Massage and Spa Therapy Courses: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Aug 21, 2024 06:34 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Massage Therapist courses focus on training students, the techniques of massage therapy as well as the skills necessary to work in a spa environment. These courses typically cover a wide range of topics including various Massage Techniques, Anatomy, Physiology, Spa Treatments, Customer Service, Spa Operations, Business Management, and Hygiene and Safety Standards.

The Massage Therapist courses are offered at UG, PG, Certification, and Diploma levels. To be eligible for Massage Therapist courses, candidates must make sure to have passed at least Class 10 or Class 12 from a recognized board. Admission to Massage Therapist courses is majorly based on Class 12 scores. Popular colleges that offer Massage Therapist courses are TNPESU, ISAS International Beauty School, Orane International School of Beauty and Wellness, etc. The fees for Massage Therapist courses range between INR 2,000 and INR 85,000. 
Once graduated with Massage Therapist courses, candidates can opt for job profiles such as Massage Therapist, Spa Therapist, Esthetician, Wellness Consultant, Spa Manager or Supervisor, Spa Trainer or Educator, etc. The average salary that graduates can earn after Massage and Spa Therapy courses ranges between INR 2.2 LPA and INR 18 LPA. Candidates can continue reading the article to get more Massage and Spa Therapy course details.

Suggested Read for Massage Therapist course:

Beautician Courses by VLCC

Beautician Diploma Courses After Class 12

List of Courses offered by Loreal Academy

Massage Therapist Course Details: Highlights

Typical coursework in a Massage Therapist course may include anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, ethics, business management, and hands-on practice. Candidates can check the table below to know the key highlights of the Massage Therapist course.

Parameters Massage Therapist Course Details
Massage Therapist Course Level Diploma, Certificate, UG, and PG
Massage Therapist Course Duration

Diploma/Certification: 6 Months - 1 Year

UG: 3 Years

PG: 2Years

Massage Therapist Course Fee INR 2,000 - 85,000
Massage Therapist Course Admission Process Merit-based
Massage Therapist Course Eligibility Criteria Class 10 or Class 12 
Popular Colleges for Massage Therapist Course Pragyan International University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Fashion Technology and Design, Sabarmati University, etc.
Massage Therapist Job Profiles Massage Therapist, Spa Therapist, Esthetician, Wellness Consultant, Spa Manager or Supervisor, Spa Trainer or Educator, etc.
Massage Therapist Average Salary INR 2.2 LPA - INR 18 LPA
Massage Therapist Top Recruiters Kerala Ayurveda Kendra, Muktaa The Wellness Clinic & Luxury Spa Marine Drive, Bharti Massage Center, Ayurville - Ayurvedic Treatment & Spa, etc.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Useful Links for Massage Therapist course:

Beautician Diploma Courses After Class 10

How to Become a Beautician?

Lakme Certification Courses

Q:   What is Massage and Spa Therapy course all about?

A:

Massage and Spa Therapy courses prepare students to become massage therapists and spa therapists. They cover topics like anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, client communication, ethics, and business management and teach students a variety of spa services, including massages, facials, waxing, and manicures and pedicures.

Q:   Which are the most popular Massage and Spa Therapy courses?

A:

Here are some popular Massage and Spa Therapy courses, students are opting for:

  • Massage Therapy Course: Prepares students to become certified massage therapists.
  • Spa Therapist Course: Covers various aspects of massage therapy, including anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, client communication, ethics, and business management.
  • Reflexology: Teaches students how to apply pressure to areas on the feet and hands to help relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body.
  • Massage & Spa Therapy (CIMST) Course: Helps students increase their knowledge and skills in personal care theory and practice.

All About Massage Therapist Course

A Massage Therapist course is a program of study and training that prepares individuals to become qualified and certified massage therapists. The Spa Therapist course covers various aspects of massage therapy, including Anatomy and Physiology, massage techniques, client communication, ethics, and business management.

The duration of a Massage Therapist course can vary depending on the level of certification or specialization. Typically, a Massage Therapist course ranges from a few weeks for basic certification to several months for more comprehensive programs.

Massage Therapist courses are offered in various formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid options. In-person courses often include hands-on practical training, while online courses may focus more on theory and require students to complete practical components locally.

