Get the Skills to Become a Massage Therapist
Hands-On Massage Therapy Training with Job Placement Assistance
Training Designed to Support Your Goals
At Urban River Massage Institute, our Massage Therapy program gives you everything you need to launch a confident, rewarding career. You'll build a strong technical foundation through hands-on practice and classroom instruction, while developing the real-world skills that clients and employers actually expect.
We move at a pace that lets you grow steadily and feel genuinely prepared, not just for the MBLEx exam, but for everything that comes after it. Massage therapy is one of the most in-demand services in the health and wellness industry, and you could be licensed and ready to work in as little as 30 weeks*.
Gain the Skills for Success in Massage Therapy
Skills You Will Learn
Our Learning Approach
- Practice-Based Learning: Learn techniques in settings that mirror real professional and clinical environments.
- Build Confidence Gradually: Structured coursework meets you where you are and moves at a pace that lets skills stick.
- Guidance From People Who've Done It: Your instructors are working massage therapists, and you'll also be paired with a student mentor from a previous cohort who knows exactly what you're going through
- Ready for Work Before You Graduate: From business planning to industry speakers, we prepare you for the professional side of massage therapy, not just the technical side.
Key Program Objectives
Apply massage therapy techniques safely and effectively
Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and movement as they relate to massage therapy
Communicate professionally with clients while maintaining ethical standards
Build confidence and practical skills through guided experience
Full & Part Time Classes Available
✓ Follows school district calendar
✓ 4 start dates per year
✓ 650 hours of instruction
✓ Hands-on clinic hours included
✓ Same curriculum as day program
✓ Ideal for working professionals
✓ 650 hours of instruction
✓ Hands-on clinic hours included
Is a Career as a Massage Therapist Right for You?
What Can You Do With a Massage Therapy Certification?
Graduates of the Massage Therapy program are prepared for entry-level roles providing therapeutic massage services in a range of professional settings.
With this training, you might find work in settings such as:
- Massage therapy and wellness clinics
- Spas and resorts
- Chiropractic and physical therapy offices
- Healthcare and integrative wellness centers
- Fitness facilities or private practice environments
Career paths and earning potential can vary based on location, setting, experience, and specialization. In some cases, graduates may pursue roles that pay $70,000+ annually, depending on these factors.
Get More Details
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options
Get Licensed With Confidence
Before you graduate, you'll also attend a career fair where local employers and business owners come to meet your cohort. It's one more way we make sure you leave Urban River with more than a certificate, you leave with a clear path forward.
Our program is fully accredited by:
Financial Aid & Scholarship Opportunities
Financial Aid & Flexible Payment Options
From scholarships and education benefits to flexible payment plans, there are several ways to help manage the cost of your training. Our team is here to walk you through what's available and help you find the right fit for your situation. Available options may include:
- GI Bill® education benefits for eligible veterans and their families
- Flexible financing and payment plans
- Payment options for students paying out of pocket
Urban River partners with Lumion to offer financing and flexible payment plans. Through Lumion, students can explore options or set up a payment plan that works with their budget. The application process is quick and carries no obligation to proceed.
Admissions staff are available to help students understand these options and walk through the process step by step.
Scholarship Opportunities
Urban River Massage Institute supports students in exploring scholarship opportunities offered through industry organizations and partners. Available scholarships may vary by eligibility, award amount, and application requirements. Examples of scholarship opportunities include:
- AMTA Student Scholarship: American Massage Therapy Association Bob King $5,000 Student Scholarship
- Massage Envy National Scholarship: $2,500 scholarship opportunity
- ABMP Student Scholarship: Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals $5,000 Scholarship
- Hand & Stone Spa Childcare Support: Eligible students and instructors may receive a tuition discount through partnered childcare providers (availability and details may vary)
For more information about current scholarship opportunities and requirements, see the Scholarships page.
All-Inclusive Tuition
Urban River offers an all-inclusive tuition structure, designed to provide cost clarity throughout the program. Tuition includes required educational materials and tools needed for training, helping reduce unexpected expenses and support planning from the start.
Students are encouraged to speak with the admissions team for details about what is included and how tuition is structured.
Why Choose Urban River Massage Institute for Massage Therapy Training
Training Built Around Real Practice
Schedules That Work Around Your Life
Full-time students complete the program in 6.5 months*. If you're balancing work, family, or other commitments, our part-time track offers a personalized schedule built around your life.
Instruction Led by Experienced Massage Therapists
Personalized Student and Career Support
Get More Details
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options
FAQs
How long is the massage therapy program?
Urban River Massage Institute offers two schedule options for its 650-hour Massage Therapy certification program in Greenville, SC.
The day program is designed to be completed in approximately 6.5 months* when attended full-time. The evening program is structured to be completed in approximately 11 months* for students who prefer a part-time format.
Both options follow a structured curriculum that blends classroom instruction with guided practice. The different formats allow students to choose a schedule that best fits their personal and professional responsibilities while progressing steadily through the same core training.
*Program length when completed in normal time.
What does the massage therapy curriculum include?
The Massage Therapy curriculum is built around the foundational knowledge and applied skills used in professional practice.
Coursework includes:
Anatomy and Physiology
Kinesiology and Pathology
Core massage techniques and modalities
Professional practices and client communication
Business topics related to massage therapy
CPR and First Aid training
Students develop an understanding of body systems, movement mechanics, and common conditions relevant to massage therapy applications. Alongside technical training, the program emphasizes ethical standards, professionalism, and thoughtful client care.
Learning takes place through a structured blend of classroom instruction and guided skill development, allowing students to build competence gradually over time.
Is there hands-on training?
Yes. Hands-on learning is a core part of the Massage Therapy program.
Students participate in supervised practice within the student clinic, where they work with real clients under guidance. This applied learning approach is designed to reflect professional and clinical environments, helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world practice.
Through structured, guided experience, students build confidence in performing massage techniques safely and effectively while receiving instructor feedback along the way.
What support services are available?
Urban River Massage Institute provides support throughout training and as students prepare for their next steps.
Students receive ongoing guidance from instructors during the program and have access to career-related resources, including job placement assistance. The admissions team is also available to help students explore financial aid options, GI Bill® education benefits (for eligible veterans and their families), financing plans, and scholarship opportunities.
The goal is to support students not only in skill development, but also in navigating the practical considerations of training and career preparation.
What Our Graduates Say
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.
Is a Rewarding Career as a Massage Therapist Right For You?
*When completed in normal program time
**Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm