Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to be certified in order to practice as a massage therapist? How quickly can I earn a degree in massage therapy? Does massage therapy as an industry show any signs of slowing down? Is it better to learn massage therapy on a campus or through an online school? Can you recommend a good massage therapy program? Do I have to be certified in order to practice as a massage therapist? Yes. Most states and the District of Columbia require that massage therapists be licensed. That's because they provide medical treatment to patients who are recovering from illness or injury. As such, it is essential that they master the necessary skills to provide such care. For a list of regulatory requirements by State, click here. (hyperlink to the list of regulations) How quickly can I earn a degree in massage therapy? This depends on what type of degree you want to pursue, but a typical program might last anywhere from 12 months to several years. There are some accelerated programs that can certify you even faster in certain cases. Does massage therapy as an industry show any signs of slowing down? All signs suggest that massage therapy will continue to grow quite rapidly in the foreseeable future. For better or for worse, we are experiencing more stress and more pressure than ever before. Not to mention that Americans are extremely fond of practicing bad habits (poor eating, no exercise, bad posture, etc.) so illnesses and injuries are much more likely to occur. Thus, there'll always be demand for those with proper massage therapy skills. Is it better to learn massage therapy on a campus or through an online school? It really depends on your current commitments, lifestyle, and location. Some prefer to receive one-on-one instruction from a certified teacher. The disadvantage of doing so, however, is that you must adhere to whatever schedule your school or instructor gives you. This is not very convenient for working professionals or stay-at-home parents who have commitments throughout the day. Others prefer online schools because of the freedom and flexibility they offer. You can take classes at times that are convenient for you. Not to mention that online schools are usually cheaper than traditional campus schools. The disadvantage, however, is that you don't always receive the same level of attention since your instructor might be in a city quite far from your home or office. Can you recommend a good massage therapy program? Because every student has different needs or educational requirements, it's very difficult to recommend just one or two programs. But we can put you in touch with numerous programs that will satisfy whatever requirements you may have. If you'd like to get in touch with some of our favorite massage therapy schools, click here.   CONTACT US | USEFUL RESOURCES | SEARCH