Embarking on a career as a massage therapist is an exciting and rewarding path. If you’re considering the U.S. Career Institute for your massage therapy education, you likely have questions about the program’s credibility and acceptance. This guide answers your key questions to help you determine if the U.S. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy Program is the right fit for your career aspirations.
How Can I Become a Massage Therapist?
Typically, a high school diploma or its equivalent is the first step. Formal training from an accredited institution, like U.S. Career Institute, is highly beneficial and often required for professional practice. Completing a recognized massage therapy program prepares you for the next crucial step: industry certification.
Do I Need to Get Certified to Practice Massage Therapy?
Upon graduating from U.S. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, acknowledging your achievement. More importantly, our program is specifically designed to prepare you for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). Passing the MBLEx is often a key requirement for certification or licensure, depending on the specific regulations of your state and locality. It’s essential to understand that while the U.S. Career Institute program equips you for the MBLEx, state and local requirements for practice can vary.
Your MBLEx exam fees are included in your tuition – a value of up to $265†.
Is the U.S. Career Institute Massage Program Offered Online?
Massage therapy programs vary in their delivery methods. U.S. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy program offers a blended learning approach. It consists of 650 clock hours, divided into approximately 450 hours of theory delivered through distance education and 200 hours of mandatory hands-on training. This blended format provides flexibility for learning theoretical concepts online while ensuring you gain essential practical skills.
How Does the Hands-On Training Work?
The U.S. Career Institute massage program incorporates 4 weeks (200 hours) of intensive hands-on training. This practical training takes place at our dedicated massage therapy school in Fort Collins, Colorado. We typically conduct 6-8 hands-on training sessions throughout the year, offering multiple opportunities to complete this crucial component of your education.
Can I Complete the Hands-On Training at a Different Location?
Currently, the hands-on training for the U.S. Career Institute Massage Therapy program is exclusively offered in Fort Collins, Colorado. If traveling to Colorado is not feasible for you, it’s advisable to investigate your state’s specific requirements. Some states may permit you to complete the online theory portion of our program and then supplement any required hands-on hours locally to meet their licensing criteria.
What About Accommodation During Hands-On Training?
Students are responsible for arranging and covering their travel and accommodation expenses while attending the hands-on training in Fort Collins, CO. Planning for these costs is an important part of preparing for the program.
Will This Program Meet My State’s Licensing Requirements?
Licensing, training, and other requirements for massage therapy careers can differ significantly from state to state, and even locally. It is crucial to verify the specific requirements applicable in your intended state and locality of practice. Contact your state, local government, and/or licensing board to obtain accurate and up-to-date information before enrolling in any massage therapy program.
IMPORTANT State Licensing Requirements: Click here for more information.
Professional Licensing Information: Important Considerations
Licensing requirements for massage therapists are not uniform across all states and may include criteria beyond the scope of our course. Prospective students should proactively contact the professional licensing board in their target state(s) to confirm their specific licensing requirements before enrolling. Even in the absence of state-level regulation, local ordinances and regulations might exist, so checking with local authorities is also recommended.
Please be aware that residents of AR, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KY, LA, MD, MS, MO, NC, ND, NE, NV, NH, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, WA, and WI will not be eligible for licensure as a direct result of completing this program. However, many states have reciprocity agreements, recognizing licenses issued by other states. Therefore, obtaining a license in a state with reciprocity may allow you to transfer it to your home state, provided your home state offers licensure through reciprocity. Alternatively, students may choose to take this course for personal enrichment and avocational purposes.
For detailed information and links to individual state licensing boards, please visit the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Licensure Information by State
What is the Earning Potential for a Massage Therapist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Massage Therapists in May 2023 was $55,310*. Salary can vary based on experience, location, specialization, and employment type.
What is the Total Cost of the Massage Therapist Program?
The tuition for the Massage Therapist program at U.S. Career Institute is $5,689 when paid in full. For those seeking financial flexibility, payment plans are available to make your education more accessible.
Is U.S. Career Institute an Accredited Institution?
Yes, U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC is a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation from DEAC signifies that U.S. Career Institute meets rigorous standards for quality and educational effectiveness in distance education, providing assurance of the program’s credibility and acceptance.
By understanding these key aspects of the U.S. Career Institute Massage Therapy Program, you can make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your career goals and educational needs. Remember to always verify state and local licensing requirements to ensure a smooth transition into your massage therapy career.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 Massage Therapists, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319011.htm (visited November 15, 2024).
