Massage Therapy 500 is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by Healing Hands Massage Institute in Richardson, TX. The program takes 500 clock hours — about 3 to 7 months by schedule to complete, with a total tuition of $5,400.
Program Overview
Massage Therapy 500. The Basic Massage Program is a 500-clock hour program designed to meet the basic requirements for the State of Texas. The Basic Massage program enables the student to perform entry-level massage therapy and qualifies him/her to take MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) and to become a licensed massage therapist in Texas.
Hours and award. Total Clock Hours: 500. Award: Certificate of Massage. Hour Breakdown: 450 hours lab and classroom, 50 hours internship.
Where most students start. Most students will enroll into the Texas Massage 500 program, which is designed to meet the requirements put forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to become a massage therapist in Texas.
Theory and practice together. Every program combines comprehensive theory with extensive hands-on practice. The curriculum stays current with industry trends, techniques, and licensure requirements — so you graduate with skills that are relevant from day one.
As little as three months. Complete your Massage Therapy training in as little as three months. Welcome to Healing Hands Massage Institute — a COMTA-accredited massage therapy school in Dallas, Texas. Gain expert instruction, real hands-on training, and practical business skills on your path to licensure.
What sets this Program apart
Institutionally accredited. Healing Hands Massage Institute is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), a recognized authority dedicated to maintaining excellence in massage therapy and bodywork education. This accreditation is a testament to our commitment to delivering programs that meet rigorous academic and professional standards.
A modern approach to massage therapy education. Complete much of your academic coursework through live online lectures — including Anatomy & Physiology, Health & Hygiene, and Business Practices — on a schedule that fits your life.
Hands-on training where it matters most. Mastering the art of touch requires in-person practice. In hands-on courses like Swedish Massage, you'll train under licensed, experienced instructors — building real confidence and refining your technique before you ever see a client.
MBLEx exam preparation. Curriculum aligned to the MBLEx content outline with personalized instructor guidance to help you pass with confidence. HHMI is not only uniquely and expertly qualified to help you master the art and science of massage, but we also prepare you to pass your Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and become a licensed massage therapist.
Job placement and continuing education. Dedicated career assistance after graduation, plus continuing education courses to keep your license current and your skills sharp.
Our mission and goals. Healing Hands Massage Institute's mission is to provide quality learning opportunities in the field of Massage Therapy. Healing Hands has two primary goals:
- Train students to perform massage therapy to a professional level.
- Reduce the barriers of entry to the practice of Massage Therapy.
Recognized beyond the state licence. HHMI is registered with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), and students that graduate from HHMI qualify to take the Massage Therapy Licensing Exam (MBLEx). HHMI has been reviewed and granted a school code by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Open to international students and veterans. HHMI has been inspected and approved by the US Department of Homeland Security for accepting international students. HHMI is approved for funding through the G.I. Bill® for students that qualify for this benefit, and has been approved as an eligible training provider by the Texas Workforce Commission.
A program advisory committee. Healing Hands Program Advisory Committee (PAC) consists of members of faculty, local employers, and members of the public. The goal of the PAC is to conduct institutional assessments to ensure that students are getting the training needed to meet the growing needs of the industry. PAC meets at least yearly.
Admission Requirements and Process
Admission policy. While HHMI is a multi-cultural institution that believes firmly in equal opportunity for all candidates, it reserves the right to deny admission to anyone deemed to be unfit or inappropriate for the classes, the program, or the profession.
Admission requirements. To be considered for School Admission, the Applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Health and Safety: Applicants must be free of any contagious diseases. For questions or concerns about this requirement, please contact the Director at the time of application.
- Physical Ability: Applicants must be physically able to perform tasks related to massage therapy, including but not limited to standing for extended periods, using their hands for massage techniques, and meeting the physical demands of training and practice.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
- Educational Background: Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (e.g., GED), be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance (age 19 in Texas as per Education Code 25.085), or be concurrently enrolled in a secondary school program if applicable.
- Academic Suitability: Students may be required to demonstrate the ability to meet the academic demands of the program.
