Massage Therapy
As a clinical massage therapist, you’ll learn how to apply massage techniques to treat
soft tissue injuries, chronic pain and myofascial injury, and structural postural
distortions. This is a very rewarding career as you are often helping people relieve
pain through therapeutic touch. Clinical Massage Therapy can take you into the world
of healthcare and beyond. Sports medicine, chiropractic, neonatal, geriatrics and
health spas have demand for these skills. This non-credit program, consisting of 694
contact hours, prepares students to take the Federation of States Exam for Massage
Therapy (MBLEX).
Program Information
You can be on your way to a rewarding career in only seven months! Our next massage therapy cohort starts February 3rd, with a projected completion date of July 17th for the first course. Depending on the path you choose, the second course will begin on July 21st or 22nd and end on August 27th or 28th. Students will also need to attend a two hour orientation on either January 28th or January 30th prior to the start of class.
- The average Clinical Massage Therapist makes $60,982 annually with top earners bringing in over $100,000.
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% increase in demand for massage therapists
from 2020 to 2030.
- This is an estimated growth of over 46,000 jobs.
Program Tuition will cost $9,995. This rate is extremely competitive, with other programs in the region costing over $20,000. Furthermore, massage therapy students, who live in South Carolina, are eligible for SC Wins funding, which provides up to $5,000 of financial support, significantly reducing cost.
As part of registration, you must do the following:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Submit a copy of your high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma, or official or unofficial college transcript.
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be physically capable of performing tasks associated with massage therapy and massage therapy techniques.
- Attend an orientation session.
If a rewarding, high paying career in a growing industry is right for you, then what are you waiting for? Get started with Massage Therapy today!
Register for the Massage Therapy Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Tuition for this Clinical Massage Therapy is $9,995. This does not include additional fees for books and scrubs.
The program at York Technical College is 694 contact hours. Students are required to attend an orientation session.
The book for the program costs $106 and can be purchased at the bookstore or other textbook provider. Scrubs for the program must be purchased at the bookstore. A set of scrubs is $90.
Students must have a high school diploma, GED, or college degree to meet state exam requirements.
Yes, students must pay for a SLED background check as part of the enrollment process. The cost for the SLED background check is $25. Background checks will be ordered by the Workforce and Economic Development department.
The background check is listed as a fee during the registration process. A copy of your driver’s license or state issued identification must be uploaded.
Yes, students should be able to perform physical tasks required in massage therapy.
- Massage therapists perform a range of physical tasks that require both strength and endurance. They spend significant time on their feet, moving around the massage table to access different parts of the client’s body. Using their hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, and sometimes feet. They apply pressure, knead muscles, and perform a variety of massage techniques to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve circulation. These movements often require strong hand and wrist muscles, as well as precise control to vary pressure and technique. Proper body mechanics are essential to prevent strain, so massage therapists rely on core strength, good posture, and flexibility to avoid injury and sustain their practice. Massage Therapist may need to reposition clients and set up equipment, which involves lifting and bending.
Yes, financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Options include:
- SC Wins Scholarship: Provides up to $5,000 for eligible students. SC Wins is for tuition only. Students must complete an application.
- Loan Options: Students may also apply for private loans.
Financial assistance details are available on the Workforce and Economic Development website at York Technical College.
Yes, completion of this program qualifies students to sit for the MBLEX, which is required by the state of SC before applying for state licensure, provided all requirements are met.
Yes, there is a fee to take the MBLEX exam. The MBLEX exam is a partial requirement. The state also has additional requirements to apply for a license.
Those who wish to obtain a massage therapy license in South Carolina, must apply through the South Carolina Board of Massage Therapy.
The program at York Technical College is designed to meet the South Carolina Board of Massage Therapy requirements to qualify students for licensure in South Carolina. Students would need to contact the state they wish to obtain a license for that state’s specific requirements. Most states require education of a minimum of 650 contact hours. The Clinical Massage Therapy program at York Tech is 694 contact hours. York Technical College does not know the requirements for other states.
While enrolled in the Massage Therapy program, students are provided free membership in the American Massage Therapy Association. Information on how to join will be provided during the required student orientation.