Washington Massage Therapy Schools - WA

Massage Therapist Education in Washington

To become a certified and licensed massage therapist in Washington, there are a number of guidelines to follow, including completing an educational program through an online program or Washington massage school that is approved or accredited by the state. Interestingly, Washington State approves a number of schools that are located in other states. The list of acceptable school programs, then, is pretty extensive.

Once admitted to one of these online programs or massage therapy schools in Washington, students can expect a combination of lectures in traditional medical courses such as anatomy and physiology and hands-on clinics that let students explore such techniques as Swedish massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and acupuncture. Other coursework, including business management, will help students prepare for running their own businesses. As required by state requirements, students will also be exposed to classes in ethics.

Programs typically last from six to 15 months and cost much less than a traditional four-year education. Financial aid is almost always available. While the state requires 500 hours of practical work, some programs provide students with as many as 650 hours of training and offer day, night, and weekend programs.

At the conclusion of the program—which always include practical work—students will receive a degree and be prepared to take the national exam, the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Once they pass this examination, students may apply to the State of Washington for licensure.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Massage Therapists in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and Bellevue, Washington may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the University of Washington Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center.