Massage Therapy Schools and Programs in Michigan

With a growing job outlook, receiving a degree in massage therapy can be the start of a rewarding career. The state of Michigan offers many schools and job opportunities for massage therapists in the field. Once a student has received their diploma or certificate, they can fulfill the licensing requirements and become a massage therapist.

Find Massage Therapy Programs in Michigan

Overview of Massage Therapy Schools and Curriculum in Michigan

At the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage therapy, student can learn the science behind giving massages. The school works to provide excellent education and helps each student to achieve their personal best. In Lapeer, Michigan, the Health Enrichment Center also offers a massage therapy course. In keeping with state requirements, the school requires students to attend 500 hours in class and 100 hours of coursework online. These classes begin every spring, winter and fall. The affordably priced program focuses on a small class format that takes about one year to complete for the average student.

For additional schooling options, students can check out Bloomfield Hills. The Oakland Community College offers a certificate program that includes 800 hours of training. Out of these hours, at least 360 will be focused on hands-on training. Since a successful career requires more than healthcare ability, the Oakland Community College also teaches students how to become successful entrepreneurs. As a community college, Oakland is an affordable alternative for students.

Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements in Michigan

In order to become a massage therapist, students must become licensed with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Massage therapists must attend a certified educational program and graduate. In addition, they must have a GED or high school diploma before the take the MBLEx exam or an alternative test. To become a massage therapist, students must successfully pass this test. Once the application is submitted, it can take six to eight weeks for the student to receive their license.

Job and Employment Outlook for Massage Therapists in Michigan

The state of Michigan currently has 1,510 massage therapists employed in the field. These workers make an average wage of $37,480. In 2012, this worked out to an hourly average wage of $18.02. The bottom ten percent of workers in the field made less than $17,430 while the highest ten percent of massage therapists earned more than $63,100 in Michigan. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in this field are expected to grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Once licensed there are a number of opportunities for you to pursue, with the most popular being in spas or becoming a self employed massage therapist.  In Michigan, there are a number of people who have pursued the later option and have proven to build successful businesses.  For example, Amy Prior Massage Therapy, offers a number of different massage therapies including deep tissue, Swedish and sports.