only an alternative to a full-time program for people who do not have much spare time.

Can I Complete A Part-Time Massage Therapy Program in Three Years?

Yes. Three years is absolutely enough time to complete a part-time massage therapy program.

How Many Hours Do Part-Time Massage Therapists Work?

The average work schedule for a part-time massage therapist is 25 hours per week. However, it is flexible and dependent on many factors.

Conclusion

A part-time massage therapy program gives you flexibility in learning. It allows you to take massage therapy classes without giving up your other jobs.

Although a part-time massage therapy program takes longer than a full-time program, it is worth it. As I earlier stated, massage therapy can be a good side hustle. It only helps to learn it part-time instead of full-time so other areas of your life do not suffer.

However, it is important to carefully consider the part-time massage therapy program to be sure it fits your financial profile. Some programs are free, while others accept financial aid to help with funding. You should also consider the course curriculum.

Massage therapy programs help you unlock your healing touch. With a little commitment, you can be on your way to becoming a professional massage therapist.

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