REQUEST INFO

Massage
Therapist

massage therapy

Clicking the “Get Started” button constitutes your express written consent, without obligation to purchase, to be contacted by Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences (including through automated technology, e.g. dialing and text messaging) via the telephone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS) using the phone numbers provided above, and/or email, even if your telephone number is on a corporate, state or the National Do Not Call Registry, and you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Standard message and data rates apply.

Your Massage Therapist Career Training Starts Here

Are you interested in alternative medicine and wellness? Have you thought about transforming your passion into a profession?

Industry demand for massage therapists is growing faster than the average for all occupations.^ Swedish Institute’s massage therapy program is perfect for breaking into this in-demand field. We are the only massage therapy school in the country with over a century of continuous experience educating and training students to become professionally licensed massage therapists.

“The job openings for Massage Therapists that come into my office each month far exceed the number of graduates we have available to fill them. The employment market for Massage Therapists is very hot right now.”

Richard Gardner,
Director of Career Services, Swedish Institute

What to Expect in the Massage Therapy Program

Our Massage Therapy Program is available in a variety of schedule options to fit anyone’s schedule. We offer five-semester (20-month), six-semester (24-month), and eight-semester (32-month) schedules. Massage Therapy classes are available in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays. Pursue your new career in a timeframe that works with your schedule. Complete our Massage Therapy program in as little as 20 months.

A massage therapist aims to help clients achieve wellness and healing through massage and bodywork. You will use massage techniques to help people relax, reduce pain, and treat various medical conditions in different settings. Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy program blends Western and Eastern massage theories and techniques. Hands-on practice and massage therapy classes teach the basics of anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and kinesiology. You will also learn patient-care practices, client-service skills, ethics, business practices, and professional development.

Throughout your massage therapy classes, you will learn to master your technique by working with real clients at our on-site P.H. Ling Stress Reduction Clinic and Therapeutic Clinic, and off-site community service externships. The on-site clinic and off-site externship prepare you for your new career with real-world training.^

Upon successfully completing the Massage Therapy program, you’ll earn an Associate in Occupational Studies degree (AOS) as authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. You will also be eligible to take the New York State licensure exam.^ Upon passing the exam, you will be a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and enter the profession.

massage therapy

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

Massage Therapists work with clients to achieve holistic wellness by relieving stress and pain using various massage techniques. As a licensed massage therapist, your methods and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Performing and documenting client intake interviews, to understand their health status and concerns, and track treatment progress as their health condition evolves.
  • Using client intake information to assess client conditions and develop safe and effective massage treatment plans.
  • Implementing treatment plans by applying appropriate massage techniques to the soft tissues of the body.
  • Recommending and educating clients on methods for self-care—such as stretches, exercise, and hot/cold therapies—to extend the benefits of massage outside the session.

#6 in Best Jobs Without A [4-yr] Degree
#9 in Best Health Care Support Jobs
#23 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A [4-yr] Degree
#54 in 100 Best Jobs

Career Opportunities
for Massage Therapists

gym icon
Spas, gyms, and
health clubs
therapy clinic icon
Massage therapy
clinics
chiropractor icon
Chiropractor and
doctor’s offices
sports medicine icon
Sports medicine
facilities
resorts icon
Resorts and
hotels
holistic clinic icon
Holistic health
clinics
private sector icon
Private sector and
self-employment

Salary Opportunities for Massage Therapists

According to the May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the annual average wage for a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of New York is $67,040.* Salary will vary based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and duties being performed. Year after year, this profession has been ranked as one of the top careers by sources like U.S. News and World Report.

testimonials

  • “I had a great experience at Swedish in the nursing program. The courses were challenging but rewarding. I found a job almost instantly with the help of Swedish faculty and the rest has been history. Super thankful for my experience at Swedish.”

    T. Crearer,

    Nursing Graduate

  • “I am a recently graduated student and it is incredible all the job offers I have received. I feel thrilled and proud to have been part of the school the teachers are amazing and supportive. I felt very prepared for the State Board Exam.”

    Y. Diaz,

    Massage Therapy Graduate

  • “I got my RN license in 21 months. Now I work in a NY city hospital. I am very grateful to the school for giving me an opportunity to study nursing. Nursing program was not easy, I am very happy, I passed all the courses and passed NCLEX the first time.”

    J. Jan,

    Nursing Graduate

  • “This school strives for excellence and produces the best of the best. They offer so many amazing programs that fit everyone’s preferences. The nursing program at Swedish Institute is one of the best nursing programs out there. It prepares you for what you will actually encounter when you are working in the institution that you are hired for. Like every accelerated program it is fast-paced but you do learn. The faculty staff is genuine and they are always available when needed. The professors are vast in knowledge and aside from your textbooks they are the key that will help unlock your success. I am a proud graduate of 2021, working as a Pediatric Nurse in the Emergency Department.”

    R. Ramdham,

    Nursing Graduate

    Class of 2021

  • “Had a great experience going through the massage therapy program here. The classes were small enough that I was able to get great supervision and insight from the skilled professors who were able to teach from their own experiences with massage over their careers. I left the school feeling competent and confident with my abilities, and comfortable knowing that I had the support of my professors and the staff to assist me with getting started. Would definitely recommend any other aspiring massage therapists to come here!”

    T. Costello,

    Massage Therapy Graduate

  • “Swedish institute changed my life! The staff is very supportive and personally cares about your success. They always went the extra mile! The surgical tech program changed my whole life’s trajectory and career path. In two short years, I have worked my way up from being a barber to orthopedic surgery and now Neurosurgery. All with the opportunity that Swedish gave me. So thanks for the life upgrade Swedish and staff!”

    D. Vasc,

    Surgical Technologist Graduate

  • “They are really great in helping you in preparing for the NCLEX and they keep track of your progression throughout the program, and if you are struggling with your grades they will help you.”

    R. Ramdham,

    Nursing Graduate

    Class of 2022

  • Thank you for your invaluable teachings, insights, and encouragement. Every lesson and guidance you provided helped me grow not only as a student but also as a future sterile processing technician. I’m equally grateful to the entire staff at Swedish Institute, whose efforts made the experience less stressful and fostered a positive environment in which I could thrive. Thank you all once again for being such an important part of my journey.

    L. Cruz,

    CSPT Graduate

    Class of 2024

†Applies to full-time students only.

* State Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the State of New York. Data from May 2024. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Site visited 5.12.2025

^ National Data Information, including national average annual salary and growth projections, comes from the Occupational Outlook Handbook on Massage Therapists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Site visited 5.12.2025.

National long-term projections and salary averages may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual growth or any particular salary. Swedish Institute does not guarantee employment. Swedish Institute cannot guarantee a student’s eligibility either to take any exam or become certified, registered, or licensed.

Swedish Institute was founded in 1916 and is the country’s oldest continuously operating massage therapy institution. Its programs are registered by the New York State Education Department. Accredited by ACCSC. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please visit student consumer information. Learn more about our Personal Protection Policy.