Your Guide to Choosing a Texas Massage School

Becoming a massage therapist has been one of the best decisions of my life. I ended up at a school I loved, but looking back, I know I got lucky.

In my almost twenty-five years as a massage therapist and consultant, I have watched so many people choose the wrong school for them. Choosing the wrong school can have long-term financial and career impacts. It can be the difference between a short and miserable career and a long and successful career.

No matter what stage you are in right now, this article will help you avoid those mistakes and find the school that is right for you.

Each Massage School Is Unique

Some massage schools focus on relaxation and spa treatments, while others are geared toward acute and chronic pain relief or sports massage. A poor choice can mean investing significant time and money into a program that doesn’t align with your goals.

Choosing the right school is a major life decision that goes beyond finding the closest or cheapest option (write that down).

Your top priority should be finding a program that helps you learn, prepare you for the state exam, get your Texas massage license, and ultimately become the massage therapist you want to be.

This decision requires planning and a bit of personal introspection. Before you dive in, really ask yourself if a career in massage therapy is the right fit for your goals and lifestyle. If you’ve done that soul-searching and are ready to find the perfect school, let’s get started.

Ask Yourself a Few Questions

Before you even look at a school’s website, take a moment to define what interests you.

• What kind of massage therapy are you drawn to? It is okay not to know the answer to this.
• Who do you want to work with? Athletes, the elderly, hospice patients, children?
• Where do you see yourself working? A chiropractic office, your own private practice, a high-end spa, or providing mobile massage at offices or homes?

Most 500-hour programs are designed to give you a strong foundation in the massage basics. You will not find many schools that specialize exclusively in one modality.

It is up to you, usually after graduation, to take continuing education courses that allow you to dive deeper into working with specific groups or mastering advanced techniques. You may find weekend classes on oncology massage, headache relief, or lymphatic drainage.

Knowing your interests now will help you ask better questions when you investigate potential schools.

Step 1: Make a List of Potential Texas Massage Schools

Texas is a big state, with plenty of schools to choose from in and around major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso. Your first step is to create a list of schools in your area or within a radius you’re willing to commute to or relocate for.

You can find a complete list of all licensed massage schools on the TDLR website:

• Search for Licensed Texas Massage Schools

Considering Multiple Professional Licenses?

Some therapists enjoy providing a variety of services to clients beyond traditional massage. Professions that are closely related to massage can be great complements to your practice but will require additional training hours. Common state-licensed professions to pair with a massage license include:

• Esthetician
• Cosmetologist
• Manicurist (Nail Technician)

Other professions that work well with massage therapy, which are typically certification-based, include Yoga Instructor, Doula, and Personal Trainer.

Step 2: Investigate the Schools Online

Once you have your list, it’s time to do some digital detective work. Start by exploring each school’s website and social media pages. These can answer many basic questions and give you a feel for the school’s culture, what students are learning, and how they are learning it.

Next, you must verify the school’s credentials.

Check for State Approval and Requirements

Is the school licensed in Texas by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)? This is non-negotiable. A school that isn’t licensed by the TDLR cannot get you a Texas massage license.

As you search, you are bound to see ads for online-only schools. When you ask if their program is approved in Texas, they may give you vague answers about “checking with your State board.” Be warned: online-only schools are not accepted for initial licensure in Texas. While some programs may offer hybrid components, the core hands-on training must be in person.

An approved school will have a Texas Massage School license number. You can verify it here:

• TDLR License Search

Step 3: Ask the Experts in the Field

This is the most often overlooked tip. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are typically happy to share their experiences. Ask them if they’d recommend the school they attended. If not, ask them which schools they believe offer the best education today.

If possible, connect with therapists who are working in similar settings where you envision yourself. Their insights are invaluable, and I promise this step will not be a waste of your time!

Most states and larger cities have Facebook groups for therapists to connect. They may require that you already to have a license to join, so don’t be surprised if you are turned down for joining some of these groups. Others may be open to people considering a massage therapy career .

When you talk to therapists, you will get a range of opinions. Some may be “Debbie Downers” who tell you they don’t make enough money. Listen to them with an open mind, because you need to hear the challenges to form realistic expectations. But also know that a therapist’s success depends on many factors, including their skill, business and marketing efforts, and professional boundaries.

