The Minnesota School of Business has nine locations offering massage therapy programs, in which students can pursue a 12-month option toward a diploma or can earn an associate degree in about 18 months. Training includes clinical practice, internships and business education. The school is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork to prepare students for national certification, including exams from the Federation of State Massage Therapy boards. Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Center Point is located near the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis. The programs offered include East-West therapeutic massage, shiatsu therapy, spa and resort massage and therapeutic massage. Full- and part-time course schedules are available, with day and evening options. Programs generally take 12 to 20 months to complete when attending full-time. The school is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, with financial aid available to qualifying students as well as veterans and their dependents.
Located in Bloomington, Northwestern Health Sciences University offers daytime massage therapy programs lasting three trimesters or evening programs over four trimesters. Students receive a professional certificate in massage therapy after successfully completing programs that include a foundation in science, thorough training in massage therapy assessment and treatment, and 400 hours of hands-on lab experience. The school's massage therapy program is accredited by the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation, and financial aid is offered to eligible students.
Massage & Spa Professional Academy, in Rochester, offers a 700-hour program with a rigorous course schedule that includes a foundation in understanding the body, basic and advanced massage techniques, and business management. The full-time schedule allows graduation in six months, with classes limited to nine participants to ensure a high quality of instruction. Following course completion students qualify to take the National Certification Exam. Courses for continuing education also are offered, with financial aid available for eligible applicants.