Massage Therapy is a Diploma program offered by Texas Health School in Houston, TX. The program takes 500 clock hours (23 semester credits) — 35 weeks day or evening to complete, with a total tuition of $6,000.
Program Overview
The Massage Therapy Program is designed to provide the students with clinical and administrative skills needed to become a professional Massage Therapist as well as apply for the Massage Therapy Examination required for licensure as a massage therapist under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 455. Students learn massage based on Swedish theory and techniques. Throughout the program, the students will build on the Swedish massage foundation and learn various bodywork modalities.
The students are taught a detailed understanding of the human body that allows them to communicate with other healthcare professionals and develop complete treatment programs for their clients. This program meets the standards set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for licensing as a Massage Therapist.
How to become licensed in Texas. Massage therapists in Texas must meet licensing requirements set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), beginning with a state-approved massage therapist training program of at least 500 hours. Applicants must also submit a license application and complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through TDLR, and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.
500 hours. The program is 500 clock hours (275 lecture, 175 lab, 50 internship) and 23 semester credits over 35 weeks. The program is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Massage Therapy Program License #MS0160.
What sets this Program apart
Modalities and techniques. Students practice and develop proficiency in the five classic strokes of Swedish massage – effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration – and learn hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, and other clinical and energy-based massage modalities. Texas requires that at least 125 of the 200 technique hours focus specifically on Swedish massage.
Hands-on clinical training. Students complete 50 hours of supervised internship training, practicing their skills in a structured environment under the supervision of licensed massage instructors: applying classroom knowledge in real-world situations, developing professional client interaction skills, and building confidence before pursuing licensure.
Workplace skills. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and practice of basic patient-care concepts, provide massages to patients for a variety of lengths, use various massage techniques to manipulate muscles and soft tissue to treat chronic pain and injuries, and collaborate with traditional medicine to reduce pain and promote healing.
Licensing costs built in. The License Fee covers the $25 TDLR Student Permit, the $265 MBLEx exam, the $35 Texas Jurisprudence exam and the $100 initial Texas licensure application fee, and the books and handouts fee includes student membership to the Associated Bodyworks & Massage Professionals (ABMP).
Admission Requirements and Process
Texas Health School requires all applicants go through a multi-step admissions process as outlined below.
- An admissions representative will interview and determine the abilities and needs of the applicant.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age and must possess a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or a Home School certificate that is equivalent to a high school level diploma and is recognized by the student’s home state. Applicants with foreign transcripts must have them evaluated for equivalency to a U.S. high school diploma by a recognized evaluation service.
- Should an applicant not possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, he or she is required to take a test to determine the student’s ability-to-benefit (ATB) from the program; students admitted on that basis are not eligible for Title IV financial aid funding.
- All applicants eligible for enrollment must take a validated admissions test (Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam); the minimum score for Massage Therapy is 12.
- The applicant must complete an enrollment agreement and submit it with the registration fee deposit. If an applicant is not accepted, the full amount of the deposit will be refunded.
- Applicants requesting credit for previous education or training must submit an official transcript to the school and to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Massage Therapy Program; the program length may be shortened, and tuition reduced based on TDLR’s decision.
- Applicants must be aware that a prospective student is ineligible for licensure as a massage therapist if convicted of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, or receiving deferred adjudication for, crimes involving prostitution or another sexual offense, or until the fifth anniversary of a conviction for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony.
General Requirements
- High school diploma, equivalent or ATB testHave a high school diploma, GED or equivalent; otherwise pass the ability-to-benefit test for the program.
- Wonderlic SLE score of 12Achieve a Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam score of 12.
- EnglishBe able to read and write in English.
- Age 18All applicants must be 18 years of age.
- Background checkComplete a background check; certain convictions make a person ineligible for a Texas massage therapist licence.
Application Process
- 1Meet admissionsAn admissions representative will interview you to determine your abilities and needs.
- 2Complete the applicationComplete the Texas Health School Application for Admission.
- 3Take the Wonderlic SLETake the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam; the Massage Therapy minimum is 12.
- 4Meet with Financial AidComplete the Texas Health School Financial Aid Application and the FAFSA (school code 039873), or arrange monthly installments.FAFSA Code for Houston: 039873FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- 5EnrollSign the enrollment agreement with the registration fee deposit and attend the mandatory orientation.
Program Schedule
Day classes: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 12:00 noon. Evening classes: Monday through Thursday, 6:00pm – 10:00pm. Both run 35 weeks. Clinic internship hours are scheduled Monday through Thursday between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and Friday and Saturday between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Upcoming starts. The academic calendar lists evening classes starting November 9, 2026 (ending July 4, 2027); enrollment begins on scheduled start dates for day and evening classes, and the current calendar lists no day start.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited school means its training has been reviewed against independent standards that protect students.
This school: Texas Health School is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. It is approved and regulated by the Texas Board of Nursing, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of the program. The catalog addendum prints the following charges, which reconcile to the total cost paid to Texas Health School:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,000 |
| Registration Fee | $100 |
| Lab, Books, Handouts & Membership Fees (ABMP membership, textbooks, handouts, one set of scrubs) | $600 |
| License Fee (TDLR student permit $25, MBLEx $265, Texas Jurisprudence exam $35, initial licensure application $100) | $425 |
| Technology Fee | $200 |
| Total cost paid to Texas Health School | $7,325 |
Tuition does not include the cost of supplies, linens, scrubs, and oils, estimated at $50 to $150, for a total estimated cost of program of $7,375 to $7,475. Students who receive transfer credit will have the program cost prorated at $261 per semester credit hour. Once the ABMP membership has been purchased, there are no refunds.
Federal aid. Texas Health School participates in the Federal Pell Grant Program and the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and Direct PLUS loans). Students complete a Texas Health School Financial Aid Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, using federal school code 039873; the Financial Aid Representative reviews them and discusses tuition payment plans. The financial aid award year runs from July 1st through June 30th.
Other funding and payment plans. Students may be eligible for funds from Americorp, the Veterans Administration (VA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Texas Workforce Solutions (WIOA); students receiving alternate funding must present the agency’s authorization before starting school. Students who do not qualify for financial aid or who do not wish to apply for educational loans may make monthly tuition payments to the school. Texas Health School does not prohibit attendance or impose penalties while waiting on VA payments.
Cancellation. A full refund will be made to any student who cancels the enrollment contract within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed, or within the student’s first three scheduled class days, except that the school may retain not more than $100 in any administrative fees charged.
Curriculum
The Massage Therapy curriculum totals 500 clock hours (275 lecture, 175 lab, 50 internship) and 23 semester credits, listed course by course in the table below. Clinical internship can be scheduled following the successful completion of the first 250 hours of instruction, including at least 100 hours of massage therapy techniques and theory.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Lecture | Lab | External | Total | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the program are prepared for employment in private practice or positions with spas, salons, chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists, sports medicine, and wellness centers.
Licensing exams. In order to become licensed as a Massage Therapist in Texas, graduates must achieve a passing score in the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), as required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, along with the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.
Earnings. The school reports that in Houston many massage therapists earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year, with higher earnings possible based on experience, specialization, and workplace.
Career services. Texas Health School assists students in finding employment in entry-level positions in their chosen career fields and offers placement assistance to all eligible completers and graduates. Upon successful completion of the program the school will refer graduates and present their resumes to prospective employers; placement assistance includes resume writing, cover letter writing, finding job openings, mock interviews and career networking events. Texas Health School does not guarantee placement, nor does it guarantee that a graduate will earn a specific wage in their area of study.
What to expect as a Texas Health School student
Since 2002. Texas Health School was established in Houston in 2002 to provide specialized training programs needed to address the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. In 2019 it relocated to 11511 Katy Freeway to a larger more modernized facility. The school occupies approximately 12,000 sq. ft. on the second floor; the facilities include a computer lab, two nursing skills labs, a medical lab, two lecture rooms, and a massage clinic classroom, and the classrooms and labs are supplied with equipment and instruments related to the specific academic program of study.
Orientation. Accepted students attend a mandatory orientation session covering the school’s policies and procedures, the program’s curriculum overview, class schedules, the grading scale, available resources, the learning management system, and meetings with the faculty, registrar, career services, and financial aid department directors.
Internship. Before the clinic internship students complete an orientation with the internship coordinator, must have completed the required prerequisites, hold at least a 2.0 CGPA and be current on tuition payments. A first missed internship appointment results in a written warning; three result in termination from the program.
Dress code. Students are required to wear the school’s uniform in class and on externship. Shoes must be closed toe - closed heel and should be either white, navy, or black, and a school issued student ID badge is required to be worn at all times. Visible tattoos must be covered, fingernails must be short and clean with no polish, and use of cell phone, food and drink is prohibited in class or during clinical/externship activity.
Health insurance. Students are expected to maintain their own health insurance while attending Texas Health School and are responsible for any medical expenses incurred during the course of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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