I know many massage therapists that have failed miserably, but I also know many that put in the research and work and now have the career of their dreams.

Step 4: Visit the School and Ask Questions

Websites and brochures only tell you so much. The best way to get a real sense of a school is to visit it in person. Make an effort to visit every school on your list before you make a commitment. Don’t be shy about asking questions—this is a significant investment. If the staff is evasive, consider that a red flag.

Here are some key questions to get you started:

How Many Years Has the School Been Open?

A school’s history can speak to its stability. You want to avoid a situation where a school closes mid-program. I have a whole article on my other website about therapists trying to find their closed massage school transcripts, with hundreds of replies from people whose schools vanished. While reputable schools can close, a long history is often a good sign.

Are Graduates Available to Talk About the Program?

Testimonials are great, but talking to a real graduate gives you unfiltered insight. If you weren’t able to track down any LMTs in the last step, this is your chance.

How Much Time Will I Be Investing?

Texas requires a 500-hour massage program for licensure. Some schools offer programs longer than this minimum.

The Texas Massage Board has a unique rule that requires schools to get a signed acknowledgment from you that only 500 hours are required. This ensures the school is teaching the core curriculum without forcing you to pay for extra modalities that may not interest you.

You will probably learn Swedish massage, some deep tissue, and other foundational techniques. Deeper specialization will come from weekend CE classes after you graduate.

Also ask:

• How many total hours is the program?
• Do you offer part-time, full-time, or evening schedules?
• When is the next class scheduled to start and finish?

How Much Money Will I Be Investing?

• What is the total price of tuition?
• Does that price include a massage table, lotions, books, and exam fees?
• Does the school offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans?

What Are the Learning Opportunities Outside the Classroom?

Real-world experience is critical. Ask about internships, guest speakers, and volunteer opportunities. I did my internship in a hospital’s labor and delivery unit. This, along with our student clinic, was eye-opening and helped me learn what I wanted and did not want to do.

Do You Offer Business and Marketing Courses?

Knowing how to give a great massage is only half the battle. The state minimum for business education is low, so a massage school with a robust business curriculum is a huge plus. If opening your own practice is a dream, start reading business books now to get a head start. A few classics include The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber and Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller.

Which Licensing Exam Does Your Curriculum Prepare Students for, and What Is Your Pass Rate?

This is a critical question. In Texas, you have two distinct exam paths to licensure:

Path 1: The National Exam (MBLEx) + Jurisprudence Exam

• The Exam: The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). It is the national standard recognized by most states.
• Cost: Over $250 per attempt.
• The Big Advantage (Portability): If you think you might ever move out of Texas, this is the exam to take.
• Extra Step: To get a Texas massage license with the MBLEx, you must also pass the separate Texas Massage Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. This is a short, online, open-book test on Texas laws and rules that costs around $30.

Path 2: The Texas State Exam

• The Exam: The Texas Massage Therapy Examination, administered by the State.
• Cost: Around $60.
• The Advantages: Besides the lower cost, this exam is offered in several languages (including Spanish and Mandarin Chinese). It includes questions on Texas laws, so no separate Jurisprudence exam is required.
• The Big Disadvantage (Not Portable): This exam is generally not accepted by other State massage boards. If you move, you will likely have to take the MBLEx.

Do You Provide Job Placement Assistance After Graduation?

Ask how the school supports graduates. My school kept a bulletin board with open positions in the area for us to browse through.

Step 5: What to Look for During Your Visit

While touring the school, pay attention to your surroundings:

• Is the learning environment professional? The school should be clean, organized, and look the part of a professional training facility.
• Are the staff and students positive? Look into classrooms and break rooms. Do people seem engaged and happy?
• Visit the student clinic. Most schools have a clinic where students practice on the public for reduced fees. Schedule a massage! It is a great way to experience the students’ skill level and ask them about their training.

Make Your Decision

After your research and visits, take a moment to reflect. Before signing anything, ask yourself:

1. Do I feel like this school is a good fit for me and my learning style?
2. Can I see myself learning and thriving here for the next several months?
3. Will this Texas massage school truly help me reach my career goals?

If you can confidently answer “yes,” congratulations! You’ve likely found the perfect school. Enjoy this incredible journey as you prepare to join the rewarding massage therapy industry in Texas!