Massage Schools in Virginia
Browse our directory of massage schools in Virginia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's massage licensing requirements and job outlook.
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10130-A Colvin Run Road Suites A and B
Great Falls, VA 22066
3700 Candlers Mountain Road Unit 68
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Eastern Virginia Career College – Accredited
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Miracle Beauty & Nails Academy – Accredited
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage – Accredited
Falls Church, VA 22042
Southside Virginia Community College - Chase City – Accredited
Chase City, VA 23924
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.
Massage Schools Near Me
Check out the Massage Therapy schools these cities in Virginia have to offer.
How to Become a Masseuse in Virginia
- 500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 24 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for massage therapists in Virginia is $41,490 ($19.95/hour). This is higher than the national average of $42,820 ($20.59/hour).
- There is a predicted 25% job increase between 2016–2026 for massage therapists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 22%.
From Richmond to Virginia Beach to Williamsburg, the Commonwealth of Virginia is a hot and growing market for massage therapists. Massage services are in demand in spas, salons, hotels, hospitals, physical therapy offices and wellness centers, as well as in the private sector.
You have your choice of massage schools in Virginia that can train you in everything from Swedish and deep-tissue massage to sports and prenatal massage. Virginia massage schools can prepare you for certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a massage therapy license
Training programs in massage therapy require a high school diploma or GED to enter. Some college studies in science, psychology and business are helpful but not required for admission. The State of Virginia requires potential massage therapists complete at least 500 hours massage therapy education at an accredited school. Students then must pass either the NCETMB or MBLEx examination to show comprehension of the massage therapy school curriculum. The profession is licensed through the Board of Nursing in Virginia. Licensure in Virginia allows the practitioner to enter the field of massage therapy at the entry level in the state.
Education Details
Massage therapy schools in Virginia teach more than the technical components of massage. They also teach students to dedicate themselves to the practice of massage as a service to others. Common techniques taught include medical massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, Shiatsu, myofascial release and pregnancy massage. Massage therapists use their hands to manipulate tissue and create more space in the body and better functioning body systems. Massage therapists usually treat the individual needs of the client, and work on problem areas or towards general relaxation. Learning massage therapy in Virginia could be a vital career move if you feel called to these ideas.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Cosmetology license renewal in Virginia happens every two years at the end of the month in which your license was first issued. The cost to renew a beauty practitioner license is $105. You must complete 24 continuing education hours in order to renew your license.
Virginia Massage Therapy Careers
Average yearly salary for massage therapy in Virginia
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the annual mean salary for Virginia massage therapists is $41,490. Salaries in the state range from $22,460 to $68,260 before tips. Many massage therapists specialize in one or more massage modalities, allowing them to increase their earning potential. Massage therapists are even taking their equipment to malls and businesses, and offering on-site massages to workers and busy shoppers. This flexibility of hours and locations for practice are some of the main attractions for the career of massage therapy. If you think this might be a career that interests you, check into a massage therapy school in Virginia.
Most massage therapists find employment in spas, salons, resorts, hospitals, health practices, gyms, sports facilities and clubs, and in private or group massage practices. They may also work for themselves as sole practitioners providing massage in their own home or office or in their clients' homes. Some massage therapists visit businesses and provide chair massages in the workplace.