Suggested readings for Massage Therapist course:

Differences Between Basic and Advanced Hair Care Courses

Diploma Courses in Beauty after 10th, 12th: Colleges, Eligibility, Required Skills & Jobs

VLCC Diploma Courses: Fee, Eligibility, Syllabus and Job Opportunities

VLCC Certification Courses: Duration, Eligibility & Job Opportunities

Why Study a Massage Therapist Course?

  • Holistic Health: Massage Therapist course promotes holistic health and wellness. The Spa Therapist course allows you to contribute positively to people's physical and mental well-being. Many clients seek massage therapy for relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, and improved overall health.
  • Growing Industry: The demand for skilled massage therapists continues to grow, driven by an increasing awareness of the benefits of massage and spa therapies. 
  • Variety of Specializations: Massage therapy offers various specializations, allowing you to tailor your career to one's interests. 
  • Flexible Career Options: Candidates can choose to work in spas, wellness centres, resorts, or even start a private practice.
  • Work-Life Balance: Many massage therapists enjoy a good work-life balance. 
Massage Therapist course Links you may be interested in:

Diploma Courses in Beauty after 10th, 12th: Colleges, Eligibility, Required Skills & Jobs

Q:   What are the benefits of pursuing a Massage and Spa Therapy course?

A:

If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, there are many benefits to be had. Some of them are:

  • Financial Stability
  • Flexibility and Independence
  • Personal and Professional Satisfaction
  • Helping Others
  • Opportunities for Growth and Specialization

Q:   What are the challenges in Massage Therapy industry?

A:

Even though working in massage therapy can be a fulfilling profession, there are risks and difficulties to be aware of. These may consist of:

  • Pain and damage sustained from applying massage techniques physically
  • Exposure to illnesses and infectious diseases
  • Managing challenging or unsuitable clients
  • Preserving sensible boundaries and preventing burnout.

It's critical for Massage Therapists to practice self-care and prevent burnout in order to preserve their mental and physical well-being.

Massage Therapist Course Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for a Massage Therapist course can vary depending on the institution and the specific program. Most Massage Therapist courses do not require a specific educational background beyond a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, some Massage Therapist courses may have minimum educational requirements, such as a high school certificate.

Candidates should have passed at least Class 10 from a recognized board of education. However, educational qualification is not a limit for a candidate who is passionate about learning Massage and Spa Therapies.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Links relevant to Massage Therapist Course:

Diploma in Beauty Culture: Fee, Eligibility, Popular Colleges and More

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for admission to UG & PG courses of Massage and Spa Therapy?

A:

To pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate Massage and Spa Therapy course, the minimum eligibility criteria is to pass Class 12 from any stream with at least 45% aggregate score from a recognised board. Alongside, a PG course requires candidates to obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for Massage and Spa Therapy certificate courses?

A:

To study Massage and Spa Therapy courses, candidates need to qualify for class 10th or 10+2 examination. Several colleges offered admission either on the basis of entrance test scores or through the direct process. We have mentioned below the following conditions which need to be fulfilled by the candidates to get admission into Massage and Spa Therapy courses:

  • Candidates should have passed class 10th or 10+2 from a recognised board or institution.
  • They must have attained above 50 percent marks in the 10th or 10+2 examination.
  • Certificate courses in Massage and Spa Therapy are mostly done on a merit basis.

Massage Therapist Course Syllabus

The syllabus for a Massage Therapist course can vary depending on the institution, the level of certification or specialization, and the country's regulatory requirements. However, here's a general outline of topics commonly covered in Massage Therapist courses:

Massage Therapist Course Year 1
Anatomy and Physiology Pathology
Business/record-keeping techniques Safety Practices
Massage Therapist Course Year 2
Swedish Massage Hydrotherapy
Kinesiology Concepts of Polarity to Massage Therapy

Click here to view the detailed Massage Therapist course syllabus

Suggested Topics for Massage Therapist course: 

Job Opportunities After Professional Skincare Courses: Top Recruiters and Salary

Top Makeup Artist Courses in India: Duration, Eligibility, Colleges and Career

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh

Popular Specializations

Q:   Which are the main topics covered under Massage and Spa Therapy courses?

