Massage Studies

Frequently asked questions

1. How much does it cost?
2. Why are you so inexpensive?
3.  Is financial aid available?
4.  How does Clover Park Technical College’s Massage Program compare with other programs in Western Washington?
5.  How long are some of the other courses that are offered by other schools?
6.  Which school should I choose?
7.  When should I register?
8.  How much can I expect to make as a Licensed Massage Practitioner?
9.  What are the prerequisites for the Massage program?
10. Why do I need a statement of health from my doctor before entering the program?
11. Do you help with job placement services?
12. Do you have services for disabled persons?
13. Where are you located?
14. How can I get more information?

How much does it cost?

Of course, costs are always subject to change, but using the current fee schedule, completing the Associate of Applied Technology degree in Massage Studies would cost about:
     Tuition & Fees:            $4800.00
     Materials & Supplies: $2900.00

Why are you so inexpensive?

This is a very common question. How can we afford to continue to give such a high quality program at less than half the cost of private training schools?
Simply put, we are a state school. The State of Washington contributes approximately 70% of the cost of CPTC students’ education through support of the basic instruction costs. Students are responsible for the remaining 30%.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, to qualified students.

The College position is that students should not be denied access to an education because of lack of money. The primary responsibility for an education rests with students and their families. However, if their combined financial resources are not sufficient to cover expenses, students could be eligible for financial aid.

Student financial aid is provided through individualized "financial aid packages" consisting of funds provided by grants, loans, employment and scholarships. The packages are a combination of federal, state, institutional, and community resources. Financial aid at CPTC is awarded within federal, state, and institutional guidelines. No student is denied aid on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or physical handicap.

For Financial Aid information call (253) 589-5660.

How does Clover Park Technical College’s Massage Program compare with other programs in Western Washington?

All of the accredited programs in Washington State will prepare their students to take either of the approved Massage Certification Exams. The minimum amount of hours a program must provide is 500, with many schools offering more than this in order to make their graduates better able to be successful in their chosen career.

Clover Park Technical College recognizes that not every student has the same educational wants or needs. We have structured Massage Studies with this in mind. Our full program has been divided into two certificates, with an option to earn an Associate of Applied Technology degree.

The Swedish Massage Practitioner certificate is the first 600+ hour certificate, and can be completed in just over six months by the full-time day student. This certificate emphasizes Swedish Massage skills for relaxation and wellness. The Swedish Massage Certificate has been approved by the State of Washington, and fullfills the requirements to allow the successful student to take the Certification Exam and apply for licensure.

The second certificate is our Clinical Massage certificate. This training is open for those who have successfully completed the Swedish Massage Practitioner certificate, or are already Licensed Massage Practitioners in Washington State. As the name implies, this certificate focuses on the clinical or medical aspect of massage therapy. More and more studies are being published about the healing power of massage, and massage is covered by most major insurers. We cover, in depth, many different injuries and illnesses, and explore how massage can be instrumental in helping our clients heal.

It has been our experience that those students who finish the full program (both certificates), have higher passrates on the Certification Exams, and tend to find more success in the massage profession. Our full program is well over 1400 hours, and the successful student will graduate with an Associate of Technology degree in Massage Studies.

Our Instructors: CPTC’s Massage Studies instructors have anywhere from 12-25+ years experience, and have all had, or still have, successful private practices. We are passionate about this profession, and strive to give our graduates the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful. You can be assured of a competent, experienced instructor who can bring the wealth of their knowledge and experience to the classroom.

How long are some of the other courses that are offered by other schools?

There have been a lot of new massage schools opening in the last few years. Here is a short list of schools, timelines and hours:

Which school should I choose?

That is strictly a personal choice. Different programs will appeal to different students. Go to the different schools, talk to them, see their facility, and ask questions. We feel that we have one of the finer programs in the state, and continually strive to offer only the best in instruction and experience. Program orientations are held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, between 3-3:45pm. This will give you a chance to see the classroom, meet an instructor, and get some of your questions answered.

When should I register?

We are a very popular program, and often have a waiting list. Register as soon as you make your decision to come here.

How much can I expect to make as a Licensed Massage Practitioner?

Good question. The price for massage sessions vary according to many different factors. We’ve seen them anywhere from $35 to over $100 for an hour massage. This is the cost of the session, not the practitioner’s income, since it does not take into account such things as overhead.

According the American Massage Therapy Association, the average massage therapists in the US is:
      Doing an average of 15 hours of massage a week.
      Charging an average of $58 for an hour massage
      Earning an average wage of $39 an hour (including tip) for all massage related work.
      Has been working in the industry 7.8 years.

It’s been our experience that just starting out, working as an employee for someone else, you can expect to start anywhere from $15 to $30 per hour of massage plus any tips. Your earning potential is directly proportional to the amount of time and effort you want to put forth.

What are the prerequisites for the Massage program?

A medical statement of health status from a primary care provider stating the student is able to safely participate in all aspects of the class is required to enter the program. That statement must be submitted to instructor.

Potential students entering the program must test at college level in reading on the COMPASS Assessment test.

In order to participate in the program, the student must submit a criminal background check from the Washington State Patrol. This can be obtained on-line using WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History). Some types of convictions may prevent some individuals from participating in certain classes.

Documentation of training in standard first aid and CPR and a four-hour HIV/AIDS/Bloodborne pathogens class is required to progress to the second quarter.

Why do I need a statement of health from my doctor before entering the program?

Massage is a very rewarding profession, and can also be very demanding; physically, emotionally, and mentally. As a result, in order to best prepare our graduates for success in the workplace, our program is very intensive. During your course of study, in addition to the memorization and studying, you will be expected to do up to 3 hours of massage on a given day. We want you to be successful. Some injuries or illnesses would make it very difficult or even impossible to participate fully and successfully complete the program.

Do you help with job placement services?

We are constantly getting job announcements, and updating our postings. Any graduate who is interested in looking over the current announcements is welcomed and encouraged to come in and do so. Clover Park Technical College interfaces with potential employers and our community on many levels. In addition, and we think even more importantly, we stress the importance of excellent business, employment, and hands-on skills. As more of our graduates enter the job market, more employers are impressed with their skills, and contacting us when the need for skilled and competent employees arise.

Do you have services for disabled persons?

CPTC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, including core services, to qualified students with disabilities. Appropriate academic adjustments/reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified students.

To arrange accommodations, students should contact the Student Disability Specialist at 253.589.5767. When possible, requests for accommodations should be received by the College six weeks prior to the beginning of the program in which the student will enroll.

The complete CPTC Policies and Procedures for Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities under ADA/504 document is available in the Advising, Counseling and Student Services offices.

Where are you located?

Main campus:
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Building 10 for lecture, and building 8 for labs
Lakewood, WA

How can I get more information?

Call, come in, or check out Clover Park's website at: http://www.cptc.edu/   You can find information about enrollment, financial aid, different programs, registration, fee lists, maps, etc.