Therapeutic Massage

Snowflake's Siver Creek Campus offers the program. Business courses are available at other locations, with some offered online.

1. Students must be at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States.
2. A high school diploma or equivalency diploma or a similar document is required for admission to NPC's massage therapy program. See an academic advisor for entrance requirements.
3. DPS Level 1 fingerprint clearance card $75 (Learn how to apply) and attestation that:  
   • Within five years preceding the date of the application, you not have been convicted of:
     1. A class 1, 2 or 3 felony.
     2. A class 4, 5 or 6 felony offense involving moral turpitude that has a reasonable relationship to the practice of massage therapy. 
     3. A misdemeanor involving prostitution or solicitation or other similar offense involving moral turpitude that has a reasonable relationship to the practice of massage therapy.
   • Within the past five years, you not have voluntarily surrendered a license under section 32-4254 or have not have had a license to practice massage therapy or another similar license revoked by a political subdivision of this state or a regulatory agency in another jurisdiction in the United States for an act that occurred in that jurisdiction and that would be subject to discipline pursuant to this chapter.
   • You are not currently under investigation, suspension or restriction by a political subdivision of this state or a regulatory agency in another jurisdiction in the United States for an act that occurred in that jurisdiction and that would be subject to discipline pursuant to this chapter. If the applicant is under investigation by a regulatory agency in another jurisdiction, the board shall suspend the application process and may not issue or deny a license to the applicant until the investigation is resolved.
   • Submit a full set of fingerprints to the board for the purpose of obtaining a state and federal criminal records check pursuant to section 41-1750 and Public Law 92-544. The department of public safety may exchange this fingerprint data with the federal bureau of investigation. The board may charge the cost of each criminal background check to the applicant.

Some massage therapists travel to clients’ homes or offices to give a massage. Others work out of their own homes. Many massage therapists, especially those who are self-employed, provide their own table or chair, sheets, pillows, and body lotions or oils.

A massage therapist’s working conditions depend heavily on the venue in which the massage is performed and on what the client wants. For example, when giving a massage to help clients relax, massage therapists generally work in dimly lit settings and use candles, incense, and calm, soothing music. In contrast, a massage meant to help rehabilitate a client with an injury may be conducted in a well-lit setting with several other people receiving treatment in the same room.

Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists.

As more states adopt licensing requirements and standards for massage therapists, the practice of massage is likely to be respected and accepted by more people as a way to treat pain and improve overall wellness.