Douglas Education Center

Massage Therapy

Monessen
Monessen, PA
Diploma · On Campus
Massage Therapy
Accredited by ACCSC and licensed by the PA Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
This program is taught on campus in Monessen, PA, two days per week, including a 100-hour public student clinic.
Tuition is $4,225 per instructional period ($8,450 total); with books, supplies, equipment, exams and fees the program total is $13,540.
This program takes about 11 months (2 instructional periods, 48 weeks) to complete. It is 750 clock hours.
A one-time $50 application fee and a one-time $100 registration fee are required.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including federal Title IV aid, for the Massage Therapy program; DEC's FAFSA school code is 013957.

Massage Therapy is a Diploma program offered by Douglas Education Center in Monessen, PA. The program takes 11 months to complete, with a total tuition of $8,450.

Program Overview

Prepare for an entry-level career in massage therapy with comprehensive, hands-on training. Learn anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and a variety of therapeutic massage techniques, including Swedish massage, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, shiatsu, and aromatherapy.

Objective. This program highlights coursework in areas of ethics, hygiene, documentation, and integrated bodywork techniques including aromatherapy, reflexology, and shiatsu. Students not only learn and practice classical massage modalities, but also clinical techniques such as lymph massage, neuromuscular, and myofascial. Students will explore numerous career tracks including massage in a spa environment, sports massage, and self-employment. This program covers business and career development, along with training in laws and regulations.

750 hours, broken down.

  • 175 hrs Anatomy & Physiology: Body Systems · Musculoskeletal Anatomy · Kinesiology · Pathology · Contraindications · Client Intake and Health History
  • 150 hrs Classical Massage: Swedish Massage · Draping Techniques · Pressure and Pacing · Full-Body Sequencing
  • 150 hrs Clinical Techniques: Lymph Drainage · Neuromuscular Therapy · Myofascial Release · Sports Massage · Trigger Point Work · Prenatal Considerations
  • 100 hrs Spa Therapies & Integrated Bodywork: Aromatherapy · Reflexology · Shiatsu · Hot Stone
  • 75 hrs Ethics, Business & Law: Hygiene and Sanitation · Professional Ethics · SOAP Documentation · PA Laws and Regulations · Business Development
  • 100 hrs Student Clinic: Real Public Clients · Instructor Supervision · Session Documentation · MBLEx Exam Preparation

What sets this Program apart

One license. Several modalities. The only massage therapy diploma in the region that combines classical bodywork, clinical techniques, and a 100-hour public client clinic. All leading to MBLEx eligibility and a PA license.

100 hours of real clients. Students practice Swedish massage, lymph drainage, neuromuscular, and myofascial techniques on real public clients under direct instructor supervision.

2 days per week. Fits around work or family. 750 hours, 150 above the state minimum.

Admission Requirements and Process

A prospective student seeking admission to DEC must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate. All programs require successful completion of the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17. DEC admits, trains and refers students without regard to race, religion, age, national origin, sex or handicap. DEC is not authorized to enroll international students. Massage Therapy applicants must sign the “Student Acknowledgement of DEC Massage Therapy Licensure Pass Rates.” DEC advises that any student who enters this program with a criminal history will face challenges in securing employment in the healthcare industry.

General Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
    You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate; high school seniors may submit a partial…
  • Application and fees
    Complete an application form and pay a one-time application fee ($50.00) and one-time registration fee ($100.00); both are fully refundable if the applicant is denied acceptance.
  • Official transcript
    Request that an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Admissions Department; GED holders must submit official evidence of satisfactory performance.
  • Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
    Successfully complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17; a maximum of 3 attempts will be granted.
  • Licensure pass-rate acknowledgement
    Sign the “Student Acknowledgement of DEC Massage Therapy Licensure Pass Rates” outlining the annual passing rate of DEC’s graduates on the licensure examination for the past two…
  • Admissions interview
    The Admissions Department will contact all applicants via telephone, postal mail, and/or email to schedule an interview.
  • Enrollment Agreement
    Sign an Enrollment Agreement, the contractual agreement between the student and the school; those accepted receive a formal letter of acceptance.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Complete the online application
    Apply online and pay the $50 application fee; a $100 registration fee is also required. You can pay online, over the phone, or in person.
  2. 2
    Admissions reaches out
    The Admissions Department will contact you to confirm your application status and next steps.
  3. 3
    Send your high school transcript
    Submit an official high school transcript directly to the Admissions Department; applicants with a GED must provide official evidence of satisfactory performance. Transfer-of-credit requests also need official post-secondary transcripts and course descriptions.
  4. 4
    Admissions interview and Wonderlic exam
    The Admissions Department will schedule your interview and the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination; a minimum score of 17 is required.
  5. 5
    Sign your Enrollment Agreement
    This is the contractual agreement between you and the school. Accepted applicants receive a formal letter of acceptance.
  6. 6
    Complete your FAFSA
    File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using DEC’s Federal School Code 013957, then complete the steps in the Financial Aid Student Portal to receive your Financial Aid Award Notification.
    FAFSA Code for Monessen: 013957

Program Schedule

The Massage Therapy Program has classes scheduled weekdays between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. In general, students attend two days per week, no more than 8 hours per day, for a total of 16 hours per week.

Classes typically held Tuesday-Thursday; 3-6 classes each instructional period (on-ground).

Classes start twice per year, in April and October. The next start is April 13, 2027 (1st instructional period April 13 – September 21, 2027; 2nd instructional period October 6, 2027 – March 29, 2028).

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • April 13th, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $8,450
Total Program Cost
≈ $13,540
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Cost and fees (Catalog Vol. 69). Tuition is $4,225 per instructional period ($8,450 for 2). Program totals: application fee $50, registration fee $100, graduation fee $215, books $870, supplies $980, equipment $1,100, lab fee $400, technology fee $300, student support services fee $650 and exam/certification $425, for a program total of $13,540.

Per credit. $295/credit when a student attends less than 12 or more than 17 credits per term.

Scholarships. The Massage Therapy Scholarship is worth $2,112.50 (25% of tuition) for new students.

Federal student aid. DEC is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for federal student financial assistance programs including the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Work Study and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Parent PLUS). Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using DEC’s Federal School Code 013957.

Payment. DEC accepts financial aid, agency funding (Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation, job retraining benefits), cash, check, credit card and online payment at www.dec.edu/pay. Payment schedules are interest-free and do not extend beyond the semester or instructional period.

Veterans. DEC is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the training of veterans; eligible students may use the GI Bill® at DEC.

Curriculum

Diploma Program / 2 instructional periods / 48 weeks: 390 didactic and 360 supervised lab hours, 29 credits.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
MT101Body Sciences7
MT102Massage Modalities6
MT103Spa Therapies2
MT104Sports Massage3
MT105Clinical Massage3
MT106Professional and Business Practices3
MT107Integrated Bodywork2
MT108Clinic3

Career Outcomes

This program develops skilled therapeutic practitioners prepared to support client wellness through a variety of clinical and relaxation-based massage techniques. Once certification is obtained, graduates apply for licensure with the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy.

Working at. DEC Massage Therapy graduates have worked at spas, wellness centers, sports facilities, and private practices across southwestern Pennsylvania, including Hand & Stone, Lifestream Holistic Health Center, Massage Envy, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Oak Lodge Spa.

Student outcomes. As reported to ACCSC in its 2025 Annual Report (reporting date July 1, 2025; cohort 12/22–11/23): graduation rate 83%, employment rate 71%, licensure rate 87%.

What to expect as a Douglas Education Center student

Design and Career Training Center. The Design and Career Training Center includes computer labs, Massage Therapy program classrooms, specialized classrooms, and offices. The Massage Therapy classrooms contain ample space for students to use their massage tables and chairs to practice bodywork techniques with the ability to create privacy rooms for individual sessions, along with hot stone warmers and heaters, towel and table warmers, paraffin baths and changing rooms for clients.

Career Services for life. DEC graduates have access to Career Services for life at no cost. The team works with students from the time they begin their program through graduation and after, helping with resumes, portfolios, mock interviews and job search strategies.

