Massage Therapy Schools in Nebraska

Browse our directory of massage therapy schools in Nebraska, or skip ahead to learn about the state's massage therapy licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Masseuse in Nebraska

Athletes, overbooked business professionals, moms who need a day off, and those with back pain —all of these people can and do benefit from the science of massage therapy!

State License Requirements

Before you can officially call yourself a massage therapist and begin working with clients, you must meet the requirements laid out by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. They require you to complete an approved training program of no fewer than 1,000 hours before you can sit for your licensure program.

Education Details

Training programs in this area of study focus on many different skills and areas of knowledge. You begin with a strong base of knowledge in anatomy and physiology, since you must be able to tailor your massage techniques to different issues that your clients are having. Kinesiology is also a part of this training. From there, you can begin building a strong set of hands-on clinical skills that can shape the course of your career. Instructors can teach you about different massage types and what benefits they have. You should plan on spending several hundred hours mastering massage techniques and practicing them on clients. Toward the end of your course, you may focus on the business aspect of massage therapy. Courses cover small business accounting, marketing for small businesses, and customer service.

License Renewal

Licenses for cosmetologists and cosmetology instructors expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. Electrologists must renew by July 31 of odd-numbered years. Esthetics licenses expire on the last day of September in even-numbered years. Nail technicians have to renew by December 31 of odd-numbered years. Late fees of $25 to $75 are assessed if you renew your license after the expiration date. Cosmetologists pay a $118 renewal fee, as do estheticians, electrologists, nail technicians, and permanent makeup artists. The fee is $100 for massage therapists. Nebraska requires 12 hours of continuing education to renew a massage therapy license.

Nebraska Massage Therapy Careers

The hospitality business is booming in the Midwest, so this may be a great time to start a career as a massage therapist. From 2016 through 2026, CareerOneStop predicts a 25% increase in Nebraska massage therapy jobs. You may be able to use your skills in a variety of work settings, from spas and salons to massage therapy clinics. Your personal job outlook may depend on which part of Nebraska you live in, as larger cities tend to have a greater need for massage therapists and other cosmetology professionals. The salary you earn as a massage therapist depends on your personal skill, how intensively you market your skills, and which setting you work in. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average salary for a Nebraska massage therapist is $54,810 per year. In many cases, massage therapists earn tips on top of their base salaries. If you work in a high-end environment, you're likely to earn larger tips from your clients.

As a massage therapist, you may be able to help a wide variety of people. Many people can benefit from massage services, whether they choose them for relaxation, pain relief, or stress relief. Throughout the course of a day, you may see those who use massage to control chronic pain, those who simply need a break from real life, and those who use massage therapy as a part of a mental health strategy. While building your career, you can start building strong relationships with your clients. You'll likely see the same clients on a weekly or monthly basis. You may learn how to work on a client's specific pressure points and make sure that they get as much as possible out of their massage. Massage therapy may have many benefits, according to long-time massage therapist Terra Mays. You may get the chance to help your patients with circulation issues, headaches, anxiety, and pain. Experience is a crucial part of this job, so you may become more and more skilled as you see more clients and expand your practice.

Contact the Nebraska State Board of Massage Therapy