School and Ranking Info
There are roughly five schools within a 25-mile radius of Pittsburgh, PA, that offer programs in massage therapy, and all but one of them is a for-profit institution. The sole public school on the list is a large community college with programs for massage therapists ranging from a short-term certificate to an associate degree.
- Winner: The Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh offers academic transfer and career training programs both on campus and online; more than half of its students attend on a part-time basis. Massage therapy students can choose from two certificate options or an Associate of Science program.
School Info Chart
| Category | Community College of Allegheny County |
|---|---|
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA |
| School Type | 2-year; public |
| Tuition and Fees (2021-2022) | Undergraduate: $4,602 (in-district); $8,323 (in-state); $11,863 (out-of-state)* |
| Massage Therapy Awards Offered | Certificate and Associate |
| Massage Therapy Awards Conferred (all levels) in 2020-2021 | 12* |
| Most Popular Massage Therapy Program in 2020-2021 | 1 to <1-year certificate (7 awarded)* |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2018 Entering Class | 17%* |
| Noteworthy | Upon successful completion of an exam, graduates of the massage therapy programs may be eligible for state licensure in Pennsylvania |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
Community College of Allegheny County - Pittsburgh
- Massage therapy programs include community practice
- Degree-seeking students complete two supervised clinical experiences
- Qualified graduates of the massage therapy programs can sit for professional licensing exams, such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or the National Examination for State Licensing
The Community College of Allegheny County offers more than 150 certificate, degree, non-credit and workforce development programs to more than 16,000 students a year. It has in excess of 260 full-time staff members and a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1. The massage therapy programs are available at both the Pittsburgh and Monroeville campuses and can prepare students for positions at health facilities, fitness clubs or spas, among other related employers. Enrollment is limited, and admission prerequisites can include high school and/or college science courses or an equivalent understanding of massage.
The 1-semester certificate program targets students with a college background; prerequisites include lower-level coursework in anatomy and physiology, biology, English, math and psychology. Once admitted to the program, students take courses in therapeutic theories and procedures, emergency care, first aid and physical therapy. Students who are new to the field of healthcare can apply to the 3-semester certificate program, which combines business, computer and public relations courses with training in medical ethics and terms, anatomy, infection control and kinesiology. Similar coursework can be found in the 62-credit Associate of Science in Massage Therapy curriculum.
