School and Ranking Information
One school in the area is public, and the other two schools are private, for-profit. Based on the degree options and hands-on training, the following school is considered a top school for therapeutic massage:
- Winner: Phoenix College, a public community college, is located in Phoenix Arizona. It offers a Certificate of Completion in Therapeutic Massage and an Associate of Applied Science in Therapeutic Massage.
| Category | Phoenix College |
|---|---|
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| School Type | 2-year, public |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $2,070 (in-state); $7,854 (out-of-state)* |
| Therapeutic Massage Degrees Offered | Certificate, Associate |
| Therapeutic Massage Degrees Awarded (all levels) in 2020-2021 | 23* |
| Most Popular Therapeutic Massage Degree Program Level in 2020-2021 | Certificate (16 awarded)* |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2018 Entering Class | 13%* |
| Noteworthy | Therapeutic Massage program was awarded the Massage Envy Excellence in Education Award*** |
Source: *NCES College Navigator, **U.S. News & World Report, ***Phoenix College
Phoenix College
- Student Massage Practice Center lets students take a hands-on approach to learning
- Massage program accepts transfer credits, depending on course equivalences
- Curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation of massaging techniques, with emphasis toward a medical model of massage
Phoenix College is one of ten in the Maricopa Community Colleges District, and it's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The therapeutic massage program is housed in the Health Professions, Fitness and Wellness Department. As of 2021, it has a student population of 9,050.
The university offers a Certificate of Completion in Therapeutic Massage - which requires students to complete 64 credit hours or 750 clock hours. Compared to the Associate degree option, fewer elective courses are required. Graduates should be able to plan for a massage therapy business.
An Associate of Applied Science in Therapeutic Massage is also available, which requires students to complete 64-68 credit hours. Coursework includes medical terminology, self-care for providers and an overview of massage therapy. Core curriculum components include therapeutic massage practices, Swedish massage, trigger-point therapy and small business management. Eight elective credits must also be completed, such as healthy living and meditation.
