Massage Technician

This introductory course is designed to produce a qualified technician who has a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology, contraindications to massage, and the benefits of massage to the systems of the body. This is a required course for all massage programs. Swedish massage is the primary technique presented.

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to understand and explain the history of massage, identify each physiological system of the body and its function, explain the seven major massage strokes and their purposes, list the benefits and contraindications of massage, identify and name six to eight muscles in each part of the body, and demonstrate a basic Swedish full-body massage using the major strokes.

This course is not approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education as a stand-alone program. A student who initially enrolls in the 100-hour Massage Technician program may subsequently enroll in one of CalCopa's 600- to 1,000-hour program packages and will receive credit for the hours and tuition previously completed.

Course completion. To successfully complete the Massage Technician certification, students must pass a written midterm and written final with a minimum score of 80%, submit the completed homework summary page, demonstrate the massage routine within the allotted time with a minimum score of 90%, and attend at least 90% of the credit hours.

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.

Program length. Full-time: 1 month (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM). Part-time: 2 months (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM).

Start dates. Upcoming Massage Technician classes: October 26–November 20, 2026 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.) and October 26–December 18, 2026 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6–10 p.m.), in-person classes.

Program cost. Massage Technician Training Program Total Cost: $2,025.00. A CalCopa T-shirt, holster, bottle and massage oil are provided to students in the Massage Technician class as part of the registration package; refills and replacements are the student's responsibility.

Payment. A student enrolling in a course of one month or less must pay the registration fee and at least one-half of the first month's tuition at the time of enrollment.

Financial aid. The Massage Technician course does not qualify for financial aid as a stand-alone program.

A required first step, not a stand-alone credential. The Massage Technician course is a required course for all CalCopa massage programs. It is not approved by the California BPPE and does not qualify for financial aid as a stand-alone program. A student who initially enrolls in the 100-hour Massage Technician program may subsequently enroll in one of CalCopa’s 600- to 1,000-hour program packages and will receive credit for the hours and tuition previously completed; additional registration or professional membership fees may apply.

CAMTC certification. California does not issue a mandatory statewide massage-therapy license; the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) offers voluntary statewide certification as a Certified Massage Therapist. Applicants for certification must have completed at least 500 hours of massage education from one or more CAMTC-approved programs, including at least 100 hours in the core subjects of anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business and ethics. CalCopa’s Massage Practitioner (600 hours), Myotherapist (800 hours) and Holistic Health Practitioner (1,000 hours) programs qualify for CAMTC certification, and CalCopa strongly recommends that students enroll in programs of 600 hours or longer to keep their certification current with escalating local and national standards, have a competitive edge, offer a larger variety of techniques and styles to potential clients, and receive training in Professional Business Practices. Attendance at or graduation from a CAMTC-approved school does not guarantee CAMTC certification.

Where graduates work. 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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies Massage Therapists under Standard Occupational Classification code 31-9011 ; occupational examples include licensed massage therapist, deep-tissue massage therapist, and Swedish massage therapist. Cities and counties are not uniform in their standards, with requirements ranging from 60 to 1,000 hours of education for licensing; students should contact the appropriate city, county, employer, or regulatory agency in the location where they intend to work before selecting a program or applying for employment.

Employment assistance. CalCopa works with massage businesses and other employers to share employment opportunities with current students and graduates; current job postings may be distributed by email or made available through the school. Students are expected to prepare an appropriate résumé and cover letter for prospective employers, and CalCopa instructors and staff may assist students with employment preparation and submitting applications. CalCopa does not guarantee employment, a particular position, a particular employer, a specific salary, or any other employment outcome.

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.