Massage Therapy

The Massage Therapy diploma program provides both technical and practical training which will enable the graduate, upon licensure and/or certification, to function as a competent entry-level massage therapist. The program provides the student with the basic knowledge of the practice in introduction to massage therapy, massage fundamentals, massage and bodyworks, anatomy and physiology, business and success skills, and health and wellness. Also covered in this program are psychological concepts, kinesiology and muscle movement, professional health, hygiene, and boundaries. The program emphasizes theory, as well as hands-on practice.

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will be fully prepared to take the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. The state of Virginia only requires 500 clock hours of training for licensure.

As a professional massage therapist, the graduate of this program will be skilled in the art and science of Swedish/deep tissue massage. Also covered in this program are other techniques such as sports massage, deep tissue, Swedish, pre-natal massage, energetic modalities, hot stone, body treatments, chair massage, trigger points, reflexology, and aromatherapy. In addition to the various forms and techniques of massage, students will also learn about small business principles and what is required to become successful as a business/practice owner.

It is the policy of Chester Career College to recruit and admit only those students who can demonstrate a sincere desire to succeed in life with new career skills and those who have a positive attitude toward learning. To be considered for enrollment all students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Upon completion of the admissions steps, the candidate's application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee and submitted to the School Director for approval. Notification of acceptance and/or denial is made on a continuing basis. Individuals will be notified in writing as soon as possible, generally within three school days. Chester Career College admits applicants without regard to race, religion, color, disability, sex, age or national origin.

The Massage Therapy Program is offered both day and evening. Day classes are held Monday through Thursday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Evening classes are held Monday through Thursday between 5:30 pm and 10:30 pm. Classes missed due to holidays or other scheduled cancellations are made up on assigned Fridays or by extending regular class hours. Clinical assignments may not coincide with normal school hours or days. This in-depth training is a combination of classroom, interactive lab, and externship.

Start dates. Diploma programs are divided into modules, and students may enter the program in any of the modules. Upcoming module start dates are November 9 and December 14, 2026, and February 1, March 8, April 12, May 17, June 21, July 26, August 30, October 4, November 8 and December 13, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition for this program is $12,115. Cost includes actual tuition, program core textbook cost, training supplies, and clinical/externship uniform (where applicable). General Education textbooks will remain the property of Chester Career College.

Fees. All students will be charged a non-refundable application fee of $25.00. Should a student be required to repeat a course, he/she will be charged a per credit hour fee. A Returned Item fee of $50.00 will be charged for any payment method not honored by the fiduciary institution. Graduates receive their first transcript free; additional transcripts are $5.00 per request.

Paying for school. Tuition for the program selected is billed upon the first day of active enrollment. Any portion of the bill which will not be met by Federal Financial Aid, or scholarships must be paid at the beginning of the semester. Flexible payment plans make Chester Career College rates even more affordable.

Federal financial aid. Chester Career College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal financial aid to its students. The types of financial aid available includes: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Students interested in applying for financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Chester Career College's federal school code is 034095.

Veterans and other assistance. Chester Career College is approved to offer training to eligible veterans under Chapter 31, 33, or 35 of the GI Bill®, and is approved to offer programs for the training of eligible individuals by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Rehabilitative Services.

Net Price Calculator. Estimate your net price with Chester Career College's net price calculator: https://www.chestercareercollege.edu/net-price-calculator

Upon licensure and/or certification, the graduate will be able to function as a competent entry-level massage therapist in a variety of clinical practices. The versatility of this career will allow a graduate to develop a clientele, be involved in the operation and management of a modern business office and maintain a professional massage therapy practice. Opportunities exist in private practice, hospitals, chiropractic offices, rehab centers, fitness centers, and health spas.

Student outcomes (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 Consumer Information Report). Massage Therapy: 0 total graduates; placement rate 0%; graduation rate 0%; licensure rate 0% (first-time test takers).

Facilities. This campus is conveniently located in the Phoenix Building Complex on West Hundred Road (Route 10) between I-95 and I-295 near Rivers Bend. This facility provides approximately 17,526 square feet of space. The campus includes a Nursing Laboratory, Library, Medical and Phlebotomy/EKG Laboratories, Computer Laboratories, Surgical and Sterile Processing Laboratories, and Pharmacy Laboratories, Massage Rooms, Media Center, Student Lounge, Faculty Work Room, Staff and Faculty Lounge, Administrative Offices, Restrooms and Visitor and Reception areas. The Computer Labs and Media Center are fully networked with internet access. Maximum class sizes are 20-25 students.

Library. Media Centers are available in each core classroom which consist of a collection of books, periodicals, and reference materials to support the programs offered. Chester Career College is also a member of the Library Information and Resources Network (LIRN). Through this online network, students have 24/7 access to electronic textbooks, journals, videos, demonstrations, etc.

Career Services. Our services are offered to both current students as well as to graduates. Our services include but are not limited to: Resume and Cover Letter Review, Job Interview preparation, and Career Development sessions. In addition to this, we also provide Externship assignments and Job Placement assistance.

Housing. Housing facilities are not provided by the school.