MASSAGE THERAPIST
Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in NYC
Train at the nation’s oldest massage therapy school and build a career that can take you anywhere.
Easy access via NJ Transit, PATH, and bus routes.
Located a five-minute walk from both Penn Station and the 23rd St PATH station.
fast facts
$67,860*
NY avg. annual wage
$53,420*
NJ avg. annual wage
15%^
Job growth
20-32 monthS
Program length
Why massage training in NYC
New York’s healthcare and wellness market is one of the largest in the country—creating strong demand for skilled massage therapists.
- Access to NYC employers, spas, and healthcare settings
- Competitive earning potential
- Flexible scheduling options available
- Extensive hands-on clinic experience
- 100+ years of massage education
What to expect
The Massage Therapy program at Swedish Institute prepares you to help clients reduce stress, relieve pain, and support overall wellness through massage and bodywork. You’ll train in both Western and Eastern massage theories and techniques while building a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and kinesiology. Students also develop patient-care, ethics, client-service, and professional skills through hands-on training, including real-world clinic and externship experience. Upon successful completion, graduates earn an Associate in Occupational Studies degree and become eligible to take the New York State licensure exam.
Curriculum highlights
- Anatomy & physiology
- Myology & kinesiology
- Pathology & neurology
- Swedish massage techniques
- Eastern bodywork & Shiatsu
- Assessment, ethics & professional development
career opportunities
Choosing where you train can influence where—and how—you work after graduation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists in New York earn higher average wages than in neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut.
Spas, gyms, and health clubs
Massage therapy clinics
Chiropractor and doctor’s offices
Sports medicine facilities
Resorts and hotels
Holistic health clinics
Private sector and self-employment
testimonials
“Had a great experience going through the massage therapy program here. The classes were small enough that I was able to get great supervision and insight from the skilled professors who were able to teach from their own experiences with massage over their careers. I left the school feeling competent and confident with my abilities, and comfortable knowing that I had the support of my professors and the staff to assist me with getting started. Would definitely recommend any other aspiring massage therapists to come here!”
T. Costello,
Massage Therapy Graduate
“I am a recently graduated student, and it is incredible all the job offers I have received. I feel thrilled and proud to have been part of the school. The teachers are amazing and supportive. I felt very prepared for the State Board Exam.”
Y. Diaz,
Massage Therapy Graduate
Accreditation
†Applies to full-time students only.
* Salary Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. Information is for Massage Therapists in New York State and for Massage Therapists in New Jersey. Data from May 2025. https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home. Site visited 6/8/2026
^ Growth Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey for Massage Therapists. Data from May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm. Site visited 6/8/2026
National long-term projections and salary averages may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual growth or any particular salary. Swedish Institute does not guarantee employment. Swedish Institute cannot guarantee a student’s eligibility either to take any exam or become certified, registered, or licensed.
Swedish Institute’s programs are registered by the New York State Education Department. Accredited by ACCSC. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please visit: http://www.swedishinstitute.edu/student-consumer-information.