Are you accredited? Yes we are! Carlson College of Massage Therapy was the first massage therapy program in the State of Iowa that is accredited by COMTA – The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. This accreditation is voluntary, and we GLADLY choose to uphold the highest standards of the profession. NOT ALL SCHOOLS ARE CREATED EQUAL AND NOT ALL SCHOOLS ARE ACCREDITED. Unfortunately, the State of Iowa has very little oversight of trade schools. Please note that in some states, like Arizona, you must graduate from an accredited school to be eligible for licensure.

What are the lengths of your programs? Our full time programs begin in late February and late August and are both six months in length. Our part time (evening/scheduled Saturdays) program begins in August and is 11.5 months in length.

Is Financial Aid available? Yes – for those who qualify! Just visit the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once you file, have your information sent to us and we’ll help you figure out how to pay for your education. You will also want to come in to meet with our Financial Aid Administrator to make sure you have everything you need. Our school code for the FAFSA is 037203.

What is student clinic like? Clinic is the opportunity for you learn what it really means to be a massage therapist. You will be closely supervised as you work with the public putting to use your “hands on” skills. Our student clinic simulates what it is like to be a licensed therapist demonstrating the skills you have learned in all of your coursework; hands on, business, professional ethics and more! Our clinic is truly like none other!

How long will I be in class each day? The hours of our full time program are 8:30am to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30am to 1:30pm on Fridays. There are 45 minute lunch breaks each day. During the clinical portion of the program these hours do change. The part time program (evenings and the scheduled Saturdays) hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm-9:30pm and the scheduled Saturdays are from 9am-4pm.

Do you have a “typical student”? No we don’t – and we like it that way! Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and have different stories. That’s what makes us who we are – a diverse and accepting learning environment.

What do I do to become licensed after graduation? While you are a student at CCMT, we will do our best to prepare you for “what comes after…”. If your goal is to practice in the State of Iowa, or any other state that requires a state license, we will help you prepare for the State Licensing Examination. Wherever you go upon graduation, you will have to submit all necessary information to the state in which you wish to practice. We are here to assist you with that process.

How much money can I make as a Licensed Massage Therapist – where will I work? The United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook handbook estimates a job growth increase of 23% from now until 2022 in the field of massage! That is more than double the average for all jobs. CLICK HERE ​to read more!

​One of the many great things about this profession is flexibility. Some massage therapists earn an hourly rate, while others earn a salary. Some work part time while others work full time. According to the US Dept. of Labor, the median pay for a full time massage therapist in 2012 was $35,970.
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​Our graduates can be found working in private practice, with chiropractors, in spas/salons, for sports teams, on cruise ships, in hospitals, for Hospice, traveling and working with world famous musicians, and more. The possibilities are endless!