- Demonstrated Interest in Massage Therapy: Students must have a genuine interest in Massage Therapy.
- Selective Service Registration (for male U.S. citizens or resident aliens born after 1960): Applicants must have registered with the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 25, as required by federal law.
- Catalog Acknowledgment: Applicants must confirm that they have thoroughly read and understood this catalog prior to submitting their application.
What to submit. Applicants must also submit the following:
- A copy of a valid driver's license or government issued ID.
- Social security number card or a copy of TDLR's "Occupational license application claiming to have no social security number".
- Registration fee, listed in the Fee Schedule.
Key requirements on the admission page. Photo ID or Driver's License; Social Security Card; Previous Education Transcripts; $50.00 Registration Fee.
Applying online. You can apply to Healing Hands Massage Institute online through our online application portal. When applying online, our portal will ask you to sign in to our system in which you can use your email address to create your account and get started.
International students. International students (this does not apply to green card holders) must also submit a copy of the ID pages of a valid passport, expiring more than 6 months in the future; the Healing Hands International Students Affidavit Form (Financial and Language); and supporting financial documents. Documents must be in English, include the date of issuance, be liquid funds and be less than 6 months old — for example bank statements, sponsor salary statements, investment accounts, or Healing Hands scholarship or assistance letters. Upon arrival in the US, students must report to Healing Hands to provide a copy of their Immigration documents.
Transfers and re-enrollments. Students re-enrolling or transferring in from other schools must receive permission from the program director. Extra attention will be paid to Admission items such as Academic Suitability and Demonstrated Interest in Massage Therapy.
Criminal history. Any applicant who is concerned that a previous criminal history may make him or her ineligible for licensure as a massage therapist may submit a Request for Criminal History Evaluation Letter to the Department along with a $25 fee. The Department will evaluate the applicant's criminal history report and provide a written determination as to the applicant's current eligibility for licensure.
General Requirements
- At least 18 years oldApplicants must be 18 years or older.
- Educational backgroundPossess a high school diploma or its equivalent (e.g., GED), be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance (age 19 in Texas as per Education Code 25.085), or be concurrently…
- Health and safetyApplicants must be free of any contagious diseases.
- Physical abilityApplicants must be physically able to perform tasks related to massage therapy, including standing for extended periods and using their hands for massage techniques.
- Photo identificationSubmit a copy of a valid driver's license or government issued ID.
- Social security cardSubmit your social security number card or a copy of TDLR's "Occupational license application claiming to have no social security number".
- Registration feePay the $50 registration fee listed in the Fee Schedule.
- Selective Service registrationMale U.S. citizens or resident aliens born after 1960 must have registered with the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 25, as required by federal law.
Application Process
- 1Ask questions or schedule a tourSchedule a campus tour or a conversation with a student coordinator. Ask about programs, schedules, tuition, or how HHMI compares.
- 2Have your documents readyYou will need a form of identification (like a driver's license), your social security number, and previous education transcripts (like your high school transcripts).
- 3Use the school's online enrollment portalHHMI takes enrollment applications through its own online portal, which asks you to sign in with your email address. Most enrollment applications are processed within a few business days.
- 4Accept your enrollment agreementWhen your enrollment application is accepted, you will receive an enrollment agreement by email. Be sure to accept it — it is required before your first day of class.
- 5Make your first tuition paymentA student coordinator will then begin processing your first tuition payment. You can pay via the online student portal at my.hh.edu, or in person by credit card or Zelle.
Program Schedule
Classes start throughout the year. To meet the needs of students, Healing Hands Massage Institute offers classes that start at various times throughout the year. Completion time for this certificate is two and half months or six months plus an additional 50 hours of internship. Students are given 3 months to complete their internship.
Four weekly schedules. The class schedule page lists four ways to complete the program:
- Full-time (about 3 months): Monday to Thursday 8:30am–6:00pm, Friday 8:30am–12:30pm.
- Morning (about 6 months): Monday to Thursday 8:30am–1:00pm, Friday 8:30am–12:30pm.
