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Massage
Therapist

massage therapy

Your Massage Therapist Career Training Starts Here

Are you interested in alternative medicine and wellness? Have you thought about transforming your passion into a profession?

Industry demand for massage therapists is growing faster than the average for all occupations.^ Swedish Institute’s massage therapy program is perfect for breaking into this in-demand field. We are the only massage therapy school in the country with over a century of continuous experience educating and training students to become professionally licensed massage therapists.

“The job openings for Massage Therapists that come into my office each month far exceed the number of graduates we have available to fill them. The employment market for Massage Therapists is very hot right now.”

Richard Gardner,
Director of Career Services, Swedish Institute

What to Expect in the Massage Therapy Program

Our Massage Therapy Program is available in a variety of schedule options to fit anyone’s schedule. We offer five-semester (20-month), six-semester (24-month), and eight-semester (32-month) schedules. Massage Therapy classes are available in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays. Pursue your new career in a timeframe that works with your schedule. Complete our Massage Therapy program in as little as 20 months.

A massage therapist aims to help clients achieve wellness and healing through massage and bodywork. You will use massage techniques to help people relax, reduce pain, and treat various medical conditions in different settings. Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy program blends Western and Eastern massage theories and techniques. Hands-on practice and massage therapy classes teach the basics of anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and kinesiology. You will also learn patient-care practices, client-service skills, ethics, business practices, and professional development.

Throughout your massage therapy classes, you will learn to master your technique by working with real clients at our on-site P.H. Ling Stress Reduction Clinic and Therapeutic Clinic, and off-site community service externships. The on-site clinic and off-site externship prepare you for your new career with real-world training.^

Upon successfully completing the Massage Therapy program, you’ll earn an Associate in Occupational Studies degree (AOS) as authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. You will also be eligible to take the New York State licensure exam.^ Upon passing the exam, you will be a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and enter the profession.

massage therapy

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

Massage Therapists work with clients to achieve holistic wellness by relieving stress and pain using various massage techniques. As a licensed massage therapist, your methods and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Performing and documenting client intake interviews, to understand their health status and concerns, and track treatment progress as their health condition evolves.
  • Using client intake information to assess client conditions and develop safe and effective massage treatment plans.
  • Implementing treatment plans by applying appropriate massage techniques to the soft tissues of the body.
  • Recommending and educating clients on methods for self-care—such as stretches, exercise, and hot/cold therapies—to extend the benefits of massage outside the session.

Massage Therapy in the 2026 US News and World Report Jobs Rankings§

#3 in Best Health Care Support Jobs
#9 in Best Jobs Without A [4-yr] Degree
#25 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A [4-yr] Degree
#61 in 100 Best Jobs

Career Opportunities
for Massage Therapists

gym icon
Spas, gyms, and
health clubs
therapy clinic icon
Massage therapy
clinics
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Chiropractor and
doctor’s offices
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Sports medicine
facilities
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Resorts and
hotels
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Holistic health
clinics
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Private sector and
self-employment

Salary Opportunities for Massage Therapists

According to the May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the annual average wage for a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of New York is $67,860.* Salary will vary based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and duties being performed. Year after year, this profession has been ranked as one of the top careers by sources like U.S. News and World Report.

testimonials

  • “I am a recently graduated student and it is incredible all the job offers I have received. I feel thrilled and proud to have been part of the school the teachers are amazing and supportive. I felt very prepared for the State Board Exam.”

    Y. Diaz,

    Massage Therapy Graduate

    Class of 2023

  • “Had a great experience going through the massage therapy program here. The classes were small enough that I was able to get great supervision and insight from the skilled professors who were able to teach from their own experiences with massage over their careers. I left the school feeling competent and confident with my abilities, and comfortable knowing that I had the support of my professors and the staff to assist me with getting started. Would definitely recommend any other aspiring massage therapists to come here!”

    T. Costello,

    Massage Therapy Graduate

†Applies to full-time students only.

* Salary Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. Information is for Massage Therapists in New York State and Nationally. Data from May 2025. https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home. Site visited 6.8.2026.

^ Growth Projection Source: The Occupational Outlook Handbook on Massage Therapists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from May 2024. Site visited 6.8.2026.

§ Information from the US News and World Report Rankings from 2026. Information subject to change. Find the full lists on the US News and World Report website. Site visited 3.31.26

National long-term projections and salary averages may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual growth or any particular salary. Swedish Institute does not guarantee employment. Swedish Institute cannot guarantee a student’s eligibility either to take any exam or become certified, registered, or licensed.

Swedish Institute was founded in 1916 and is the country’s oldest continuously operating massage therapy institution. Its programs are registered by the New York State Education Department. Accredited by ACCSC. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please visit student consumer information. Learn more about our Personal Protection Policy.