Here is a list of massage programs in Florida. We’ve also gathered some information on massage therapy careers. Click on a school to find more specific information or just scroll down the page through all the schools and their programs.


An Introduction to Massage Careers

Massage and therapeutic massage is one of the oldest forms of recognized medical treatment for a wide range of illnesses. In addition to muscular complaints, massage can also be applied to help control stress as well as other physical, mental and emotional problems.

As more and more people look for viable alternatives to strong, prescription medication the massage profession has developed a strong, positive image. As a massage therapist or a therapeutic masseuse you will not only need the obvious physical skill of massage but also a varied knowledge of anatomy and the use of pressure points. Massage therapists deal with the public on a regular basis and so good customer care and communication skills are just as essential.

Nearly two-thirds of all massage therapists work on a self-employed basis; the remainder finding salaried work in hospitals, clinics, day care centers, and other health organizations. Most states stipulate a minimum education or training level that must be met before national certification can be acquired. All massage therapists must be accredited.

Employment and Earnings Statistics

There are approximately 100,000 massage specialists operating in the US. Approximately one out of every three massage professionals is self-employed. The majority of self-employed masseuses run their own business, but some work on a contractual basis. Massage therapists with salaried jobs tend to find work in physician’s offices, clinics, sports centers and spas and a majority work part-time with varied schedules.

The average hourly wage for a massage therapist is $15 per hour, including gratuities. Massage clinicians, i.e. those working in hospitals or clinics, rarely receive tips so receive an average of 15% less. However, they do have a steady income that is guaranteed.

The Future Outlook for Massage Professionals

The need for massage therapists is expected to increase heavily. An increased awareness of holistic therapies, particularly massage, means that the services of a massage therapist will be in great demand. Becoming accredited and gaining the best training available will greatly increase a candidate’s chance of earning a higher salary or attracting a larger clientele. All in all, the future is expected to be very positive for massage therapists with qualifications. Anyone looking to enter the profession should consider attaining an Associate’s Degree from one of the Florida massage schools in order to further increase their opportunities.

The Best Course of Education

An Associate’s Degree in massage therapy or a related area will, in short, offer candidates a much greater opportunity to gain an increased salary or a larger client base. Massage schools in Florida offer courses ranging from a diploma in massage therapy to an Associate’s Degree in advanced massage therapy. Each course offers all of the aspects that are vital to a successful career in massage therapy.

In order to become a massage therapist in Florida it is necessary to obtain a diploma from an accredited school, complete a two hour course on medical error prevention and submit an application and fee. Generally, the two hour medical error prevention course is included as part of any diploma or Associate’s Degree.

Massage Program Details

A specialized massage therapy diploma is the usual course for a potential massage therapist. As well as general therapeutic massage techniques, this diploma also teaches a very strong background in anatomy, kinesiology, ethics, business and physiology. The diploma takes into account the large number of accredited and trained massage therapists that become self-employed by studying business and ethics. It can be beneficial to complete an additional class in business studies to ensure you have the appropriate knowledge for running a massage business and, in particular, the statutes involved.

Additional Resources

If you are thinking about enrolling in a massage therapy program, you may want to read our article Finding the Right Massage Program to learn about the costs and curriculum differences among massage programs available in Florida.

Have we forgotten a Florida massage school?

If you know of a Florida massage school that we don’t have listed here, please let us know by contacting us.