Top 25 Massage Therapy Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a robust and well-regulated landscape for massage therapy education, with programs that must meet state requirements for licensure through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Most programs require approximately 500 to 580 hours of training and prepare students for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is required for state licensure. The state’s schools range from public community colleges offering affordable tuition to private specialized institutes, providing options for students across Texas, with costs ranging from approximately $2,900 to over $10,000 depending on the institution and program length.

Top 25 Massage Therapy Schools In Texas

1. Collin College (Plano)

Collin College offers a Massage Therapy program that exceeds state requirements, providing a 560-hour Level I Certificate in Medical Massage Therapy to graduates who complete the full instructional program. The program includes the 500 hours required by the state plus an additional 60 hours designed to further prepare students with advanced knowledge and skills applicable to healthcare, wellness, and rehabilitative settings.

The total tuition cost for the program is $6,800, which includes textbooks, the TDLR student permit, ABMP student liability membership, the MBLEx exam fee, the TDLR license application packet fee, and a professional student material kit. The program can be completed in 7 months (28 weeks) with classes held Monday through Friday from 6-10 p.m., making it accessible for working students.

2. Tarrant County College – South Campus (Fort Worth)

Tarrant County College offers a 580-hour Massage Therapy Certification Program at its South Campus, designed to teach techniques including Swedish massage, chair massage, hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, and simple reflexology.

The program takes approximately 8 to 9 months to complete on a part-time basis, with flexible scheduling options including early morning, mid-day, and evening classes. Tuition is approximately $2,900, plus books, supplies, and fees, making it one of the most affordable options in the state. The program prepares students for both the MBLEx and the Texas Massage Therapy Jurisprudence exam for licensure as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).

3. Amarillo College (Amarillo)

Amarillo College offers a two-semester Massage Therapy program with convenient evening-only classes that allow students to continue working or caring for families while completing their training. The program totals 500 contact hours and has an estimated total cost of $5,575 for tuition and fees, plus approximately $5,922 including state testing and licensing fees.

Financial aid is available through the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), and the program covers a comprehensive curriculum including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and business and ethics courses. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00 PM.

4. Lone Star College System (The Woodlands)

Lone Star College offers a Massage Therapy Certificate Level I program that is designed to prepare students for state licensure and the MBLEx exam. The program requires a minimum grade average of 75 (C) in each course to progress and has strict attendance policies to ensure students complete the required hours.

The program is available at the Kingwood, North Harris, and Tomball campuses, with the majority of classes taking place during the day. The program graduated 11 students in just recently , all earning Certificates.

5. Houston Community College (Houston)

Houston Community College offers a Massage Therapy program at its various campuses in the Houston area, providing students with the training needed to become licensed massage therapists. The program prepares graduates for the MBLEx and state licensing requirements, with experienced faculty and hands-on training opportunities. Students learn therapeutic massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, and business practices essential for a successful career in massage therapy.

6. Austin Community College (Austin)

Austin Community College offers a comprehensive Massage Therapy program that meets Texas state licensing requirements, requiring students to complete a set of nine courses for the basic certificate and licensure. Courses include Anatomy & Physiology for Massage, Pathology for Massage, Kinesiology for Massage, Hydrotherapy/Therapeutic Modalities, Business Practices & Professional Ethics, and Massage Therapy Fundamentals I and II, along with an internship.

Admission requirements include being at least 18 years old, holding a high school diploma or GED, having no criminal record, and being in good general health. Students must contact the department before registering.

7. Parker University School of Massage Therapy (Dallas)

Parker University offers a Massage Therapy program as part of its comprehensive health sciences curriculum, with 62 students graduating in just recently, with certificates. The university is a small, private not-for-profit institution located in Dallas, offering students a focused educational environment with a 21:1 student-teacher ratio.

The program prepares students for the MBLEx and state licensure, with a curriculum that covers both foundational and advanced massage techniques along with business and professional ethics.

8. San Jacinto Community College (Pasadena)

San Jacinto Community College offers a Massage Therapy program that graduated 30 students just recently, all earning certificates. The college is a very large, public institution serving the Greater Houston area, with affordable tuition for in-district students. The program includes comprehensive training in massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, and business practices, preparing graduates for successful careers in the field.

9. Central Texas College (Killeen)

Central Texas College offers a Licensed Massage Therapy Program that is a one-year, three-consecutive-semester certificate program consisting of 28 semester credit hours. The program achieved programmatic accreditation by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) in October 2022, a mark of quality recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Cohorts are limited to 15 students and filled on a first-completed-first-served basis. The program accepted 5 students just recently, all earning certificates, and provides comprehensive training with classes held on Central Campus.

10. El Paso Community College (El Paso)

El Paso Community College offers a Massage Therapy program that graduated 43 students in 2024, making it one of the larger programs in West Texas. The program is offered at a very large, public two-year college, providing accessible education for students in the El Paso region. The curriculum prepares students for the MBLEx and state licensing requirements, with experienced faculty and comprehensive hands-on training.

11. McLennan Community College (Waco)

McLennan Community College offers a Massage Therapy program that graduated 15 students in 2024 with certificates. Located in Waco, this public community college provides accessible and affordable massage therapy education for students in Central Texas. The program includes training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and practical massage techniques, preparing graduates for state licensure and the MBLEx.

12. Lamar State College – Orange (Orange)

Lamar State College – Orange offers a Massage Therapy program that provides both Certificates and Associate’s degrees, with 7 students graduating just recently. The program is offered at a small, public two-year college in Southeast Texas, serving students in the Golden Triangle region. The curriculum includes comprehensive training in massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, and business practices.