- Evening (about 6 months): Monday to Friday 6:00pm–10:30pm.
- Español (Spanish evening, about 7 months): Monday to Thursday 6:00pm–10:30pm.
Internship hours happen outside of normal class times.
Graduate in as little as three months. Commonly referred to as our education bootcamp, our full-time schedule allows students to move through our accredited program quickly. This fast-tracked schedule allows students to accelerate their path to passing the MBLEx exam and attaining their massage therapy license, and become part of the fast-growing and lucrative massage industry.
Flexible hours, same high-quality education. Need to keep your current job or handle other commitments? Part-time schedules let you complete the full program in about six months without putting your life on hold. You'll cover the same comprehensive curriculum — just on a timeline that works for you.
Breaks. Students are given a 10-minute break every hour. Full-time classes have a 30-minute lunch break.
Enrollment periods. Enrollment begins 3 months prior to the scheduled start day of classes, or 6 months for night classes, and remains open until the enrollment deadline a week in advance of the start date or until the class is full. Limited seating: a class may fill before the deadline.
Holidays. The school is closed for New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the day before), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Additionally, Healing Hands does not schedule regular classes after the 20th of December. However, Internship may be available during this time.
Upcoming starts. The class schedule page lists the next start for each schedule, with an "Apply by" date a week earlier.
Our start dates are as follows:
- January 11, 2027 (full-time; apply by January 4, 2027)
- January 12, 2027 (evening; apply by January 5, 2027)
- February 22, 2027 (morning; apply by February 15, 2027)
- May 3, 2027 (Spanish evening; apply by April 26, 2027)
- January 11th, 2027
- January 12th, 2027
- February 22nd, 2027
- May 03rd, 2027
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
HHMI is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), a U.S. Department of Education recognized agency. This accreditation ensures our students receive a high-quality education that meets national standards for excellence and integrity.
This program: HHMI is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) as Massage Therapy School MS1060.
- Adheres to and maintains academic excellence standards
- Meets a minimum job hire rate for post graduates
- Complies with federal education standards
- Ensures minimum exam passing rates
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Tuition for the Basic Massage Program is $12 per hour for all courses except internship. The total tuition is $5,400, not including full program completion discount. HHMI does not charge for the internship portion of the program.
Tuition does not include application or any other fees such as enrollment fees, books, or supplies. Any discounts to tuition for scholarship or other purposes are applied upon graduation.
Other fees. The catalog's fee schedule lists:
- Registration fee: $50
- Administrative and Permitting Fee: $100
Other potential fees.
- Transcript Fee: $20 each (first copy is free)
- Transfer Fee: $45
- Late Fee: $25 per payment per month
- Student Scrubs: $80 (first is free)
Potential discounts.
- Full Program Completion Discount: $600 off total tuition. This is applied if a student completes the entire program, meaning the student enrolls in every course listed in the Program's Course Requirements and completes them.
- Payment in Full Discount: $300 off total tuition. To qualify, the student must have their entire tuition paid for before the first day of class for the student's selected schedule.
- "With Friends" Enrollment Discount: 2 people, $150 off total tuition each; 3 people, $250 off each; 4 people, $400 off each. The students must enroll for the same class, inform the admissions office, and all submit applications on the same day.
Books on loan. Healing Hands Massage Institute ("HHMI") provides required textbooks to students on a loan basis at no additional cost. All loaned textbooks must be returned in good condition within 30 days of enrollment end date, or immediately upon withdrawal or termination from the program, whichever occurs first. Failure to return a textbook, or returning a textbook in unacceptable condition, will result in a charge to the student's account equal to the full replacement cost.
Buying books instead. Students who prefer to purchase their own required textbooks may do so directly from the HHMI school store or independently from local retailers or online vendors. The school's Textbook Price List (revision 10/8/2025) prices Massage Therapy Practices and Principles, 7th Edition, at $85 and A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, 7th Edition, at $80.
Scrubs and supplies. Scrubs for class can be obtained at any scrub retailer, such as Scrubtastic, Amazon, or Walmart. Internship Scrubs must be obtained from the school; the first set is provided at no cost. Students will need to bring proper note taking supplies to school each day.