Campus Address

Monessen
130 Seventh Street
Monessen, PA 15062

Why Accreditation Is Important

Douglas Education Center is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. DEC is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Testimonials

I was a housewife for 27 years, I homeschooled my three children and they grew up and moved away… My husband and I split and so I had to find a new adventure. I found Douglas…they were so kind…it was exciting because it gave me a future to look forward to. It doesn't matter how old you are, you can be 19 or you can be 60. This is an amazing life-changing career, and it makes a difference.

JoyLyn “Red” Lowden
Graduate (Massage), Class of 2023

Images

DEC students and instructor reviewing anatomy beside a skeleton model

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for this program?
A prospective student seeking admission to the Massage Therapy Program must: • Be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate. • Complete an application form and pay a one-time application fee ($50.00) and one-time registration fee ($100.00). • Request an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Admissions Department. • Successfully complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17. • Sign an Enrollment Agreement. • Sign the “Student Acknowledgement of DEC Massage Therapy Licensure Pass Rates” outlining the annual passing rate of DEC’s graduates on the approved examination of licensure for the past two (2) calendar years.
How long is the program and what is the schedule?
• Length: 11 months/2 instructional periods • Classes typically held Tuesday-Thursday; 3-6 classes each instructional period (on-ground) • The Massage Therapy Program has classes scheduled weekdays between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. In general, students attend two days per week, no more than 8 hours per day, for a total of 16 hours per week.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Funding options may include federal Title IV aid (such as Pell Grants and Direct Student Loans), Veterans’ Education Benefits, agency-sponsored funding (e.g., Office of Vocational Rehabilitation), institutional and external scholarships, and private financing options.
What will I be able to do after I graduate?
This program develops skilled therapeutic practitioners prepared to support client wellness through a variety of clinical and relaxation-based massage techniques. Career opportunities include: • Licensed Massage Therapist • Spa Massage Therapist • Clinical Massage Therapist • Sports Massage Therapist • Rehabilitation Massage Therapist • Chiropractic Office Massage Therapist • Medical Massage Therapist • Wellness Center Therapist • Massage Studio Practitioner • Mobile or On-Site Massage Therapist • Self-Employed or Private Practice Massage Therapist
What does a typical class day look like?
Class days vary by course and topic. Some days focus on theory-based classroom learning, while others emphasize hands-on practice and clinic experiences to build real-world skills.
What certifications or licenses does this program prepare me for?
• Preparation to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) • Once certification is obtained, graduates apply for licensure with the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy
What is the MBLEx and will this program prepare me for it?
The MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) is the official licensing exam utilized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy to grant professional licenses. Passing this exam is a mandatory requirement to legally practice massage therapy in the state of Pennsylvania. Our Massage Therapy Program provides the comprehensive training and instruction needed to ensure you are fully prepared for the exam and your future career. Our curriculum prepares you for MBLEx success through the following components: • Targeted Exam Preparation: We provide dedicated test preparation within the curriculum to review the specific safety, ethics, and theory guidelines covered on the computerized test. • Core Academic Instruction: Your courses cover the essential anatomical sciences, kinesiology, and physiological concepts tested on the exam. • On-Campus Student Clinic: You will build hands-on confidence for the applied, scenario-based questions on the test by working on actual clients in our supervised student clinic.
Is Pennsylvania licensure required to practice massage therapy?
Yes, Pennsylvania law requires anyone practicing massage therapy to hold a valid license issued by the PA State Board of Massage Therapy. Our Massage Therapy Program directly prepares you to meet these state standards, including successfully sitting for the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination).
Why is massage therapy considered an AI-safe career?
Massage therapy is considered an AI-safe career because it relies entirely on physical human touch, tactile sensitivity, and face-to-face personal trust. Artificial intelligence and digital automation can process data and manage software, but they cannot replicate the human physical presence or the intuitive, hands-on adjustments required to safely treat an individual’s unique muscle tension and body layout.
Does a criminal history affect my career options in massage therapy?
Applicants with a criminal history should be aware that they will face challenges in securing employment in the healthcare industry. All applicants with a criminal history are advised to give serious consideration to enrollment in the Massage Therapy program.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Massage Therapy at Monessen.
Massage Therapy