How Long is Massage Therapy School in Texas? Maximize Your Career Potential with the Right Program

The length of massage therapy programs in Texas can vary depending on the number of training hours offered. As per the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements, students must complete a minimum of 500 hours of training to qualify for a license. However, many schools offer extended programs that range from 500 to 1,000 hours, allowing students to gain advanced skills and specialized techniques.

Basic 500-Hour Program

In a standard 500-hour program, you can expect to cover essential topics, including anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, ethics, business practices, and health & hygiene. The program is designed to meet TDLR’s licensure requirements and typically takes about 6 months to a year to complete, depending on whether you’re attending full-time or part-time.

Upon completing the 500-hour program, students are eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or State license exam and apply for a license through TDLR.

Extended Programs: 750 to 1,000 Hours

While a 500-hour program will get you licensed, opting for a longer program, such as 750 hours or more, provides significant advantages. These extended programs generally take 9 months to 18 months to complete and cover more in-depth topics such as sports massage, therapeutic stretching, deep tissue therapy, Thai massage, cupping therapy, Ashiatsu, and manual lymphatic drainage.

By choosing a longer program, you’ll not only be better prepared for the licensing exam but also more equipped with advanced techniques that can give you an edge in the competitive massage industry. Employers and clients alike tend to prefer therapists who have completed additional training, as it demonstrates dedication and versatility in various massage modalities.

The Benefits of Studying More Than the Minimum Hours

• Specialized Skills: Programs with more than 500 hours typically include additional training in specialized areas such as myofascial release, sports massage, Thai massage, or trigger point therapy. These skills make you more marketable and allow you to offer more services to clients.

• Career Readiness: Graduates of extended programs often feel more confident and better prepared for the demands of the industry. With advanced training, you’ll have more job opportunities and the potential to earn higher pay.

Flexible Schedules

Many massage therapy schools in Texas offer flexible class schedules to accommodate working students. You can choose to enroll in full-time programs, which take less time to complete, or part-time programs, which may extend the duration of your education but allow you to balance other commitments.

Flexibility with Online and In-Person Learning Options

Many massage therapy schools in Texas, including TAMT Texas Academy of Massage Therapy, offer flexible learning options to fit your schedule. As shown in our course offerings, you can take essential courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Business & Ethics, and Health & Hygiene online, providing a convenient way to complete your coursework. Meanwhile, hands-on courses like Swedish Massage and Kinesiology are taught in person, allowing students to gain practical experience with supervised instruction.

This blended approach, combining online and in-person classes, allows you to balance your education with other commitments, such as work or family, making it easier to achieve your goal of becoming a licensed massage therapist.