Become a Massage Therapist
Are you passionate about exploring holistic approaches to health and healing? Do you find yourself eager to learn more about the rising trend in alternative medicine and wellness? Have you thought about how you could turn your passion into a profession where you could help not only yourself, but also help others?
Industry demand for massage therapists is growing faster than the average for all occupations.** If you’re looking for a massage therapy school to break into this in-demand field, choose Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy Program. We are the only Massage Therapy school in the country with over 100 years of continuous experience educating and training students to become professional licensed massage therapists. In fact, the Swedish Institute job board yields 2.5 jobs for every 1 graduate.
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
Fast Facts
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State of New York annual
average wage = $52,660* -
National mean annual wage = $49,260*
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Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 20% from 2021 to 2031**
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Program Length†
Available in 20-month
24-month
32-month tracks -
Sample Massage Therapy Program Schedule
What to Expect in the Massage Therapy Program
Our Massage Therapy Program is available in 5-semester (20-month), 6-semester (24-month), and 8-semester (32-month) schedules. Massage Therapy classes are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening/Saturday, so you can begin working in your new career in as little as 20 months.
As a massage therapist, you will use massage techniques to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and address a variety of medical conditions in various environments – all with a goal of wellness and healing through massage and bodywork. The Massage Therapy program at Swedish Institute incorporates both Western and Eastern theories and approaches. Through combined hands-on practice and massage therapy classes, you will receive a strong foundation in anatomy and 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 have the opportunity to master your technique by working with real clients in both our on-site P.H. Ling Stress Reduction Clinic and Therapeutic Clinic, as well as off-site at community service externships. The on-site clinic and off-site externship give you access to real-world training so that you can prepare for your new career once you graduate.*
Upon successful completion of the Massage Therapy program, you will be awarded 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.
Does Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy Program offer a flexible schedule?
Yes! Our Massage Therapy Program is available in a variety of schedule options that should fit anyone’s schedule. We offer 5-semester (20-month), 6-semester (24-month), and 8-semester (32-month) schedules. Massage Therapy classes are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening/Saturday, so you can begin working in your new career in as little as 20 months.
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What Does a
Massage Therapist Do?
Massage Therapists work with clients in a variety of settings to help relieve stress and pain and achieve holistic wellness using various 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 of the session.
Massage Therapy Career Opportunities
Our Massage Therapy program prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of settings, such as:
Spas, gyms and health clubs
Massage therapy clinics
Chiropractor and doctor offices
Sports medicine facilities
Resorts and hotels
Holistic health clinics
Private sector / self-employment
Massage Therapy Salary Opportunities
According to the September 2022 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 $52,660.* Salary will vary based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and duties being performed.
†Applies to full time students only.
* National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey National Estimates for Massage Therapists and Geographic Profile for Massage Therapists (site visited 9.15.22) 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.
**Employment of massage therapist is projected to grow 20 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons. (site visited 9.15.22) Source: Occupational Employment Statistics Query System with a release date of September 2022.
Swedish Institute’s 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 our student consumer information page.