13. Texas Health School (Houston)

Texas Health School offers a Massage Therapy program in Houston at 11511 Katy Fwy, providing students with the training needed for state licensure and the MBLEx. The school is listed as an ABMP member school, indicating its commitment to professional standards in massage therapy education. The program offers hands-on training and comprehensive instruction in therapeutic massage techniques and business practices.

14. Academy for Massage Therapy Training (San Antonio)

The Academy for Massage Therapy Training in San Antonio offers a Massage Therapy program that prepares students for state licensure and the MBLEx. The school is located at 602 NW Loop 410 Ste 122 and is an ABMP member school, committed to professional standards in massage therapy education. The program includes comprehensive training in therapeutic massage techniques and business practices.

15. Houston School of Massage (Houston)

Houston School of Massage is located at 10600 Northwest Fwy Ste 202 in Houston and offers a Massage Therapy program that prepares students for state licensure. As an ABMP member school, the institution is committed to providing quality education in therapeutic massage and bodywork. The program includes hands-on training and comprehensive instruction in massage techniques, anatomy, and business practices.

16. Lauterstein-Conway Massage School (Austin)

Lauterstein-Conway Massage School in Austin offers a comprehensive Massage Therapy program that prepares students for state licensure and the MBLEx. Located at 4701B Burnet Rd, the school is an ABMP member institution known for its quality education in therapeutic massage and bodywork. The program provides hands-on training and instruction in a variety of massage techniques and business practices.

17. Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Massage (Houston)

The Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Massage at 7011 Harwin Dr in Houston offers a Massage Therapy program that prepares students for state licensure and the MBLEx. As an ABMP member school, the institution provides comprehensive training in therapeutic massage techniques and bodywork. The program includes instruction in anatomy, physiology, and business practices.

18. Laurel School of Massage (Spring)

Laurel School of Massage is located at 16686 Champion Forest Dr in Spring, Texas, offering a Massage Therapy program that prepares students for state licensure and the MBLEx. The school is an ABMP member institution committed to providing quality education in therapeutic massage and bodywork, with comprehensive training in massage techniques and professional business practices.

19. Parker University School of Massage Therapy (Dallas) – Certificate Program

Parker University’s Certificate program in Massage Therapy is designed for students seeking entry-level positions in the field, with 62 students graduating just recently. The program provides comprehensive training in massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, and business practices, preparing graduates for successful careers in a variety of settings. The school’s location in Dallas provides students with access to a large metropolitan job market.

20. Navarro College (Corsicana)

Navarro College offers a Massage Therapy program in Corsicana, providing training for students in the North Texas region. The medium-sized public college offers a certificate program that prepares students for state licensure and the MBLEx, with courses in anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and business practices essential for a successful career as a massage therapist.

21. Odessa College (Odessa)

Odessa College offers a Massage Therapy program in West Texas, providing accessible education for students in the Permian Basin region. The public two-year college offers comprehensive training in massage therapy, anatomy, physiology, and business practices, preparing graduates for state licensure and the MBLEx.

22. Western Technical College (El Paso)

Western Technical College in El Paso offers a Massage Therapy program with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio and 611 enrolled students. The private institution provides focused education in massage therapy, preparing students for state licensure and careers in the growing healthcare and wellness industries.

23. The College of Health Care Professions – Southwest Houston (Houston)

The College of Health Care Professions in Southwest Houston offers a Massage Therapy program with a 23:1 student-teacher ratio and 681 enrolled students. The program prepares students for state licensure and the MBLEx, providing comprehensive training in massage techniques, anatomy, and business practices for successful careers in the field.

24. Hands On Therapy (Mesquite)

Hands On Therapy in Mesquite offers multiple program options including a 500-hour Basic Program, a 600-hour Advanced Program, and a 750-hour Master Program. The school is accredited by ACCSC and offers financial aid to those who qualify. Classes begin year-round from January through December, providing flexible entry options for students. The school provides career services and continuing education opportunities.

25. A New Beginning School of Massage (Killeen)

A New Beginning School of Massage is located at 2201 S W S Young Dr Ste 114B in Killeen, Texas. As an ABMP member school, it provides massage therapy education that prepares students for state licensure and the MBLEx. The school offers hands-on training in therapeutic massage techniques and bodywork for aspiring massage therapists.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a Massage Therapy School

Start by verifying that the program you choose meets Texas state requirements for licensure, which typically means completing at least 500 hours of training.

Look for programs that prepare students for the MBLEx, which is the required examination for state licensure. Consider the cost and financial aid options; Tarrant County College offers a program for approximately $2,900, while Collin College provides a comprehensive program for $6,800 that includes all fees and materials, and many schools offer financial aid such as the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG).

Evaluate the program length and schedule; programs range from 7 months (28 weeks) at Collin College to 8-9 months at TCC, with options for evening classes at Amarillo College. Check for programmatic accreditation, such as Central Texas College’s COMTA accreditation, which can enhance the value of your credential.

Be aware of Texas House Bill 1508, which requires notice that a criminal history may affect licensure eligibility, and complete a criminal background check before enrollment.

Closing

Texas provides a comprehensive and accessible massage therapy education landscape, with programs ranging from affordable community college options at Tarrant County College to comprehensive medical-focused programs at Collin College. With over 30 training programs available across the state, aspiring massage therapists can find options that fit their schedules, budgets, and career goals, from evening-only programs to accelerated certificates.

The state’s schools are well-positioned to prepare students for the MBLEx and state licensure, with many programs providing all-inclusive packages that cover exam fees and licensing applications. Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.