Florida Massage License Continuing Education Marketing

Massage Therapy Schools in Florida

There are about 70 massage therapy schools in Florida, ensuring that all of the state's prospective practitioners can study near home.

Programs consist of coursework and labs, as well as hands-on experience in student clinics and real-world settings. Students usually earn certificates in less than a year. Some schools offer associate of science degree diploma programs that take longer to complete.

The Sunshine State is an outstanding place to practice massage therapy because of its extensive employment opportunities. Federal officials predict there will be more than 2,000 annual job openings in the field during the decade ending in 2026.

You might also be interested in viewing massage therapy schools in other states, or narrowing down your search to Broward County, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, Kissimmee.

Seal of Florida

Florida Board of Massage Therapy

This regulatory agency ensures that therapists and massage establishments are competent and comply with "safe practice" standards.

The board determines whether individuals and businesses are eligible for initial licensure and renewals, and requires practitioners to receive continuing education. The officials also investigate complaints, conduct investigations, and take disciplinary action when warranted.

There are seven panel members, including five licensed massage therapists with at least five years' experience in the field. The other two are laypersons. All members must be U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for five years or longer.

Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Florida

Schools mandate a high school diploma (with a certain minimum grade-point average) or a GED. Taking multiple math and science classes in high school may help a student win admission.

To become a massage therapist in Florida, it is necessary to graduate from an accredited postsecondary institution that the state board approves. Programs must consist of at least 500 clock hours of study and training.

After graduating, the next step is to pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board (FSMTB). The organization reviews students' educational records to determine whether to give them authorization to take the test.

The FSMTB reserves seats for exam sessions at testing centers in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Port Charlotte, and Altamonte Springs. The MBLEx, which a student must finish within two hours, features 100 multiple-choice questions on a computer. The FSMTB website provides a video explaining what to expect and answering frequently asked questions. The clip shows how to answer the questions and manage on-screen options.

Students learn their unofficial exam scores at the testing center. The FSMTB sends official reports to the state board within two days.

To meet continuing education requirements, a practitioner completes a 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course. Either a massage therapy school or a continuing education provider that has earned the state board's approval needs to administer the class.

To learn more about massage therapy licensure in Florida, click here.

Source: Florida Board of Massage Therapy

Our Top Massage Therapy School Picks in Florida

We selected the schools below based on the programs that they offer, accreditation, student population, graduation rate and reputation.

View our Ranking Methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.

Best Massage Therapy Schools Badge

25. Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers

This school offers a massage therapy program on its campuses in Hollywood, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. The curriculum involves 720 clock hours of coursework and clinical experiences, which take 26 weeks of day classes or 33 weeks of evening classes to complete.

Core courses include Anatomy & Physiology, Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Medical and Sports Massage With Hydrotherapy, and Professional Business Practices (with an internship).

Students learn Eastern modalities, Asian bodywork, craniosacral therapy, energy techniques, geriatric massage, spa techniques, prenatal and infant massage, reflexology, and Thai massage.

24. Sunstate Academy

A 600-hour program, with 375 hours of theory and 225 hours of practical experience in labs and clinics, is available on this campus in Fort Myers.

The courses are Introduction to Massage, History of Massage, Anatomy and Physiology, Hydrotherapy, Pathology (including medical errors and HIV/Aids), Florida Law and Ethics, Allied Modalities, Basic Massage Theory, and Business Operations.

Students learn hydrotherapy, hot stone massage, athletic and sports massage, and prenatal massage. They spend 135 hours in clinical practicums at off-campus massage facilities.

23. Daytona College

This Ormond Beach school offers an associate of science degree in therapeutic massage. The program combines massage therapy and skin care.

The curriculum consists of 124.5 credit hours, and 1,665 contact hours of instruction and clinical practice. Students learn anatomy and physiology, various massage techniques, hydrotherapy, laws and ethics, and how to prevent medical errors. There are also five required general education classes, which may be taken online.