A:

Here are a few topics commonly covered under Massage and Spa Therapy courses:

  • Holistic Health: Massage therapy is a type of holistic health therapy, which can also include acupuncture, naturopathy, Ayurveda, chiropractic care, and more. 
  • Spa Knowledge: Spa therapy courses often include basic massage learning, as well as topics like body wraps, scrubs, and aromatherapy. 
  • Communication: Massage therapists use communication to determine problem areas and make patients feel comfortable during treatments. 

Q:   Which is the most difficult subject in Massage and Spa Therapy course?

A:

Here are some Massage and Spa Therapy subjects that are both theorotically and practically challenging for students:

  •  Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology- Entry-level massage therapists must recognize how muscles work together and affect one another. Through the intro to anatomy and physiology, different muscle groups can be labeled and comprehended in how they function.
  •   Massage Techniques– Different massage techniques are essential because no one style will be appropriate to all clients. When you pursue a career in massage therapy, it is necessary to know all methods because massaging techniques can be customized to a patient’s needs as far as age, condition, special needs, goals, etc. The more massage therapy techniques you know, the more people you can help.
  •   Kinesiology – The study of movement and bones in the human body. An aspiring massage therapist must know kinesiology to identify weak muscles to correct various issues and ailments. With kinesiology, a massage therapist can work on any muscle group to aid relaxation, loosen contracted muscles, and soothe an overworked body.

Best Colleges for Massage Therapist Course

There are around 39 Massage Therapist colleges in India, of which, 21 are private and 3 are government institutions. However, please note that the availability of programs and the rankings of colleges can change over time. It's essential to verify the latest information before deciding on a Massage Therapist course. Here are some well-known institutions in India that have offered Massage Therapy courses.

Best Government Colleges for Massage Therapist Course

4 government colleges offer Massage Therapist courses in India. TNPESU, Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, and Thiruvalluvar University are some government colleges that offer Massage Therapist courses.

Candidates can check the government colleges that offer Massage Therapist courses in the table below.

Best Government Colleges Massage Therapist Course Fees
TNPESU INR 4,500 - 13,400
Maharaja Ganga Singh University INR1,800
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University INR2,000
Thiruvalluvar University INR32,700

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Best Private Colleges for Massage Therapy Courses

21 private colleges offer Massage Therapist courses in India. Pragyan International University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, YMCA New Delhi, and Sabarmati University are some private colleges that offer Massage Therapist courses.

Candidates can check the private colleges that offer Massage Therapist courses in the table below.

Best Private Colleges Massage Therapist Course Fees
Pragyan International University INR 9,500 - 19,500
Manipal Academy of Higher Education INR 10,000
New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Fashion Technology and Design INR 85,000
Sabarmati University INR 5,000 - 60,000
Riva Institute of Aesthetics INR 10,000 - 25,000
Shridhar University INR 6,000
The Global Open University INR 12,100 - 20,100

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Relevant Links to Massage Therapist courses:

Nail & Body Art

Which academy is best VLCC or Lakme?

4.48 K - 13.44 K

Q:   Are there any colleges that offer Massage and Spa Therapy Course through distance education?

A:

Though a limited number of colleges offer Massage and Spa Therapy Courses on distance mode, you can choose from some options given below:

Distance CollegesTuition Fee
TNPESU Distance LearningINR 4,480 - 13,440
The Global Open University Distance LearningINR 12,130 - 20,130
Imperial Institute of Management-

Note: The information is sourced from the official body and may vary.

Q:   Which is the best Massage and Spa Therapy college in India?

A:

Massage and Spa Therapy colleges are very limited in India, however, ISAS International Beauty School, Orane International School of Beauty and Wellness, Lakme Academy, VLCC Institute of Beauty and Nutrition, and Ananda Spa Institute are some of the best options you can opt for great learning and career opportunities.

 

Popular Private Massage & Spa Therapy Colleges in India

4.48 K - 13.44 K

Massage Therapist Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

The career scope after the Massage Therapist courses in India has been steadily growing. The wellness and spa industry in India has experienced significant expansion due to increasing awareness of the benefits of massage therapy and holistic wellness practices. 

The majority of massage therapists in India find employment in spas, wellness centres, and resorts. These establishments offer a wide range of massage and spa treatments to clients seeking relaxation, stress relief, and improved overall well-being. There is a demand for skilled massage therapists to provide these services.

