Massage Schools in New York State
Browse our directory of massage therapy schools in New York, or skip ahead to learn about the state's massage therapy licensing requirements and job outlook.
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You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
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Massage Therapy Schools Near Me
Check out the Massage Therapy schools these cities in New York have to offer.
How to Become a Masseuse in New York
- 500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 3 years.
- 26 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for massage therapists in New York is $47,350 ($22.76/hour). This is higher than the national average of $42,820 ($20.59/hour).
- There is a predicted 28% job increase between 2016–2026 for massage therapists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 22%.
Many people are attracted to the hustle and bustle of New York City as a potential place to go to massage school. The fun and excitement is extremely attractive to many, and there are certainly many massage schools located in New York City. However, there are also many New York massage schools located all over the state, so no matter what type of environment a person is looking for, they can find an option in New York.
Massage therapy schools in New York are located in a number of different environments, from urban areas in Manhattan and the other boroughs, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, to smaller towns in more rural neighborhoods. Massage schools in New York are located in a beautiful state with professional sports teams, beautiful countryside, and many cultural options.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a massage therapy license
The State of New York has some of the more stringent educational requirements for licensing massage therapist. NY requires 1000 hours from a New York massage therapy college approved by the Education Department. Classes include topics like anatomy, physiology, neurology, myology or kinesiology, pathology, hygiene, first aid, CPR, infection control procedures, as well as the theory, technique and practice of both oriental and western massage and bodywork therapy. At least 150 hours of each massage therapy program will be practice of massage in a student clinic. New York is one of the few states who do not require completion of a national exam. However, the state has their own Massage Therapy Examination that students must pass for their license. Applicants must also submit evidence of proficiency with the English language, if English is not their first language.
Education Details
Massage therapists in New York and around the country are licensed health and wellness professionals that apply a variety of scientifically developed massage techniques to the soft tissues of the body to improve circulation and muscle tone. Massage therapists work to reduce physical and mental effects of stress, prevent illness and improve the well-being and health of their clients. Massage therapists also receive training business and professional ethics, business management techniques and other programs designed to increase their success in private practice. A massage therapist combines excellent bodywork with a thorough understanding of the human body. Many massage therapy students also participate in outside activities that help their communities.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
New York State has a 500-hour training requirement for licensed massage therapists to complete to work professionally. Once you complete your training, you will take a written exam, and apply for initial licensure. The cost of your first license will be $108. You will be required to complete at least 36 hours of continuing education units between each renewal. You will renew your license every three years, which includes a $55 fee. When you are comparing programs, be sure to ask each school how they help massage therapists find work after completion.
New York Massage Therapy Careers
Average yearly salary for massage therapy in New York
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists in New York earn an annual mean wage of $47,350 before tips. Therapists in the state earn between $24,130 and $89,630 per year on average according to the BLS 2010 report. The White Plains-Wayne metropolitan area ranks 9th in the nation for highest employment of massage therapists among all cities ranks. Rochester, New York ranks as the 8th highest paying city in the nation, with massage therapists averaging $60,460 per year.
The highly trained licensed massage therapists in New York maintain their businesses in a variety of settings including massage clinics, physicians' offices, hospitals, wellness centers, chiropractic clinics, health spas, vacation spots and resorts, athletic clubs, beauty salons, hotels and on cruise ships. A career as a massage therapist could offer you an opportunity to join this growing field with many unique job opportunities available.
Contact the New York State Board of Massage Therapy
- 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12234
- Website: New York State Education Department
- Email: msthbd@nysed.gov
- Call: 518-474-3817