Students gain practical experience in a school-administered public clinic where customers receive Swedish, hot stone, multi-hand, deep-tissue, chair, and foot massages.

22. Bene's Career Academy

This school in Lynn Haven offers a 750-hour program, from August through April, that enrolls no more than 25 students.

Courses cover subjects such as the theory and practice of massage therapy, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, Florida laws and rules, hygiene, practical demonstrations, leadership and human relations skills, health and safety, CPR, and employability skills.

The program also provides "reinforcement of basic skills in English, mathematics, science, and appropriate research and computer technologies."

21. Marion Technical College

Located in Ocala, MTC has a 750-hour program that lasts 38 weeks. There are day and evening classes, and a student clinic provides opportunities to perform massage techniques for the public.

Core courses are Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Massage Theory and History, Business, Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy, Florida Rules and Laws, and Professional Ethics.

Program applicants must pass the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). Nearly all graduates secure employment at chiropractic facilities, medical offices, physical therapy practices, hotels, resorts, or spas.

20. Tom P Haney Technical Center

This school in Lynn Haven offers a 750-hour program, from August through April, that enrolls no more than 25 students.

The program also provides "reinforcement of basic skills in English, mathematics, science, and appropriate research and computer technologies."

19. Aveda Institute-South Florida

This company has a 600-hour program, which takes 18 weeks to finish, on its campuses in Davie and Tallahassee.

Students take courses and get hands-on training in Swedish massage, reflexology, and aromaology. They perform the complete "AVEDA spa experience," using ancient Ayurvedic practices, on real clients; and learn how to use pure flower and plant essences in massage and bodywork.

The curriculum also covers business development, wellness, and retail knowledge. Students spend time in labs and clinical settings, as well.

18. Celebrity School of Beauty

Campuses in Miami and Hialeah offer a 750-hour program that takes eight to 12 months, with full- and part-time options.

The curriculum provides instruction and training in Swedish, sports, stone, deep tissue, reductive, prenatal, and special population massage techniques.

In addition, students learn neuromuscular therapy, miofascial and positional release, PNF stretching, reflexology, aromatherapy and raindrop technique, body wraps, polarity therapy and other energy-balancing techniques, acupressure, detox Thai, Ayurvedic treatments, wood therapy, cavitation and radiofrequency, lipolaser and vacuum therapy, electroporation and virtual mesotherapy, lymphatic drainage and pressure therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound, hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and Feng Shui and Chinese herbology.

17. Cortiva Institute-Maitland

This chain of massage therapy and skin care schools has campuses in five states. The massage therapy program consists of 600 hours over 32 weeks full time or 47 weeks part time. There are day and evening classes.

Classes cover Swedish, sports, deep tissue, lymphatic, and Russian sports massage. Students also learn reflexology, myofascial techniques, neuromuscular assessment and therapy, injury techniques, trigger point therapy, and cranial sacral therapy. Other classes concern anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, professional ethics, communication, career development, and laws and regulations.

More than 2,800 employers recruit the school's students.

16. Praxis Institute

Campuses in Miami and Hialeah feature two programs: Therapeutic Massage Technician and Advanced Therapeutic Sports & Clinical Massage.

Core courses in the first program, which entails 600 hours, are Human Anatomy and Physiology, Massage Theory & Clinical Practicum, Theory & Practice of Hydrotherapy, Introduction to Allied Modalities, Florida State Law, Business Principles & Development, and HIV/AIDS.

The 900-hour advanced program requires the same classes, plus Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Theory, Sports Massage, Manual Lymph Drainage, and Clinical Rehabilitation.

Both programs teach massage techniques for the face and neck, hands and arms, abdomen, feet and legs, back, and full body.

15. Fortis Institute-Pensacola

This is one of more than 40 colleges and institutes that Fortis operates in 15 states. The 750-hour massage therapy curriculum takes 25 weeks to complete. It is a non-credit program, but graduates still receive certificates.

