15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Minnesota in 2024 | How to Apply

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Are you in search of the best massage therapy schools in Minnesota? Search no more; you are in the right place at the right time.

This article fully reviews the best massage therapy schools in Minnesota, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.

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A decent massage can assist someone in relieving stress and experiencing a little relaxation. Whether you have a talent for untying knots or are just getting started in massage therapy, you may want to read more about massage therapy schools in Minnesota. 

Before enrolling in a massage therapy school, you should research the licensure requirements in your city. 

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Because there are no statewide regulations, licensure is usually done city-by-city. Most localities, however, do not require massage therapists to get licensing or certification before beginning their careers.

Read on to learn more about Minnesota’s best massage therapy schools.

See Also: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Missouri

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Are there Massage Therapy Schools in Minnesota?

If you attend any of the massage therapy colleges in Minnesota listed below, you can obtain your massage therapy licensure and other associated certificates.

  • Minnesota State Community and Technical College
  • Saint Paul College
  • Lake Superior College
  • Minnesota West Community and Technical College
  • Ridgewater College
  • Riverland Community College
  • Aveda Institute-Minneapolis
  • Northwestern Health Sciences University
  • CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic
  • Minnesota School of Cosmetology-Woodbury Campus
  • Professional Massage Academy
  • Ohana School of Massage

How Does one Become A Massage Therapist in Minnesota?

The first step toward becoming a massage therapist in Minnesota is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Extra health and science classes in high school prepare students for M.T. training.

Then it’s time to look for a postsecondary institution. To meet requirements in many other states, an accredited institution that provides at least 500 clock hours of massage therapy instruction is recommended. 

Employers may prefer candidates from colleges that offer programs that fulfill the norms of national certification bodies.

Anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hygiene, laws, and ethics are core subjects. 

Students learn the fundamentals of Swedish massage and practice in clinical settings. The rest of the curriculum varies from school to school. 

However, some programs cover more massage techniques than others, offer greater clinical experience, or educate students on how to start their businesses.

Graduates can begin looking for work immediately away. There are no test or licensing requirements, unlike practically every other state. 

Prospective practitioners, on the other hand, may improve their career prospects by taking the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination. 

They can register for the exam online through the National Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.

Also, continuing education seminars taken every two years keep a massage therapist up to speed on professional practices, rules, and regulations.

What are the Best Massage Therapy Schools in Minnesota?

After thorough research, rankings, reviews, and value offers, we have curated a list of the best Massage therapy schools in Minnesota, including the requirements, cost & how to apply.

Below is the list of the best massage therapy schools in Minnesota.

1. Minnesota State Community and Technical College

This Fergus Falls public institution offers massage therapy diplomas at its Wadena location. Some of the 34-credit program’s courses are available online.

Furthermore, Swedish, deep tissue, chair, sports, and integrative massage techniques are covered, as well as procedures for the face, abdomen, and particular groups such as the elderly. 

Other classes cover hydrotherapy, treatment planning, nutrition and well-being, professional standards, and ethical business practices.

Also, students apply what they’ve studied during the day to an evening clinic on campus that serves the community.

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2. Saint Paul College

A significant community college, SPC, provides three programs for future practitioners. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation has approved the courses.

The massage therapy certificate program consists of more than 600 hours of instruction. Graduates who continue their education for 600 hours can acquire a second certificate in clinical sports massage. 

The college also offers a therapeutic sports massage associate in applied science degree.

Students conduct patient assessments to develop healthcare programs. Friction treatment, active and passive engagement methods, trigger point therapy, scraping, fascial release techniques, manual lymphatic drainage, and advanced stretching modalities are all taught.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Vermont|2023

3. Lake Superior College

This Duluth community college boasts the third-lowest tuition rates in Minnesota’s state system. There are almost 90 programs available, including a diploma in massage treatment.

The curriculum includes 31 credits in more than 600 clock hours and is completed in less than a year. 

However, Stress reduction, Swedish massage, deep tissue treatment, full-body and chair massage, hydrotherapy, neuromuscular therapy, lymphatic drainage, somatic approaches, and business planning are all covered in classes. Massage techniques for pregnant women, older persons, babies, and athletes are also taught to students.

Additionally, a student clinic gives students hands-on experience, and the institution provides continuing education programs for practitioners.

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4. Minnesota West Community and Technical College

MWCTC is another public school with seven locations throughout southwest Minnesota. Massage therapy students attend classes on the Worthington campus.

The diploma program consists of 32 credits divided into fall and spring semesters. Healthcare and Society, Body Structure and Function, Introduction to Massage, Kinesiology, Basic Massage, Nutrition, Disease Conditions, Massage Therapy, Client Massage, MT Business Practices, and Spa Techniques are offered.

Also, admission requirements include CPR certification and performing assessment examinations.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Louisiana|

5. Ridgewater College

This public community college offers two massage therapy programs at its Willmar location.

Moving on, Swedish massage, essential Esalen massage, deep tissue therapies, hot stone applications, seated chair massage, reflexology, Shiatsu, myofascial release, energy work, pre/post event sports massage, Gua Sha, ear candling, spa body treatments, business practices, and client communications are all covered in a 30-credit diploma curriculum.

However, students take the same courses, electives, and general education subjects to earn a 60-credit associate in applied science degree. 

At the Student Massage Center, students from both departments provide services to the general public. The college has a 100% employment placement rate.

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6. Riverland Community College

RCC is a public institution in southeastern Minnesota that serves as a training ground for Nationally Certified Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers (NCMTB). On the Austin campus, students seek M.T. credentials.

The full-time, 12-month program is 736 clock hours long. Stress reduction, deep tissue massage, myofascial therapy, chair massage, reflexology, massage for specific populations, aromatherapy, acupressure, ear candling, cupping, spa treatments, and professional communication skills are among the topics covered. Students give massages to members of the public.

In addition, applicants take a test to determine whether they require English, reading, or mathematics classes. Incoming students must be CPR certified.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Connecticut

7. Aveda Institute-Minneapolis

The proprietors of this institution own 17 campuses across the country, including one in Minneapolis. 

Consequently, after completing 600 hours of teaching over 18 weeks, students are awarded massage therapy certification.

The approach is based on Ayurvedic principles. Reflexology, aromatherapy, floral and plant essences, wellness, business growth, and retail expertise are all available as courses. More than 90% of the ingredients used by students are certified organic.

Approximately three-quarters of graduates find work in the field. With career days and self-promotion teaching, the school assists with job placement.

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8. Northwestern Health Sciences University

NWHSU, a private school in Bloomington, features several massage therapy programs accredited by the prestigious Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.

A 964-hour certificate in therapeutic massage and a 535.5-hour certificate in relaxation massage are available. 

An associate in applied science degree can be obtained by completing 15 general education credits and three elective courses. 

Also, the programs range in length from 11.5 to 19.5 months. There are day and evening class schedules available.

Courses cover a variety of massage techniques, reflexology, hydrotherapy, craniosacral therapy, Reiki, orthopedic care, nutrition, energy-based medicine, and Chinese medicine and cupping, in addition to traditional studies.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in South Carolina

9. CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic

This Minneapolis-based for-profit institute offers four M.T. programs, including an associate in applied science degree.

Graduates of the 1,350-hour AAS program are eligible for national certification. It takes 20 months to complete full-time or 28 months to complete part-time. 

There are day and evening options available. Students complete two clinical rotations, one focusing on massage and the other on Shiatsu.

Shiatsu and therapeutic massage diploma programs each last 900 hours. A 600-hour massage practitioner certificate is also available. 

Additionally, advanced techniques, Shiatsu, traditional Chinese medicine, massage for special populations, and career development are all covered in all programs.

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10. Minnesota School of Cosmetology-Woodbury Campus

MSC, a privately owned university founded in 1950, began granting massage therapy certificates in 2018 on its Woodbury and Plymouth campuses.

The curriculum can be completed in as little as five months of full-time (35-hour-per-week) day sessions. 

Evening work takes twice as long as part-time (17.5 hours per week). The curriculum includes 700 hours of instruction, including 140 hours of teaching massage methods.

Advanced modalities, spa therapies, relaxation and rehabilitation techniques, rehabilitation, and massage business ownership are all covered in classes. 

Also, students spend 70 hours at an on-campus clinic practicing on real people.

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Read More: 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Illinois

11. Professional Massage Academy

The Professional Massage Academy is a ground-breaking hybrid massage therapy school that blends online massage therapy coursework with hands-on, in-person instruction. 

The innovative program gives you the freedom to complete coursework and hands-on training when it is most convenient for you. Reach your objectives at your speed and on your timetable!

However, massage therapy courses cover the theory, demonstration, and practical application techniques required to perform professional massage treatments confidently. 

The school’s theory and application are Western-based; nevertheless, the program does provide introductory theory and applications of eastern modalities and abilities.

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12. Ohana School of Massage

Massage therapists with advanced training are in high demand! With growing dissatisfaction with the Western medical system, many people are looking for safer, more natural ways to feel well. 

Massage treatment relieves pain naturally, lowers the effects of stress on the body, promotes a healthy immune system, and much more! Step out of the classroom and into a profession you enjoy!

However, the 625-hour massage therapy program provides you with the skills and tools you need to start a successful massage therapy profession. 

They think that by positively impacting people’s lives, they can make the world a better, happier place.

Also, paying for school might be one of the students’ most complex challenges when beginning a new educational program. 

Ohana School of Massage offers several options to alleviate the financial stress of attending school, giving you every chance at success!

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Also Read- 15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Philadelphia

How Long are Massage Therapy Schools in Minnesota?

Minnesota has more than a dozen massage therapy schools, from the Twin Cities to smaller towns. 

These include both public and private institutions. All schools provide certificate or diploma programs that last five months to a year.

However, massage therapist licensure is not governed by the state of Minnesota. Massage therapists are not yet required to be licensed or registered in Minnesota. 

Massage therapists must, however, be registered in many cities. It’s critical to check with your county or city’s Department of Public Health to see if you need to register as a massage therapist before you start working.

See Also-15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Oregon|Ranking

How Much are Massage Therapy Schools in Minnesota?

Massage therapy school tuition can be less expensive than a four-year college degree, though costs vary greatly depending on the curriculum.

Most schools require 500 to 1,000 hours of education to become certified massage therapists, with more intensive programs costing more.

While weighing your educational options, be sure you have adequate financial counsel.

Massage therapy school tuition fees vary greatly. Community college programs may cost as little as $5,000 to $7,000. Some people will charge you up to $20,000 for a one-year curriculum.

Don’t Fail To Read-15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Oregon|Ranking

How Much Do Massage Therapists Make in Minnesota?

A middle-level practitioner in this state earns roughly $48,700 per year, or $23.40 per hour, which is more than the national median of around $41,400, or $20.

The top 10% earn more than $89,100, or around $43, compared to $78,300, or $37.60, nationally. 

Also, the bottom 10% earn around $23,230, or $11.20 in Minnesota, and about $21,340, or $10.25 nationally.

However, in 2016, the state had 3,610 practitioners. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expected the figure to rise to 4,430 over the next decade, representing a 23 percent increase in job growth, close to the projected national median of 26 percent.

Conclusion

When you start your massage therapy training, you may study various courses about the human body and its functions. 

Furthermore, Anatomy & Physiology, Gross Anatomy Laboratory, and Kinesiology are examples of courses in this category. 

Once you understand how the human body works, you may begin learning unique massage techniques. 

Also, you can learn about several types of massage, such as Swedish and deep tissue. 

Because hands-on practice is an essential aspect of this degree, you may have the opportunity to work with actual patients to improve your skills.

I hope you find this article helpful.

FAQs

Is becoming a massage therapist in Minnesota hard?

Massage therapy programs are intense yet exciting for students who are passionate about well-being, challenging but not brutal, and interesting but not complex.

Is going to massage therapy school in Minnesota worth it?

Overall, massage therapists report high job satisfaction with their employment. Massage therapy was ranked among the best career paths in the 2021 U.S. News 100 Best Jobs survey. You can achieve a high level of job satisfaction by pursuing a degree.

Is massage therapy in Minnesota a stable career?

Overall, massage therapists report high job satisfaction with their employment. Massage therapy was ranked among the best career paths in the 2021 U.S. News 100 Best Jobs survey. 

Reference

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