Online massage therapy programs train students on the theories, techniques, and benefits of soft-tissue massage. These programs may be a good fit for individuals who enjoy using their hands, have an interest in improving the health and wellness of others, are interested in working one on one with clients, and have strong communication and decision-making skills. Students can earn a career diploma, certificate, or associate degree in massage therapy.

Graduates of massage therapy programs may work alongside physical therapists in healthcare settings, one on one with athletes recovering from sports injuries, or with vacationers at resorts or on cruise ships. Students may be prepared to seek work as a massage therapist, physical therapist assistant, or day spa owner.

Available Degree Levels

• Career Diploma: Varies
• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete

An online career diploma in massage therapy introduces students to the practical and theoretical aspects of massage. Students may gain a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and pathology through a science-based curriculum. These diploma programs may also offer training on the different types of massage, such as Swedish, sport, or spa. Courses may focus on the ethics of massage, therapeutic massage principles, and practical massage techniques.

An online certificate in massage therapy teaches students how to use touch to manipulate the body’s muscles to relieve pain and stress and improve overall health. These programs typically train students on the fundamental massage business practices, essential massage techniques, and advanced bodywork methods. Certificate programs may equip students with the interpersonal skills necessary to find clientele and maintain client relationships. Coursework may cover pathology for massage, health and hygiene in massage, and kinesiology for massage.

Online associate degree programs in massage therapy are designed to provide students advanced training in the field. These programs may incorporate training on a variety of massage techniques, including Thai, Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point massage. Associate-level programs may also combine general education coursework with classes specific to the field, such as craniosacral massage, lymphatic drainage, pharmacology and massage, and nutrition. Massage therapy associate degree programs may also allow students to enhance their leadership and professional roles within the massage therapy field, further preparing students to work successfully within the profession.

Career Options

Graduates of online massage therapy programs may gain the knowledge and skills to use their hands to work with soft-tissue muscle, either to ease pain, alleviate discomfort, rehabilitate injuries, benefit the overall well-being of clients, or aid in reducing stress. Individuals who have completed some type of massage therapy program may seek work in a variety of sectors, including hospitality and tourism, healthcare, and sports and fitness. Graduates may work in different environments within these industries, providing stimulating and effective massages through the application of such learned skills as pinpointing an individuals’ area of muscle pain and manipulating the tissue to relieve discomfort and increase wellness.

Possible career fields include:

• Massage Therapist
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Private Masseuse
• Sports Medicine Massage Therapist
• Massage Therapy Spa Owner