Core courses are Complementary Bodywork, Anatomy & Physiology, First Aid, Adaptive Massage, Law and Ethics, Massage Basics, Massage Techniques, and Professional Development. Students also benefit from three clinical experiences and an externship.

Applicants have four chances to pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam. Program classes start every month.

14. Ridge Technical College

This public school, eight miles northeast of WInter Haven, offers a 750-hour program that includes labs and clinical experiences.

Among the courses are Anatomy and Physiology; Pathology; Kinesiology; Safety and Hygiene; Oral and Written Communication; Massage Modalities; Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy; Florida Laws and Rules; and Business Practices, Standards, and Professional Ethics. Students learn Swedish and hot stone massage, Oriental therapies, stretching, joint mobilization, and other specialized therapies.

The program accepts applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

13. La Belle Beauty Academy

The program at this Miami school consists of 600 hours, 150 of which involve clinical practices.

Students learn classical massage movements, complete body procedures, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, clinical massage techniques, sports massage, somatic therapies, reflexology, Shiatsu, acupressure, and the following types of massage: chair, Swedish, deep tissue, hot stones, sports, and Thai.

Other courses cover the history and theory of basic massage, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, business practices, laws and ethics, and clinical practice.

12. Radford M Locklin Technical Center

This small public school in Milton provides a 750-hour program.

The acceptance rate is 100 percent, but class sizes are limited to fewer than 10 participants. Students who post substandard scores on the Adult Basic Education Test (TABE) may have to enroll in remedial math, language, or reading classes.

The textbooks are "A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology"; "Moseby's Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, and Pathology"; "Tappan's Handbook of Massage Therapy: Blending Art With Science"; and "Trail Guide to the Body."

11. Southeastern College-West Palm Beach

Students here attend classes in either the West Palm Beach Campus, Jacksonville Main Campus, or Miami Lakes Area Branch Campus.

The program features 900 clock hours of coursework and four clinical experiences. Students also serve 25 "volunteer/community" hours. It takes eight months for full-time students (twice as long for part-timers) to earn diplomas in professional clinical massage therapy.

The core courses are Orientation to Massage Therapy, and Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy I through VII. Students also receive training in massage law, basic massage therapy techniques, and allied modalities.

10. Manatee Technical College

This school's 750-hour program involves 11 months of day and evening classes on the main campus in Brandenton.

The curriculum covers various types of therapeutic massage, such as Swedish, neuromuscular, and reflexology. Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Massage Therapy, Statutes/Rules and History of Massage, Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy, Allied Modalities, Legal Aspects of Massage Practice, Professional Ethics, and Entrepreneurial Skills. A student also must take part in a clinical practicum.

The program has a 100 percent on-time completion rate. More than 90 percent of students pass the licensure exam and secure employment in the field.

9. Erwin Technical College

This public school in Tampa traces its history to 1925. Its nine-month, 750-hour program includes 250 hours of classroom hands-on training and 25 hours of outside massages.

Students learn about body awareness and mechanics, joint range of motion, ethics, and Florida law. They receive instruction in deep Swedish and integrated-style massage, foot reflexology, energetic touch, chair massage, therapeutic massage techniques, and hydrotherapy treatment.

Other classes cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathology, client assessment, business and marketing skills, and professionalism. Students perform massages on clients in the classroom.

8. Sheridan Technical College

This institution in Hollywood is part of the Broward County Public School District.

Students in the seven-month, 750-hour massage therapy program take classes in Anatomy; Physiology; Kinesiology; Clinical Pathology; Massage Therapy Theory, Assessment, and Application; Professional Standards and Ethics; and Law and Business Practice. They learn about basic Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, and other allied modalities.

Additional core courses cover AIDS education, CPR, human relations, employability skills, and computer literacy. Some classes are available online.

7. Pensacola State College

The massage therapy vocational certificate program here, at the city's oldest postsecondary institution, involves 750 hours (25 vocational credits).