Many massage therapists in India choose to establish their private practices. This allows them to have more control over their schedules, client base, and pricing. Building a loyal client base and offering specialised services can lead to a successful career in private practice.

Massage Therapist Salary in India

The average salary after Massage Therapist courses in India can vary significantly based on several factors, including location, experience, specialisation, and the type of establishment where they work.

Here is a general overview of the average salary range after Massage Therapist courses in India:

Job Profiles Description Average Salary (in INR)
Massage Therapists Assess the client's needs and conditions to determine the appropriate massage techniques and pressure levels INR 2.2 LPA
Spa Therapists Perform a range of spa treatments beyond massage, including body scrubs, wraps, hydrotherapy, and other wellness therapies INR 3.6 LPA
Ayurvedic Therapists Administer traditional Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (oil dripping on the forehead), and Panchakarma therapies INR 2.7 LPA
Wellness Coach/Consultants Offer holistic wellness advice, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mindfulness techniques INR 5 LPA
Spa Managers or Directors Oversee the daily operations of the spa or wellness centre, including staff management, scheduling, and inventory control INR 18 LPA

Note: The average salary given above is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Useful Links for Massage Therapist courses:

Types of Beautician and Makeup Courses in India

Top 5 Beauty & Cosmetology Schools in India

10 Career Options in the Beauty Industry

Massage Therapist Top Recruiters

In India, Massage Therapists can find employment opportunities with a variety of employers, including spa and wellness centres, hotels and resorts, healthcare facilities, fitness centres, and more.

The top recruiters for Massage Therapist in India often include:

Massage Therapist Top Recruiters

Kerala Ayurveda Kendra

Muktaa The Wellness Clinic & Luxury Spa Marine Drive
Bharti Massage Center

Ayurville - Ayurvedic Treatment & Spa

Art of Living International Center

Sukhdaa The Wellness Clinic and Cultural Spa Colaba

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

Students also liked these topics:

Best Online Beautician Courses: Eligibility, Job Prospects and Salary

Best Bridal Makeup Artists in India

Top 10 Yoga Destinations in India: Places to Learn Yoga in India

Q:   What is the salary of a Spa Therapist in India?

A:

A Spa Therapist salary package is based on the location, the level of experience, the reputation of the company, and the specific skills and qualification. 

Entry-Level Salary: INR 10,000 - INR 20,000 per month 
Mid-Level Salary: INR 20,000 - INR 40,000 per month 
Experienced and Specialized Spa Therapists: INR 40,000 - INR 70,000

Q:   Which is the highest-paying job in a Spa?

A:

The highest-paying job in a spa depends on the type and size of the spa, its location, and the qualifications and experience of the individual holding the position. Here are some of the highest-paying positions:

  • Spa Director or Manager: 4 LPA
  • Spa Consultant: 3.5 LPA
  • Medical Spa Director: 18 LPA
  • Lead Esthetician: 6 LPA
  • Lead Massage Therapist: 6.2 LPA

Massage Therapist Course FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for Massage Therapist course FAQs.

Q:   Do you need a license to work as a Massage Therapist in India?

A:

At the national level, India lacks a centralized licensing system for Massage Therapists. State-by-state variations exist in licensing requirements, though, and certain jurisdictions may have rules and processes unique to massage therapist licensing. Massage therapy is frequently included in the more general category of complementary and alternative medicine in India. 

As a result, state or local authorities, as well as any applicable healthcare boards, may have regulations and licensing requirements that massage therapists must follow.

Q:   What are the required skillset for a Massage and Spa Therapy student?

A:

Massage and Spa Therapy is considered to be an art. There are specific skills necessary for candidates who want to make
their career in the industry. Some of the essential skills required for massage therapists to serve customers in the best
possible way:

  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Time Management Skills
  • Service Orientation Skills
  • Active Listening Skills
  • Decision Making Skills

Popular Massage & Spa Therapy UG Courses

Following are the most popular Massage & Spa Therapy UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Massage & Spa Therapy PG Courses

Following are the most popular Massage & Spa Therapy PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Massage & Spa Therapy. Students interested in pursuing a career on Massage & Spa Therapy, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Feb '25

IPU CET 2025 Application Form Availability

TENTATIVE

Mar '25

IPU CET 2025 Release of Admit Card

TENTATIVE
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 63k Colleges
  • 963 Exams
  • 608k Reviews