The Massage Therapy program consists of two courses, Massage Therapy and Massage Therapy Clinic, completed in that order. The program is designed to provide students with the essential skills to become a State Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. The curriculum includes the skills necessary for safe, effective, and ethical practices required to perform basic Swedish, deep tissue, and therapeutic massage.
Upon completion of the program and after acquiring the necessary state licensure, students will be able to work in hospitals, clinics, chiropractor and doctor offices, wellness centers, fitness centers, salons, athletic programs, corporate wellness programs, as well as establish their own private practices.
Requirements
- Students must be 18 years of age or older.
- Have obtained a high school diploma (or equivalent).
- Take a standardized placement test in the Academic Studies Center, in room 200 of the Kenneth B. Hurst Continuing Education Building. This requirement is waived if the applicant has a college degree. Please see the Continuing Education Schedule of Classes for details.
- Pay registration fee and required insurance at the time of registration. Orientation will be held on the first day of class.
Average Wages
Pay varies greatly depending upon location and type of employer. Visit the College Foundation of North Carolina’s Find a Career page to learn more about salary ranges in this field.
Massage Therapy FAQs
What do I need to do to enroll in the program?
First, you will need to take a placement test to determine your reading level. Students who achieve the minimum required scores are eligible to enroll. You will then need to complete a registration form and pay the course fee. Students must attend orientation and must complete Massage Therapy before they enroll in Massage Therapy Clinic. Please see the
Continuing Education Schedule of Classes and the
Registration & Fees page for details.
What is the total cost for the program?
For tuition and required insurance fees, please see the current
Continuing Education Schedule of Classes. Please note that this program requires multiple classes. Additional costs include uniforms, textbooks, and tools such as a massage linens and lotions.
Are Coastal’s classes accredited?
Coastal Carolina Community College’s classes meet or exceed both state and national requirements. As a community college, Coastal is in compliance with all state requirements set forth by the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy. Additionally, Coastal has been identified as an Assigned School by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
Can I receive financial aid for the program?
Some financial assistance is available through the College, however, it is always wise to search for independent scholarships or programs that will pay for textbooks and supplies as well as tuition.
Financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is available for students who qualify. These funds may assist with registration fees, books, required supplies, and national/state exams.
For more information, see the Continuing Education Financial Assistance page.
Can I transfer credit from another institution?
No. Since our program is operated through the Division of Continuing Education, coursework is nontransferable.
What happens after I graduate from the program?
Students who graduate from the Massage Therapy program at Coastal will be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEX). Once you have taken and passed the appropriate test, you would then apply to the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT). Once you are licensed, you are eligible to work as a Massage Therapist in the state of North Carolina.
Where can I work as a licensed Massage Therapist?
Upon completion of the program and having acquired the necessary state licensure, students will be able to work in hospitals, clinics, chiropractor and doctor offices, wellness centers, fitness centers, salons, athletic programs, corporate wellness programs, as well as establish their own private practices.
