Massage Therapy Program

Massage is becoming more popular as a healing and medical treatment. Because of this, the demand for licensed massage therapists continues to grow.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in massage therapy are expected to grow 22% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than average.

In less than one year, students in MCC's Massage Therapy Program gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this growing field.

Massage therapists can work in many settings, including:

• Spas
• Private practices
• Health care offices
• Chiropractic clinics
• Physical therapy offices
• Physician offices

After completing the Massage Therapy Program, students may take licensing exams to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).

Students can choose from two licensing exam options. Each option has specific requirements and fees that students must complete and pay after finishing the program.

These fees are not included in MCC tuition and are not paid to MCC.

All required exams and steps must be completed and passed before a license can be issued.

• Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
  • MBLEx fee: $265
  • Jurisprudence exam fee: $34
  • Fingerprinting fee: $40
  • State license application fee: $100

• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
  • PSI exam fee: $60
  • Fingerprinting fee: $40
  • State license application fee: $100

More information regarding licensing is available through the TDLR website, https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mas/apply-therapist.htm

The MCC Massage Therapy Program includes 600 hours of instruction completed in one semester.

New classes begin each Fall and Spring semester (July and January).

Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Part-time, evening, and online classes are not available.

Students learn from licensed instructors through classroom lessons, one-on-one instruction, and hands-on training.

The program covers:

• Basic human anatomy and physiology
• Professional ethics
• Medical terminology
• Healing functions of the body
• Massage movements and techniques
• Equipment use
• Safety practices

• Students also complete a 50-hour internship. During the internship, they practice their skills by providing massages to members of the community.
• Tentative internship hours are 1:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., but these hours may change each semester. Instructors will provide internship schedules after classes begin.
• After completing the program, students are prepared to take the state licensing exams and become Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a High School Diploma, GED, or HSE.
• Submit a program application (the application button is located on the right side or bottom of the webpage). 
  • PDF Applications are available by email request.
  • Paper applications are available in the Cosmetology Department's main office. 
• Take the reading comprehension entrance exam.
  • The exam is offered every June and October in the Cosmetology Department at no cost.
  • Students must earn the minimum required score.
  • Applicants who do not meet the required score must complete a free reading support class and improve their score before they can enroll.
• Program seats are filled starting with the highest passing scores and continuing downward. Be accepted into the program and receive a starting semester.

• Tuition: $3900 
• Textbooks: $205
• Uniform: $220
• Miscellaneous Supplies: $55

Because this is a Continuing Education (CE) program, tuition costs are the same regardless of the student's county or state of residence.

The program is eligible for FAFSA financial aid.

Students who do not use financial aid may:

• Pay the full tuition before the first day of class, or
• Set up an installment plan and make payments throughout the semester.

Students can purchase textbooks through the MCC Bookstore.

Before classes begin, students will receive a list of required uniform items and miscellaneous supplies.

Textbook, uniform, and supply costs are separate from tuition and are not included in the tuition price.

Cheryl Peter

Has been a Licensed Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy Instructor for numerous years. She has certifications in Manual Lymph Drainage, Lymphedema Treatment, and Medical Massage. Cheryl actively practices massage in a busy chiropractic clinic when she is not teaching. She strives to bring current practices and information into the classroom to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce upon completion of the program and licensure.

  cpeter@mclennan.edu 

Steve Hinton

Steve graduated from Body and Soul massage school located in Wichita, KS in 2010. He was trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, Corporate Chair Massage, Pre-natal, Sports, Lomi Lomi, Thai Yoga, Trigger Point Therapy, ACE Cupping, Reflexology, Bamboo Fusion, Thai Poultice, and Lymphatic Massage. He became a licensed massage therapy instructor in 2021. He worked in the athletic department at Baylor University for 6 years providing sports massage for multiple sports teams. He also has his own private practice. Steve is passionate about his career and looks forward to inspiring new students with his vast knowledge in massage and bodywork.

sehinton@mclennan.edu 

Contact Nicole Beckwith-Dawson at nbeckwith@mclennan.edu, call 254-299-8701, text 254-602-5269, or email our instructors.

Our department is located in wing B of the Community Services Center (CSC) at 4601 N 19th Street, Waco, TX 76708. 

If you are interested in having our Massage Therapy students attend an event, please contact us 6 months in advance.