Liability insurance. HHMI will work with the student to obtain Student Liability Insurance by having them become a member of American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and the student will be given all information of liability insurance from AMTA.
Interest-free payment plans. Flexible, interest-free monthly plans starting at $300/mo so you can graduate with little to no debt. We offer monthly payment plans, with our lowest plan starting at $300 a month (for 16 months). We are currently not offering FAFSA or government subsidized loans as part of our tuition plans.
How to pay. Tuition may be paid on our online portal at https://my.hh.edu. Tuition may be paid in full, or in monthly installments; installment payments are for tuition only.
A late fee will be assessed for any monthly installments not received on or before the due date. Payments can also be made in person or through Zelle.
No federal student aid. HHMI does not currently accept funds from the U.S. Department of Education.
Veterans. HHMI is approved for funding through the G.I. Bill® for students that qualify for this benefit.
Prior to enrollment, veterans utilizing G.I. Bill® benefits must provide a Certificate of Eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance, a written request to use such entitlement, military and other transcripts, and any additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment. Students utilizing the GI Bill® are required to attend all classes on site.
Healing Hands will not impose any penalty, including late fees or denial of access to class due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under chapter 31 or 33. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Workforce funding. HHMI has been approved as an eligible training provider by Texas Workforce Commission.
Refunds. Healing Hands follows the refund policy required by the state of Texas. Healing Hands Massage Institute will issue a full refund of all monies paid by a student if the student cancels the enrollment agreement within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed. If a student does not cancel the enrollment agreement within 72 hours of signing, and the student fails to enter the program, not more than $200 will be retained by the school.
Curriculum
Program's course requirements. The catalog lists ten required courses for the 500 clock hours: 450 hours lab and classroom and 50 hours internship. The table below gives each course's code, clock hours, semester credit hours (SCH) and the catalog's description.
Online and in person. Anatomy and Physiology, Business and Ethics, Health and Hygiene, Hydrotherapy and Pathology are delivered online; Kinesiology, Massage Techniques I and II and the internship are in person.
Internship. Clock hours for the internship are measured in actual hands-on time with a patient. Additional time will be spent on prep, patient interviews, sanitation, writing session notes, meeting with the instructors for evaluation, and general down time. Students may not begin internship until they have each personally completed 250 hours of instruction with 100 of those hours being in massage therapy theory and techniques.
Minimum required books. Massage Therapy Practices and Principles, 7th Edition (ISBN 978-0-323-87815-9, Susan G Salvo), and A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, Critical Thinking and Practical Application, 7th Edition (ISBN 978-0-9982663-4-3, Ruth Werner). Additional recommended books are Trail Guide to Movement, 2nd Edition, and Trail Guide to the Body, 6th Edition, both by Andrew Biel.
Clock hour. A clock hour is 50 minutes of instruction regarding a specific subject matter.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Total | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Where the profession can take you. Massage therapy is a career that's as rewarding as it is flexible — offering paths to wellness, personal fulfillment, and real financial opportunity. Whether it's your first career, a change of field, or an addition to your existing skillset, massage therapy offers flexible scheduling, diverse career paths, and the opportunity to build your own practice on your own terms.
Branch into a career path of your own. Our graduates go on to work in a variety of settings. Work can be found from luxury spas to medical practices, and even launching your own business. Here are just a few of the career directions you might pursue:
- Spa Therapist: work in high-end spas, wellness retreats, or destination resorts.
- Medical Massage Therapist: partner with doctors, chiropractors, and rehab centers to support patient care.
- Sports Massage Specialist: help athletes recover, perform better, and prevent injuries.
- Mobile Massage Therapist: take your services on the road, offering in-home, office, or event-based massage.
- Massage Business Owner: open your own practice and be your own boss.
- Massage Therapy Instructor: train the next generation of therapists by becoming an instructor.
