Massage therapy school costs $5,000 to $10,000 on average for tuition alone, plus $500 to $4,500 for necessary books, supplies, and licensing. The total cost for the classes will depend on the school you choose, the course length, your location, and whether you qualify for any scholarships or grants.

• Massage therapy course books cost $200 to $800.
• Massage tables and related equipment costs $200 to $3,000.
• Licensing fees cost $100 to $700, depending on your state.

Massage therapy is the act of promoting relaxation and reducing pain by manually manipulating the muscles, tissues, ligaments, and tendons in a person's body. Massage therapy school is where a student learns and practices the skills necessary to become a licensed massage therapist. Some schools offer special courses for a certain type of massage therapy like sports massage, oncology massage, or hydrotherapy.

To get into most massage therapy schools, each applicant will need to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent at the minimum. Some schools also have age restrictions to protect students because massage therapists are often alone with clients.

Massage therapy schools offer a practical, direct pathway to state licensing instead of a degree. This helps students enter the career field or start a business quickly instead of spending 2 to 4 years studying for a degree.

You can find a good massage therapy course by following these steps:

• Choose an accredited school if you’re seeking licensure.
• Ask how much experience the instructors have.
• Read past reviews on Lessons and Google.
• Compare 3+ tuitions and fees from different schools.
• Ask friends, family, or local massage therapists for recommendations.
• Make sure you enroll before their deadline.
• Ask what financial aid options or payment plans they offer.

Ask instructors these questions to get the most out of your massage therapy class experience:

• How much experience do you have?
• What equipment would I need to buy for this course?
• Could I see a list of books and supplies I’d need?
• What financial aid or scholarships do you have available?
• What are your prerequisites for enrollment?
• When is the enrollment deadline?
• Could you help me choose classes that fit my schedule?
• How long will this course take? Are there any part-time or accelerated options?