Massage Therapy

U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online Massage Therapy School will prepare you for the certification exam (MBLEx) and an entry-level role as a massage therapist.

The Massage Therapy Program integrates theory and hands-on training, providing students with the skills necessary to effectively assess clients’ needs, prepare therapeutic treatment plans and apply appropriate massage techniques. Beginning with instruction in anatomy and physiology, students build on this foundation of knowledge by learning contraindications to massage and principles of assessment. Students then learn massage theory for common massage modalities and begin practicing their massage skills. The program concludes with an on-site hands-on training (HOT) program in which students master their massage skills under the supervision of certified massage therapy instructors. The student’s tuition includes all lessons and other instructional materials listed on the Program Outline. Prior to attending hands-on training, students must pay their tuition in full. The tuition does not include travel or accommodation costs for the training. Graduates of the program are students who successfully complete the academic and hands-on training and pay their tuition in full. As a graduate of our program, you’ll learn everything you need to know to start your new career. You will develop hands-on skills to help your clients' recover from injury, avoid the harmful effects of stress, and live a healthier life. In this course, you’ll study the basics of therapeutic massage techniques and advanced concepts in anatomy, human physiology and kinesiology. In addition, you’ll will be trained to implement business and marketing strategies and effectively communicate with healthcare professionals and clientele.

• 5-day money-back commitment
• DEAC Accredited
• 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
• Proven Results: 82% MBLEx Pass Rate vs. 71% National Average
• 650 hours (450 hours of online theory, 200 hours hands-on training)
• One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
• Start learning today - no waiting period!
• A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
• The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Lead instructor/course expert. Beth earned her Master of Business Administration from Towson University and her Bachelor of Arts from Converse College. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Certified Reflexologist with the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board and Reflexology Registry. Beth holds certifications in Pre- and Post-Natal Massage and Infant Massage.

To qualify for enrollment in the Massage Therapy Program, an applicant must:

• Certify that she/he is a high school graduate, holds a state-approved Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or its equivalent, or has completed college-level coursework; or otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary-level coursework (including test evidence).
• Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
• Be at least 16 years of age to enroll in the theory portion of the program.
• Be at least 18 years of age to attend the Hands-On Training.

Students taking the program for avocational reasons may decide not to incur the cost of traveling for the hands-on training. It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether credits or certificates from this institution will transfer to other institutions or meet local/state or employers’ training requirements.

U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.

The Massage Therapy program is 650 clock hours, delivered in 24 lessons with 24 quizzes. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.

The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book. U.S. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy program is a combination of theory and hands-on-training. Our program is 650 clock hours – that breaks down to 450 online theory hours and 200 hands-on training hours. The 200 hours of hands-on training is condensed into 4 weeks of onsite training at our Fort Collins, CO Massage Therapy School. We generally hold between 6-8 sessions of hands-on-training per year. In order to receive a certificate of completion, students must finish the entire program. All hands-on training occurs over a 24-day period in Fort Collins, Colorado. Students should contact the school prior to enrollment if they want to complete only the theory portion through USCI so tuition can be adjusted; in that case the student will not be a graduate of USCI’s Massage Therapy program.

U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your massage therapy education affordable. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!

• Option 1, pay in full: $5,689 (save $400); the application charge is waived.
• Option 2, monthly auto payments: $6,089 in total at $169 a month, with a first payment of $169, plus a one-time $29 application charge.

First payment includes $140 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.

5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.

The 2026 catalog price list gives Massage Therapy tuition as $3,589, and Massage Therapy and Hands-on Training as $6,089. Prior to attending hands-on training, students must pay their tuition in full; the tuition does not include travel or accommodation costs for the training.

Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.

All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.

U.S. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy program prepares you to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) administered through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). Included in the Massage Therapy program, we cover the cost of your MBLEx exam through the FSMTB - $265 value!

MBLEx exam pass rate 82% vs. 71% National Average.

As of March 8, 2024, our program can be used to fulfill the education requirements and/or gain certification or licensure in many states.

Massage Therapists bring the benefits of health and relaxation to millions of people all across the country. This career will allow you to make a living out of helping others feel better. And, as a Massage Therapist, you can choose the flexibility of being your own boss and working your own hours.

As a fully trained professional massage therapist, you can work for spas, resorts, clinics, health clubs, pro sports teams, cruise lines, or even start your own business from your home.

Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.

Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive games, flashcards, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.

Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).

Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.

Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.

Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.