Job outlook. Massage therapist demand is expected to grow 15% by 2034, and the top 10% of massage therapists earn more than $97,450 a year. Sourced from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job placement. HHMI makes every effort to advise students who have completed the program and are eligible for employment of any known job openings. Postings are kept on the notice boards in the school. HHMI does not guarantee employment upon completion of the program.
Additionally, HHMI maintains relationships with massage establishments in the area. If you are seeking employment after licensure, do not hesitate to reach out to the Admissions Assistant or Student Coordinator.
Massage therapist licensing in Texas. To become a massage therapist in Texas, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Complete at least 500 hours of study, such as our 500-hour program, including 50 hours of internship.
- Submit your application to the State of Texas ($100).
- Pass either the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265 as of 9/29/2025), and also complete the Jurisprudence Exam (approximately $35), or the TDLR Texas Massage Therapist Examination ($60 as of 5/2/2025).
- Successfully pass a criminal history background check, including fingerprints (approximately $35).
Ineligibility for license. The state of Texas completes a background check as part of granting a Massage Therapist License. You may be ineligible for licensure if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor if the crime directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of a massage therapist.
Licensing in other states. For a complete list of licensing requirements and regulatory agencies in all states, contact the American Massage Therapy Association or Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Local ordinances may apply in the absence of state law. The student is responsible for knowing the licensing requirements for the state and local municipalities that they desire to work in.
What to expect as a Healing Hands Massage Institute student
The campus. Healing Hands Massage Institute occupies an approximately 5,000 square foot facility designed specifically to support both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. The space is organized into two distinct areas: the student side, which houses classrooms and student support spaces, and the clinical side, which houses the intern clinic and administrative offices.
Classrooms. The school has three classrooms of varying sizes, each accommodating up to 18 students. Classrooms are configured for the setup and breakdown of portable massage tables, allowing students to practice techniques in a realistic working environment. All classrooms are equipped with large-format displays to support instruction.
The intern clinic. The intern clinic is a professional-grade treatment facility where students complete their required internship hours under direct instructor supervision. The clinic is divided into 5 private bays, each separated by curtains that provide patient privacy while allowing instructors to monitor and assist. Each bay is equipped with a professional Oakworks electric massage table with heating.
Class size. To effectively teach both lecture and hands-on, class sizes are limited to a student/teacher ratio of 1 teacher for every 18 students.
Giving and receiving massage. An essential part of massage school is participating in giving and receiving massages. Students are expected to participate fully in giving and receiving massages, group activities, and all classroom assignments. Students are expected to disrobe to receive massage; private changing facilities are available and proper draping techniques will be taught to protect students' modesty.
Dress code. Students are required to dress in scrubs during in person classes; other clothing must be appropriate for use in a professional massage setting. Students will be required to wear school scrubs during internship. Shoes should be quiet.
Internship is treated like a job. Students are expected to show up on time and be ready for their first appointment before it is scheduled. As in a work setting, a student may refuse to work on any patient without fear of discipline, and may leave a session anytime they feel uncomfortable with the patient.
Attendance. Students must attend all the hours in their program to graduate. All absences must be made up to achieve the required hours; work with the student coordinator on scheduling make-up.
Grades. A student is graded on both written and practical examinations. To successfully complete each course, a student must achieve a satisfactory grade of 70% or higher: A is 90%–100%, B 80%–89%, C 70%–79%, and below 70 is a fail. A student will have up to three attempts to pass a Final Exam.
Graduation. To graduate, a student must have completed all required hours of the training program with a satisfactory grade of 70% (C) or better, completed all assignments and paperwork needed to replace incomplete grades and make-up work, and met all financial obligations to HHMI.
Student services. Students may use the kitchen area and bring food from home. Student parking has been designated along the east side of the building. Tutoring is available at an hourly rate to be determined by the instructor.
Getting here. Healing Hands Massage Institute is conveniently located in Richardson, Texas just outside of Dallas. There is easy access to all major Dallas freeways, so we're accessible from anywhere in the Dallas metropolitan area.
We also have DART light rail commuter stations, DART public buses and non-stop freeway access to Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport.