Massage Therapy Schools in Iowa
Browse our directory of massage therapy schools in Iowa, or skip ahead to learn about the state's massage therapy licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Massage Therapy Schools in Iowa
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6322 University Avenue
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
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Massage Therapy Schools Near Me
Check out the Massage Therapy schools these cities in Iowa have to offer.
Cost of Massage School Across IA
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Des Moines / Ames | $11,339 |
| Cedar Rapids / Waterloo / Iowa City / Dubuque | $10,320 |
How to Become a Masseuse in Iowa
- 500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 16 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for massage therapists in Iowa is $38,420 ($18.47/hour). This is lower than the national average of $42,820 ($20.59/hour).
- There is a predicted 28% job increase between 2016-2026 for massage therapists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 22%.
People looking for massage schools in Iowa could learn how to give massages and practice in a number of different modalities in many different professional environments. Whether in larger cities like Des Moines or Ames, or in the more rural cornfields of the state, there is demand for people who are trained in health and wellness.
Massage therapy schools in Iowa train students to provide great client service and high-quality massages. Iowa massage schools often offer a number of programs that can teach students the ways of the business. When deciding on massage schools in Iowa, it is important to compare different schools in order to find the college that best fits you.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a massage therapy license
Applicants for a massage therapy license in Iowa are evaluated by the state Board of Massage Therapy. The Board is tasked with ensuring the competence and integrity of Iowa massage therapists is upheld. Their goal is to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public in the state. To become a massage therapist in Iowa, students must take at least 500 hours of training at a massage therapy school. They then must pass a written national exam of competence. These exams are either the NCETMB or the MBLEx. Licensure also requires students complete CPR and First Aid courses as part of their course of study. Most Iowa massage therapy schools offer a strong foundation in Swedish massage. This is followed by teaching students specific techniques to address pain and discomfort in people's bodies. Some forms of bodywork taught in Iowa include sports massage, therapeutic touch, Reflexology and Shiatsu. Students graduating from massage therapy school can use their skills to create their own style and approach to providing massage therapy with their clients.
Education Details
Iowa massage therapy schools offer prospective students a variety of environments in which to learn. Iowa has cities, suburbs and rural areas, and all have a demand for trained massage therapists. Massage therapists in Iowa have learned to not only give massages but also to provide a variety of healing techniques to reduce pain, address clients physical and emotional health, and to promote wellness. Graduates will be able to provide excellent customer service as well as high quality massage therapy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts massage therapy will be one of the fastest growing professions through 2020, increasing its presence by approximately 20% during this time.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Iowa Massage Therapy Careers
Average yearly salary for massage therapy in Iowa
Iowa massage therapists earn $38,420 annual average salary, which is close to the national average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These salary estimates do not include tips, which are a common part of massage therapist earnings in many settings. Massage therapists are in demand in spas, salons, corporate offices, health clinics, health clubs and gyms and massage therapy clinics.
Many people seek to become massage therapists so they can start their own massage therapy business. This allows them the freedom to create their own schedule and to build a client base of their own. Some massage therapists take their practice to the road, working with clients in their offices or homes.
Contact the Iowa State Board of Massage Therapy
- 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
- Website: Iowa Department of Public Health
- Email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov
- Call: 515-281-7689
- Fax: 515-281-3121
Professional organizations provide benefits such as educational resources, policy information, and networking opportunities, which can help massage therapists build their client bases and stay informed of important industry information.