The curriculum teaches the theory and practice of massage, the theory and practice of hydrotherapy, hygiene, practice demonstration, human anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of massage practice, allied modalities, leadership and human relations skills, health and safety, and employability skills.

Students choose either a full-time daytime track for about eight months (two semesters) or a part-time evening track for 12 months (three semesters).

6. Daytona State College

This school offers a two-semester, 25-credit program on its campus in Daytona Beach. Classes take place in the evenings. Instruction and training total 750 hours.

The curriculum combines Eastern and Western massage therapy methods. Core courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare Concepts, Pathologies, Theories of Bodywork Practices, History of Massage, and Florida Laws.

Program participants gain real-world experience with public clients during internships and at an on-campus student clinic.

5. Florida State College at Jacksonville

The 750-hour program at this school is called the Massage Therapy Workforce Certificate (W.C.).

Instructors teach the theory and practice of massage, the theory and practice of hydrotherapy, hygiene, human anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical aspects of massage practice, allied therapies, leadership and human relations skills, health and safety, and employability skills.

Students learn how to perform various massage techniques; as well as hydrotherapy, sauna and steam room treatments, local and full-immersion baths, whirlpool baths, and paraffin baths.

4. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Students on this school's Port St. Lucie campus earn associate of science degrees in massage therapy.

The 750-hour program focuses on anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and applied therapeutic massage techniques. In addition, students learn Eastern bodywork and Western massage modalities, sports massage, and hydrotherapy.

Courses include Body Systems, Human Structure and Functions, Legal and Ethical Business Practices, Massage Theory, and Spa Theory. Students also must complete 26 credit hours of general education classes.

3. Palm Beach State College

This school's 750-hour program is on the PBSC campus in Boca Raton.

Courses cover anatomy and physiology, hydrotherapy, myology, pathology, health care concepts, medical errors, HIV/AIDS education, history, state law, ethics, a variety of allied modalities, and traditional Oriental medicine.

In a public clinic, students practice Swedish massage, stone massage, Vichy exfoliation, chair massage, and reflexology for hands and feet. They also get hands-on training in a therapeutic training lab and hydrotherapy lab. Classes teach how to gather client information, assess client needs, and complete medical documentation.

2. Broward College

This large Fort Lauderdale school placed third nationally in the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The 750-hour massage therapy program, on the North Campus, has day and evening classes. It combines lectures, discussions, practical demonstrations, interactive exercises, videos, guest speakers, field trips, and supervised massage practice on and off campus.

Core courses are Basic Life Support (CPR), Medical Ethics and Standards, Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Massage Therapy, Allied Modalities, Hydrotherapy Modalities, and Medical Ethics & Standards. Each student also takes part in a clinical practicum.

1. Miami Dade College

The 750-hour, 25-credit technical certificate program on this school's Medical Campus offers three tracks: Generic Option, Accelerated Option, and Transitional Option.

In addition to general education requirements, there are these core courses: Introduction to Health Care, Anatomy and Physiology, History and Standards, Introduction to Massage Therapy, Allied Modalities, and Hydrotherapy Modalities. Students have clinical practicums, as well.

The curriculum includes some instruction at off-campus sites. The school advises students to limit employment to 20 hours per week because "this program is highly demanding."

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Massage Therapist Career Outlook & Salary in Florida

The average practitioner in this state makes an annual salary of more than $38,000 or an hourly wage of about $18.30 — a bit less than the national median of around $41,500 a year or $20 per hour.

The top 10 percent of earners receive more than $89,600 or $43 in Florida, better than the national average of about $78,300 or $38. The bottom 10 percent get over $19,300 or $9.30 in Florida, less than the $21,300-plus or $10.25-plus nationally.

There were 13,670 practicing massage therapists in the state in 2016. The number will increase to 18,030 by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That would be a 32 percent job-growth rate, faster than the projected national median of 26 percent and much higher than in most other professions.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CareerOneStop

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