There is no one answer to how long it takes to start practicing massage therapy. Programs for massage therapy certification vary in the number of requirements. At The Praxis Institute, there are two diploma programs from which to choose: Therapeutic Massage Technician and Advanced Therapeutic, Sports, and Clinical Massage. Prospective students for this healthcare training at our campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL, can choose a program based on personal timelines, plans, and specific interests.
Start a Massage Therapy Certification Program
If you are interested in massage therapy, you have likely experienced the wonderful, therapeutic benefits of massage yourself. Whether you receive a massage for simple relaxation from everyday stress or to find relief and rehabilitation for an injury, the beneficial effects are immediately apparent. Once you determine that you want to learn more and provide this kind of healing service to others, you are on your way to becoming a professional massage therapist.
You can begin learning in an introductory diploma course at The Praxis Institute. Students attend classes both online and on-campus. The therapeutic massage technician program offers 540 clock hours of theory and practice and covers the following subjects:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Massage theory and clinical practicum
- Introduction to allied modalities
- Florida State law
- Business principles and development
- HIV/AIDS
- Medical errors
- Professional ethics
In addition, students are required to complete 60 services for applied clinical training, including:
- Face and neck massage
- Hands and arms massage
- Abdomen massages
- Feet and legs massage
- Back massage
- Full body massages
With a focus on manual dexterity and strength, after graduation students are ready to take the licensure examination given by the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, as well as apply to receive their Florida State License.
Advanced Training for Massage Therapy Certification
Students who want to focus on specific advanced massage therapy, learn a variety of in-depth techniques, or prepare for a clinical setting may choose to enroll in a course that takes more time to complete. The advanced therapeutic sports and clinical massage program at The Praxis Institute includes 750 clock hours of studies and 115 hands-on services.
With a focus on spa therapies and sports massage, advanced courses in this program include:
- Theory and practice of hydrotherapy
- Deep tissue
- Neuromuscular therapy
- Manual lymph drainage
- Clinical rehabilitation (laser/ultrasound/electrostimulation, and infrared)
Additional advanced service experiences include:
- Deep tissue massage
- Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) massage
- Sports massage
- Pathology
Once students complete the advanced training and receive their diploma, they are ready to complete either the licensure exam in the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. And they can apply for a Florida State license, as well.
How Long Will It Take to Earn My Diploma?
The Praxis Institute offers flexible schedules as outlined in the catalog, to accommodate both daytime and evening students. In addition, many of the theory courses are taught online. With rolling, weekly start dates, it can take as little as one week to enroll and start in either program for massage therapy certification. And courses at The Praxis Institute are taught in both English and Spanish.
Depending on your exact schedule, it can take as little as six months to complete the program for Therapeutic Massage Technician when attending daytime classes for 20 hours a week. Evening classes are scheduled at 16 hours a week and the program can be completed in eight months.
The program for Advanced Therapeutic Sports and Clinical Massage can be completed in nine months if students attend daytime classes for 20 hours a week. Evening students can plan to attend classes for 16 hours a week, for at least 14 months.
Enroll Today for Massage Therapy Certification
Obtain certification in massage therapy at an accredited health care career training school. The Praxis Institute, with campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL, offers competitive pricing and is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in its Title IV Financial Aid programs. Take advantage of our bilingual options and flexible class schedules to start your career in massage therapy. Contact us for more information.
