Get Ready for a Fulfilling Career in
6.5 Months*
Hands-on training from practicing massage therapists. Everything you need to get licensed and start working.
Join 100+ graduates now working at Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and private practices across the Upstate.
Changing careers takes courage. We make sure it pays off.
Urban River is a school run by massage therapists, for future massage therapists. You'll learn from instructors who've been where you are, practice alongside a close-knit cohort, and be mentored by students who just went through it themselves.
We know that most of our students are balancing work, family, and everything else life throws at them. That's why we've designed every part of this program around your success, from flexible scheduling to licensure support, so you never have to figure it out alone.
Learn more about our program →
Study at Urban River
At Urban River, you'll never feel like you're going it alone. You'll train alongside a close-knit cohort, guided by working massage therapists and student mentors who are with you every step of the way.
Full-Time Classes
6.5 months* to complete
Part-Time Classes
Personalized schedules
650+
Hours of Training
75%
Trained while working
or caring for family
or caring for family
Training That Supports Your Next Step
Built for real life and real careers. Our program is designed around students who are working, raising families, and building a future at the same time. You'll train under experienced massage therapists, practice on real clients, and when it's time to get licensed, we'll be with you every step of the way.
Proven Student Success
When it's time to get licensed, you won't be figuring it out alone. We guide you through every step of exam prep and registration, so when test day comes, you're ready and confident.
98% of our graduates have passed the MBLEx exam on their first try, a reflection of our high standards and commitment to your success.
98% of our graduates have passed the MBLEx exam on their first try, a reflection of our high standards and commitment to your success.
100%
Graduation rate of students
who stick with our program
who stick with our program
100%
MBLEx exam pass rate in 2026
Why students choose Urban River
We're a school run by massage therapists, for future massage therapists. We know what it takes to build a career in this field, and we've designed our program to get you there.
Schedules That Fit Your Life
Choose full-time and be licensed in 6.5 months*, or take the part-time route with a personalized schedule that flexes around work, family, and everything in between.
Read more about our program →
All-Inclusive Tuition
Your tuition includes textbooks, massage tools, and everything you need. No hidden costs. Financial aid and scholarships available.
Explore financing options →
Job Placement Support
Our partnerships with Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and local practices mean you'll have career opportunities before graduation.
Learn about placement →
*Program length when completed in normal time
Ready to start your massage therapy career?
Take a few minutes to discover your strengths and get the facts you need to make the right decision for your future.
What Our Graduates Say
This school is a beautiful family centered around a passion for helping people feel better.
As a newcomer to South Carolina, I was thrilled to find Urban River Massage Institute in such a great location. I not only have pursued my passion for massage therapy, but I've done so couched within a group of the most wonderful instructors, administrators, and students. This school is a beautiful family centered around a passion for helping people feel better.
A
Alice
What stands out most is how much the school staff truly cares...
What stands out most is how much the school staff truly cares. They focus on skill-building while also teaching self-care so we can succeed both in our careers and in our well-being. I would absolutely recommend this school to others.
J
Jing
I could not be more thrilled with my decision to enroll...
I am in the process of enrolling at Urban River, and I could not be more thrilled with my decision to enroll there.
The curriculum at Urban River Massage Institute appears to be well-structured and it covers a wide range of massage techniques. It has left no stone unturned, ensuring that future students are fully equipped to excel in their future career.
The instructors at Urban River are highly knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about what they teach. Their dedication to their students' success is evident in their willingness to go the extra mile to provide guidance and support.
The practice rooms, massage tables, and equipment also appear to be top-notch.
I wholeheartedly recommend this school to anyone looking to embark on a journey in the world of massage therapy.
The curriculum at Urban River Massage Institute appears to be well-structured and it covers a wide range of massage techniques. It has left no stone unturned, ensuring that future students are fully equipped to excel in their future career.
The instructors at Urban River are highly knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about what they teach. Their dedication to their students' success is evident in their willingness to go the extra mile to provide guidance and support.
The practice rooms, massage tables, and equipment also appear to be top-notch.
I wholeheartedly recommend this school to anyone looking to embark on a journey in the world of massage therapy.
HA
Haylei August
I immediately felt right at home here, and I continue to enjoy being here every day...
Urban River Massage Institute is truly amazing, and staff and teachers show that they care about us as students and make sure we are doing well. When I was school shopping, I immediately felt right at home here, and I continue to enjoy being here every day. It's like a second home. I also love how flexible the school is. The ideal student-to-teacher ratio gives me lots of personal interaction time.
M
Madison
I've met the most supportive staff and am walking away with life-long friends...
Urban River Massage Institute has opened up a whole world to me. Beyond the obvious good of training me to be a massage therapist, I've gained a deep appreciation for the human body and all of the systems and structures that keep us alive and thriving. I've met the most supportive staff and am walking away with life-long friends.
C
Caroline
It's clear to me that the instructors and staff care about their students...
It's clear to me that the instructors and staff care about their students, their careers, and the success of massage therapy. It's a true blessing to learn under such capable professionals!
E
Emma