Massage school FAQ
Frequently asked questions about NC Massage School
Since 2002, NC Massage School has led professional massage therapy education, giving students a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience in a supportive, holistic environment. Our 700-hour diploma program offers both fundamental massage techniques and advanced Clinical Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) training.
Small class sizes ensure personalized, one-on-one instruction from experienced educators, allowing each student to build confidence and develop essential skills for a rewarding career.
Program and Curriculum
How many hours is the program?
Our diploma program consists of 700 clock hours of instruction, hands-on practice, and clinical experience.
What subjects are included?
The curriculum covers Anatomy & Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, Foundational Therapeutic Massage Techniques, Clinical Neuromuscular Therapy, Hydrotherapy, Ethics, Business & Professional Development, and MBLEx Readiness.
How much hands-on training is provided?
A major portion of the 700-hour curriculum is dedicated to practical hands-on application, body mechanics instruction, instructor-supervised peer practice, and live clinical internship hours.
Is neuromuscular therapy included?
Yes. Clinical Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a cornerstone of our program. Graduates receive a Certificate in Neuromuscular Therapy alongside their Massage Therapy Diploma.
Is clinical training included?
Yes. Students complete supervised clinical practice sessions on campus, applying their skills with members of the public under instructor guidance.
Can the program be completed online?
No. NC Massage School’s 700-hour diploma program is completed in person at our Cornelius campus. Massage therapy education includes supervised hands-on instruction and a 100-hour clinical internship with real clients. Learn more about online and in-person massage therapy education.
Class Schedules
When does the next class begin?
Our next massage therapy diploma program begins February 8, 2027.
What are the full-time hours?
Full-time classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, allowing students to complete their training in approximately six months.
What are the part-time hours?
The part-time program takes approximately twelve months to complete. During the first semester, students attend Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During the second semester, students attend Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Part-time study is still a structured weekday daytime program. It is not an evening, weekend, online or self-paced option.
Are evening classes offered?
Diploma program classes are currently held during daytime hours. Please contact our admissions office for the most up-to-date schedule options.
Are weekend classes offered?
The diploma program does not currently offer weekend classes. However, select Continuing Education (CE) workshops for licensed therapists are held on weekends.
Can students switch schedules?
Schedule changes between full-time and part-time tracks are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on course sequencing, seat availability, and approval from the Director of Education.
How are missed hours completed?
NC Massage School requires students to complete its 700-hour curriculum to graduate. Students must attend 100% of the supervised clinical internship. Under the current catalog policy, students must attend at least 80% of each course to receive credit and complete required makeup work to reach at least 98% attendance in each course. Makeup work, tutoring and retesting may involve additional requirements or expenses.
Tuition and Financing
What is the total tuition cost?
Total tuition for the 700-hour Massage Therapy Diploma Program is $9,590.00.
Is a deposit required upon acceptance?
Yes. A $1,200 non-refundable tuition deposit is required upon enrollment acceptance to hold your seat in the upcoming class.
Does NC Massage School accept FAFSA or Pell Grants?
NC Massage School does not currently participate in FAFSA-based federal financial aid or Pell Grants. The school offers other payment options, including approved in-house plans, third-party financing, and eligible veterans education benefits. Availability and terms vary. Review current tuition and financing options →
Are in-house payment plans available?
Yes. We offer internal payment plan options spanning 6, 12, 18, or 24 months. We provide specific monthly terms, finance charges, and APR details in your financing disclosure before you sign.
Is third-party financing available?
Qualified applicants may apply separately through Fortify Education, an independent third-party lender. Fortify determines eligibility, available repayment periods, APR, finance charges, and final loan terms. Applicants should review the complete financing disclosure before accepting an offer. NC Massage School does not guarantee financing approval or particular repayment terms.
What is the refund policy?
Tuition refund schedules are defined by North Carolina state regulation and outlined in detail in our written enrollment agreement and official school catalog.
What costs exist outside tuition?
Additional expenses may include:
- Application fee: $25
- Books: approximately $650
- Technology fee: $180
- Personal supplies and linens: approximately $50–$100
- Optional massage table: approximately $550–$875
- MBLEx examination fee
- State licensing and background-check expenses
- Transportation and personal expenses
Costs may change. Review the current catalog and written enrollment documents before applying.
Admissions
Do I need to be 18 years old to attend?
Yes. Applicants must be at least 18 years old prior to the first day of class.
Is a high school diploma or GED required?
Yes. All applicants must hold a valid high school diploma or recognized GED equivalent.
Can a 17-year-old apply before turning 18?
Yes. A 17-year-old high school senior may submit an application, provided they reach age 18 before official enrollment and the start of classes.
Are background checks required?
The North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy requires background checks when applying for state licensure. Applicants must disclose prior criminal histories during enrollment.
Can previous coursework transfer?
No. NC Massage School does not accept transfer credits from other institutions to ensure that every graduate fully completes our integrated 700-hour curriculum.
Is an interview or campus tour required?
Yes. An admissions consultation or campus tour is part of our process to ensure our learning environment aligns with your career goals.
Does applying guarantee admission?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Class sizes are limited, and we grant admission based on meeting all prerequisite standards.
Clinical Training
What does clinical training involve?
Students gain real-world experience performing massage sessions on public clients during supervised student clinicals, under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.
When does clinical internship training begin?
Clinical training begins after students successfully complete prerequisite coursework in anatomy, core techniques, safety, sanitation, and ethics.
MBLEx and Licensing
Does graduating automatically make me licensed?
No. Graduation and licensure are separate. Graduates must satisfy the examination, application, background check, and other requirements established by the state where they intend to practice. Read the North Carolina licensing guide →
What exam is required for licensing?
Most states, including North Carolina, require you to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Campus Visits
Can I tour the campus before applying?
Yes, by appointment. We encourage prospective students to schedule a visit to our campus in Cornelius, NC, tour our classrooms, and meet with our Director of Education.
How do I schedule a campus visit?
You can request a tour by filling out our online contact form or emailing our admissions team at admin@ncmassageschool.com.
Veterans Benefits
Is the program approved for Veterans Education Benefits?
Yes. Our Massage Therapy Diploma Program is approved for eligible veterans, military members, and qualifying dependents through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
What documents are needed to use GI Bill® benefits?
Eligible individuals must submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the VA to hold a spot and initiate benefit processing with the school.
Still have questions?
Tell us what you would like to know about the curriculum, schedule, tuition, admissions, or campus. A member of the NC Massage School team will respond within 24 hours.
Ready to enroll? Apply for the next class.