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Career and School Info for Massage Therapists in California



  School and Career Overview

Massage Therapists photo

 

Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:

Schools Concentrating On Massage Therapists

  • Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at De Anza, Fullerton College, West Valley College, and Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Fastest Response From Schools

  • Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.

Student Body

  • Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Advanced, LA College International, SBBC-Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara Business College.
  • Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider ICDC, University of Antelope Valley, and LA College International.
  • Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Monterey Peninsula College, West Valley College, Pacific College, and De Anza.

School Setting

  • Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of LA College International, De Anza, Santa Barbara Business College, and Monterey Peninsula College.

Excellence

  • % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at SBBC-Santa Maria and Santa Barbara Business College.
  • Class Size: For small class sizes, look at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, SJVC Modesto, and ICDC.

 

Read Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Spotlight California Schools Related to This Career

Anthem College

  • Locations: Sacramento
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Diploma

Charter College

  • Locations: Canyon Country, Lancaster, Long Beach
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Diploma

Kaplan College

  • Locations: Palm Springs, Riverside, Vista
  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Diploma

Milan Institute of Cosmetology

  • Locations: Fairfield
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Diploma

Bryan College

  • Locations: Rancho Cordova
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

Marinello Schools of Beauty

  • Locations: Hemet, Redding, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara
  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Certificate

American Career College

  • Locations: Anaheim, Los Angeles, Ontario
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Certificate

Milan Institute

  • Locations: Bakersfield, Clovis, Indio, Visalia
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Diploma

California Healing Arts College

  • Locations: Los Angeles
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Certificate

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Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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National Holistic Institute • Emeryville, CA
Studying Core 720 Program - Massage Therapy (completion in 2010)

• 5/2/2011

"I am very satisfied, mostly because the school taught me some pretty unique holistic techniques that I have been able to implement. They also helped me get a job pretty quickly, which, in this economy, I definitely appreciate."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesBecause people who pick up massage therapy are normally trying to either supplement one income or are leaving their old work field, I would definitely recommend this school. They teach you really well and help set you up with work. Overall it was a great experience and I definitely recommend it, as long as you can afford it.
Program Reputation8Because my school focuses on holistic techniques, it's much more specialized than other schools. Most people seem to find that pretty appealing, but overall most of my clients aren't too familiar with the school's reputation.
Program Quality8I like that my school taught a variety of techniques instead of focusing on just one. The school had really great teachers, but again was pretty expensive.
Instruction8The teachers were really good and seemed pretty experienced. Overall they taught us all different types of techniques, which has definitely been helpful in my work.
How Difficult7There were a lot of different techniques to learn, so there was a lot to handle. But the pace of our coursework was good and the teachers made sure you knew exactly what you were doing before you moved forward.
Hands-On vs. BookishWe did slightly more hands on stuff. For me, this was definitely a better way to learn, but I understand why the books are important too.
Schedule Flexibility5There isn't too much flexibility, but the school did have a lot of offerings. For me it was easy to keep up with classes because I didn't have a job at the time.
Academic Facilities8The facilities were really nice and so were the learning materials they gave us. Overall, it wasn't very high tech though, but that was probably because it has a more "holistic" angle.
Social Life8The class was mostly made up of girls, but some guys too. Overall, everyone was very friendly, but I think that was more the nature of my school than the program itself.
Placement Services10They were able to get me a job pretty much right away. They were super helpful and made sure to assist me when I needed help.
Alumni Network5I still talk to people from my program, and the school does a good job of helping alumni to get jobs. But other than that I don't participate in any alumni programs.

Kaplan College • Riverside, CA
Studying Massage Therapy Program (completion in 2010)

• 5/3/2011

"The school was fun and it was easy to learn. Instructors were fantastic."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThis is the best school in the area for this field. I highly recommend this school for its massage programs.
Program Reputation6After the investigation by Congress, the reputations of for-profit schools aren't so good. Despite this, Kaplan has the best reputation of them all.
Program Quality10The school was very fun and educational. I learned a ton of useful information that helped me get certified in the state of CA.
Instruction10The teachers and staff were fantastic. They did a good job of teaching us relevant and up-to-date information.
How Difficult8The program was difficult and satisfying. It wasn't overwhelming, but there was enough work to feel like you get your money's worth.
Hands-On vs. BookishThere was a lot of book learning at the beginning of the program. After that, there was a great deal of hands on learning.
Schedule Flexibility8They offer both night and day classes. There is always availability, so you can pick which ever works best for you.
Academic Facilities3There is no library. They have a computer room, though.
Social Life6I have nothing in common with others who went to this school, so I didn't make many friends.
Placement Services9The career placement program got me a great job. They worked hard to help me out.
Alumni Network3There is no alumni network that I know of. They do have job placement programs, though.

American Institute Of Massage Therapy • Santa Ana, CA
Studying Sports Massage Therapist (completion in 2005)

• 12/4/2011

"I enjoyed the small class sizes. I wish there were more resources and more modalities taught."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noThere are other schools that offer more in terms of curriculum, resources, job placement, etc.
Program ReputationNo one has ever heard of the school in the industry. It's very small.
Program Quality5I feel that the school was just a business. It was not established with the student in mind.
Instruction5We were taught the very basics. The business and economic side of massage was not addressed.
How Difficult7It wasn't difficult. Anatomy is hard, but that's about it.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt's a decent mix of both. Massage is naturally hands on, so there is no avoiding that.
Schedule Flexibility5They have two options. Morning or evening.
Academic Facilities4Resources are scarce. Staff support is nonexistent.
Social Life1The classes are too small to establish any outside activities. They don't have any events.
Placement Services5They have a job board, but it isn't updated frequently. They have no established relationships with employers, unlike other schools.
Alumni Network1There is no such thing in existence. There is no support.

Everest College • Hayward, CA
Studying Massage Therapy (completion in 2008)

• 12/14/2011

"I was satisfied, primarily because I learned a lot and it ultimately got me to my goal of becoming a CMT. The school experience also made me more in tune with myself."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeEverest is in an area that is not so great. For people who did not care about that, I would definitely recommend it.
Program Reputation8Everest College offers several different specialized training programs. Massage therapy is not one of the programs they are most known for, but many aspiring massage therapists keep Everest as an option for their coursework.
Program Quality8In the middle of my program, my teacher was promoted to principal of the school, so it was a huge interruption that made it more difficult to adjust. However, they offered lots of good firsthand training.
Instruction8It was difficult after my teacher left, because she knew my learning style and was familiar with my learning disability. Had there not been this interruption, I would say the training was flawless. My original teacher was very knowledgeable and this allowed me to succeed.
How Difficult7There was a lot of memorization of anatomy and physiology, which required a lot of studying after class. But with outside training involved, I was able to learn about our own bodies and understand what I did.
Hands-On vs. BookishIn my experience, the first half of the class was from the book and the second part of the class was lab. The training also involved off-site experience, to get firsthand exposure.
Schedule Flexibility7When I attended this school in 2008, there were no weekend course options, nor were there online options; however, they had evening courses available. I do not know if they have changed since.
Academic Facilities8There were computer labs available and good guidance counseling. Professors were approachable at all times when they were on campus, and there was an abundance of resources for students.
Social Life4Since this was a school without sports teams, there was not a lot of school spirit present. The closest thing we had to social events was when a class was completed, teachers would have a potluck.
Placement Services10They make a very strong effort to find the right jobs for their students, after completion of the coursework. They also help students construct their resumes and cover letters.
Alumni Network5Everest College offered a lot of one-on-one counseling for support. They also help students find a job in their field of study after graduating.

California Healing Arts College • West Los Angeles, CA
Studying Massage Therapy (completion in 1995)

• 1/8/2012

"I really like CA Healing Arts. I recommend this school to anyone who is interested. There are so many great classes, payment options, etc. Great school with a great reputation!"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would recommend this school to others pursuing massage therapy. There are excellent instructors. It is a very clean school. They have great classes and easy payment plans, and you will find work after you graduate! They also answer all of your questions.
Program Reputation10I have only heard excellent things about the school. I have also heard massage therapy is still a great field to get into.
Program Quality10One of the best schools ever! I loved it. They teach a lot of different classes.
Instruction10They were the best instructors! Very in depth and I learned a lot.
How Difficult7It is very physically demanding and you are on your feet a lot. I also had to work while going to school. It was not easy and was very expensive.
Hands-On vs. BookishMainly hands on with massage therapy. But we did have a lot of reading; there were anatomy, physiology, herbology, aromatherapy, and first aid/CPR classes.
Schedule Flexibility10It was great, because there were morning classes, night classes, and weekend classes. One time I needed to switch, and they offered a lot of flexibility.
Academic Facilities5The school is not that large. The classes were nicely sized. There was not much of a school library.
Social Life10We had a few great parties and events at the school. We also had great guest speakers and I learned a lot.
Placement Services8They have pretty good career placement. But as always, it is best to assert yourself. We cannot depend on a school to get us a job. There is always work as a massage therapist if you are good at it.
Alumni Network7There are always great job offers after you graduate. I do keep in touch with a few alumni and we job network.
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