Massage Practitioner

Learn how to become a massage practitioner under the tutelage of the instructors at CalCopa Massage School. As a small school, we can keep our class sizes small and you'll get the personal attention and instruction you deserve. Most new students begin with the 600-hour Massage Practitioner program, and no prior massage experience is required.

The 600-hour Massage Practitioner program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, client assessment, treatment planning, and safe, professional massage practice. Hands-on training emphasizes formula massage, deep transverse friction, myofascial release, stretching, and other techniques used to address a variety of client needs. Sports & Medical Massage expands students' understanding of body-maintenance techniques and includes an introduction to Oncology Massage.

Students also explore Asian bodywork by completing either Acupressure or Shiatsu. The final 100 hours focus on professional readiness through test-taking strategies, business practices, and self-care for massage therapists. CalCopa's Massage Practitioner program is approved by CAMTC and provides education that may be applied toward CAMTC certification requirements.

The MBLEx is not currently required for CAMTC certification in California; however, CalCopa continues to encourage exam preparation because the MBLEx may be required for professional credentials in other states. VA education benefits may be available to eligible students enrolled in approved programs.

Course completion. To successfully complete the Massage Practitioner program, students must pass all quizzes and tests with a minimum score of 80% accuracy and submit completed homework packets for each class. The student will also demonstrate the massage routines associated with each class within the allotted time frame using the proper draping, body mechanics and hand positions with a minimum score of 90%. They must have an attendance of 90% of credit hours. The 600-hour program includes a 30-hour student-clinic requirement, and students must also participate in one community event; students receiving VA benefits are exempt from the community-event requirement.

Accredited education. Study at a COMTA-accredited institution offering massage therapy programs approved by CAMTC.

Certification preparation. Complete approved education that supports your next steps toward CAMTC certification and the MBLEx.

Clear costs and flexible schedules. Compare published program costs and full-time or part-time schedules before you begin enrollment.

Small classes and personal guidance. Practice hands-on techniques in a supportive setting with experienced instructors who can provide individual guidance. Class size is kept to a maximum of twelve (12) students to enable greater individual attention.

Established since 1980. CalCopa has educated massage therapy students in Huntington Beach since 1980.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be able to read, write and speak English to be eligible for enrollment. Evidence must be provided demonstrating one's ability to learn, such as a diploma, transcripts from a trade school or other transcripts. However, all students requesting Federal Financial Aid must have a High School Diploma or Official Transcript, or GED equivalent; college transcripts are not acceptable.

Class size is kept to a maximum of twelve (12) students to enable greater individual attention. While CalCopa is pleased to accept students from other countries, we do not provide assistance with visa services. Each prospective student is encouraged to visit the school prior to enrollment and to discuss educational and career goals with our advisors.

Instructional hours. Subject to minimum enrollment requirements (6 students) and instructor availability. 100-hour full-time courses are completed in 4 weeks, Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–2:00 PM; 100-hour part-time courses are completed in 8 weeks, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:00 PM–10:00 PM. Full-time and part-time 100-hour courses generally begin on the first Monday of every other month, excluding holidays.

Program length. Part-time and Hybrid: 12 months. Hybrid students are generally scheduled for Saturday clinics. CalCopa does not publish a separate hybrid class schedule; contact admissions for current availability.

Student clinic. Students complete at least five clinic massages for every 100 hours of core instructional training, for a total of 30 clinic hours. Full-time students are generally scheduled for Wednesday and Friday clinics; part-time students for Saturday clinics.

2026 breaks and holidays. School breaks March 30–April 3, June 29–July 3 and December 19, 2026–January 3, 2027; holidays include Veteran's Day (11/11/2026) and Thanksgiving (11/26–11/27/2026).

Program cost. The 600-hour Massage Practitioner package tuition is $9,500.00. Additional fees: $325 for textbook and Student Guides and the $65.00 ABMP student fee; with the $150 registration fee, the estimated total charges for the entire educational program are $10,040.00. A student paying separately for each course would pay $15,540.00 for the same 600 hours.

Registration and materials. Registration fee (nonrefundable) $150.00; materials fee for printed Student Guides $150.00 (replacement copies $25 each); Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage textbook $175.00; ABMP student liability coverage $65.00; STRF assessment $0.00 per $1,000.00. Additional supplies include a minimum of six twin-size sets of sheets and a twin-size blanket; these costs should not exceed $120.00.

Individual course rates. Students may instead sign a contract for each individual course level at $2,500.00 for each 100 hours of training (10 hours $250; 25 hours $625; 50 hours $1,250). Each training package has a one-time discount applied.

Payment options. A student enrolling in a course longer than one month may choose to pay in installments. A down payment covering registration and ABMP membership must be paid at the time of enrollment, and a payment plan will be reviewed and included in the student's contract. Payments can be made by Zelle®, cash, personal checks, credit cards, electronic payment such as Apple Pay, money order or cashier's check. Published program costs include the tuition and school fees identified by CalCopa; personal supplies, replacement materials, CAMTC application or fingerprinting fees, and optional outside examination or certification expenses may be additional.

Financial aid. CalCopa is approved to offer federal financial aid but does not currently participate in state financial-aid programs. Depending on eligibility, students may explore FAFSA-related aid, Pell Grant, federal student aid options, VA/GI Bill® benefits, or other available resources. Please use the 2026/2027 FAFSA Application; CalCopa's federal school code is 042945 (OPEID 04294500). CalCopa is approved for the training of eligible persons entitled to educational benefits under Title 38 of the United States Code (GI Bill®).

Upon completion of their programs, students will be prepared to enter the massage job market in fields including chiropractic care, convalescent hospitals, geriatric facilities, corporate chair massage, health spas, sports medicine, relaxation, stress management, hospitals, physical therapy, private practice, beauty salons, hotels and more. The Standard Occupational Code (SOC) for Massage Therapists is 31-9011.

CalCopa Massage School works with many businesses to provide quality employment to our graduating students. Current and on-going job postings are sent via Constant Contact email distribution to all current students and recent graduates. CalCopa instructors and staff will help students submit applications, but we do not guarantee employment.

Performance Fact Sheet (calendar years 2023 & 2024, published 06/20/2025). On-time completion rate 65% (2024) and 58% (2023); completion within 150% of program length 81% (2024) and 75% (2023); job placement rate in the field 58% (2024) and 85% (2023). The work available to graduates of this program is usually for freelance or self-employment. Licensing examinations are not currently required for this program.

A community-focused path to massage therapy. Many students return to Calcopa after a decade or more in the field, often remarking that walking through our doors feels like coming home. Our massage program prioritizes a journey of self-improvement and self-care alongside technical mastery.

Balancing theory and hands-on technique. At Calcopa, you explore the physical application of bodywork and the essential theory that supports it. Our instructors share extensive industry knowledge and provide practical solutions for real-world scenarios.

Community events. For our students, community events offer invaluable hands-on experience. Students practice a wide range of modalities—from Swedish and deep tissue massage to Amma Chair massages, Shiatsu and PNF stretches—at events such as Run Seal Beach, Angel City Games, the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County fundraiser and the SPMS Short-course Meters Championships.

Student clinic and services. CalCopa offers a supervised student clinic to the public on Wednesdays, Fridays and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, a student store with oils, lotions, books and study guides, a library/reading area in the Student Break Room, and other services including guest speakers, optional workshops, field trips and individual tutoring.