Massage Therapy Diploma Program
At Blue Cliff College, you can learn to become a massage therapist in as little as nine months. Our programs are designed to meet state licensure standards for Mississippi or Louisiana, depending on where you study. Our graduates can go on to exciting careers in a variety of fields requiring massage therapists.
Massage therapy is the use of hands and lower arms to manipulate, knead, rub, and otherwise interact with a client’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin to promote general wellness or treat ailments.
How Long Is the Massage Therapy Program?
The expected time to complete our Massage Therapy diploma program varies based on the campus:
- Metairie, LA: 750 clock hours – 9 months on day schedule, 15 months on evening schedule
- Alexandria, LA: 600 clock hours – 6 months on day schedule, 9 months on evening schedule
- Gulfport, MS: 775 clock hours – 9 months on day schedule, 15 months on evening schedule
Blue Cliff College's Massage Therapy Diploma Curriculum
Whether you enroll in Louisiana or Mississippi, you can expect Blue Cliff College’s Massage Therapy diploma program’s curriculum to meet your state’s standards. Though there is a lot of overlap in the fundamental training to become a massage therapist, the exact curriculum does differ depending on which campus you attend.
The massage therapy subjects you’ll study include but aren’t limited to:
- Science: Anatomy and physiology, first aid, medical terminology
- Massage Techniques: Swedish, prenatal, chair, sports, and other types of massage
- Additional Skills: Tai Chi, subtle bodily energies, hydrotherapy
- Business Skills: Marketing, client communications
- Laws and Ethics
The massage therapy diploma program also includes supervised clinical work.
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Blue Cliff College Massage Therapy Diploma Program Locations
You can earn your massage therapy diploma at our following locations:
Massage Licensure After Graduation
The Massage Therapy program at Blue Cliff College fulfills state licensure requirements. Students who graduate from the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork Licensure Examination (MBLEx).
Enrolling in Blue Cliff College's Massage Therapy Diploma Program
All applicants to Blue Cliff College must have completed high school or the equivalent, be in good health and able to perform all required hands-on work, and meet with an admissions representative.
In addition to standard requirements, massage therapy students must be 18 before they graduate and have a score of 12 on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam. Pregnant applicants should know that getting a massage during pregnancy may not be advisable.
Blue Cliff College Massage Therapy Diploma Cost
As of 2025, the Massage Therapy diploma program at Blue Cliff College ranges from $11,295 to $16,484, based on the varying length of the program offered at different locations. These amounts include tuition, fees, massage therapy exams, and graduation costs.
Financial Aid at Blue Cliff College
Students who qualify may be eligible for federal financial aid, veterans’ assistance, or payment plans. If you’re a Louisiana resident, you could earn a TOPS scholarship. For further help, reach out to our admissions office and let the representive know you are interested in financial aid.
Why Choose Blue Cliff College for Massage Therapy Training?
The Massage Therapy diploma program at Blue Cliff College offers a robust program that meets all state licensure requirements. Our mission is to help each student reach their full potential. Because of this, we offer classes with low student-teacher ratios, abundant practical experience, and a culture of respect.
Post-Graduation Paths for Massage Therapy
Graduates may find work as massage therapists in spas, with sports teams, in medical offices, and even on cruise ships, among other venues.
Licensing and Accreditation
Blue Cliff College maintains current certification and accreditation, so you know you’re learning skills that are valued in your field. We are:
- Licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration. Certificate No. C-736
- Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)‡
- Affiliated with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) at our Gulfport and Metairie campuses
- Affiliated with the American Massage Therapy Association of Schools (AMTA-COS) at our Metairie campus
‡The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is a recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education.
