Massage Therapy
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Our Organizations
ChattState is a proud member school of these national massage therapy organizations:
At Chattanooga State, massage therapists learn to think critically, assess, adapt, and provide individualized care using a whole-person, evidence-informed approach.
This program develops confident, ethical, and compassionate massage therapists who are prepared to pass the MBLEx, graduate as lifelong learners, and lead successful careers.
Employment Stats
- Program Length 2 semesters (Certificate)
- Job Placement 100%
- Certification Pass Rate 93%
- Average Earnings $57,950/year
About Program
Massage Therapy is a rewarding healthcare profession that combines science, clinical reasoning, and compassionate care to help improve quality of life. Licensed massage therapists work with clients experiencing pain, injury, stress, medical conditions, and wellness goals while developing meaningful relationships built on professionalism and trust.
The Chattanooga State Massage Therapy Program prepares students for successful careers through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, therapeutic massage techniques, clinical reasoning, ethics, communication, and business practices. Students gain extensive hands-on experience in both classroom laboratories and a supervised public clinic while learning to provide safe, evidence-informed, client-centered care.
Graduates are prepared to take the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) required for Tennessee licensure and enter the workforce with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to practice in a variety of healthcare and wellness settings
Job Expectations
Massage therapy is a physically demanding profession. One typically stands for long periods of time (an hour or two is common per session) and must use their hands, arms, and legs in performing the service. Many physical or mental conditions may preclude one from easily performing this work. Allergies to products, lifting issues, carpal tunnel, contagious diseases, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and many other conditions all have ramifications for massage therapy. Work is usually performed in areas with subdued lighting.
Good personal hygiene is a must in the health care industry. Hair must be restrained. Fingernails MUST be no longer than the tips of the fingers.
Both men and women are in the classroom, and you may work on or receive massage from any of the students. Modesty is always maintained. Draping is always used and
required by law. No more of the body is exposed than if one was wearing a bikini.
Students are exposed to various analgesics, oils, aromas, lubricants, hot objects, and cold products
Expected Earnings
Massage therapists enjoy diverse career opportunities with income varying based on practice setting, experience, specialization, and whether they are self-employed or employed by an organization. Career options include medical practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, spas, wellness clinics, chiropractic offices, fitness centers, resorts, and private practice.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for massage therapists is approximately $57,950* with experienced therapists earning substantially more depending on location and specialty.
(*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 28). Massage therapists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm)
Course Schedule
Students are selected through a competitive admissions process for enrollment in each cohort.
- Full-time classes
- Enrollment is limited to 18 students in each class
Full-Time Program Schedule |
||
|
Semester (Hours) |
Day Class |
Days |
|
1st Semester (325) |
8:30am – 2:40pm |
Tuesday – Friday |
|
2nd Semester (325) |
8:30am – 2:40pm |
Tuesday – Friday |
Tools
Quantity |
Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Portable Massage Table (Optional but recommended for practicing techniques and completing required outside class assignments.) |
| 2 |
Scrubs |
| 2 | Set of Twin Sheets (Two complete twin-size sheet sets (one solid color and one printed set). White and off-white sheets are not permitted.) |
Cost
TCAT Special Fees
Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition
- Credit by Examination - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable.
- Credit for Life Experience - $15 per credit hour in excess of 3 credit hours. $90 maximum.
- High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
- ACT Placement Test - $45
Books
1st & 2nd Semester
-
$87 - Applied Anatomy & Physiology for Manual Therapists (2nd ed.)
$38 - Applied Anatomy & Physiology for Manual Therapists - Review Guide Workbook (2nd ed.) -
$63 - Trail Guide to the Body (7th ed.)
$42 - Trail Guide to the Body – Student Workbook (7th ed.) -
$49 - Massage Mastery from Student to Professional
-
$39 - Boundaries: The Foundations of Ethical Massage Practice
-
$57 - Trail Guide to Movement (2nd ed.)
-
$94 - A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology (7th ed.)
-
$52 - Business Mastery (5th ed.)
Curriculum
The massage therapy program is approved by the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board.
First Semester:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Pathology
- Swedish Massage
- Ethics & Professionalism
- Medical Terminology
- Tennessee Laws & Regulations
- SOAP Documentation
- Clinical Practice
- Business Foundations
- Self-Care
- Hydrotherapy
Second Semester:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Pathology
- Therapeutic Massage
- Deep Tissue Techniques
- Medical Terminology
- Myofascial Massage
- Rehabilitation Bodywork
- Massage for Special Populations
- Therapeutic Communication
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Business Development