Who qualifies for Federal Student Aid (FSA) at Healing Hands?

Federal Student Aid (FSA) is generally available to U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens with a valid Social Security number who are accepted and enrolled to earn an eligible certificate or credential. To receive FSA support at Healing Hands, students must: • Enroll in one of the school’s programs • Plan to participate in 15 hours of classes/coursework per week (with the expectation of finishing the 600-hour Massage Therapy or 1,000-hour Holistic Health Practitioner program in one year) • Satisfactorily complete 90% of course hours to maintain FSA eligibility • Have a high school diploma, GED, or qualifying equivalent For application details, visit studentaid.gov and follow Healing Hands’ financial aid guidance.

What is the timeline for FAFSA?

You can apply for FAFSA at any time, but you must apply for the correct award year based on when you will be enrolled. FAFSA award years run from July 1 through June 30 of the following year (for example, July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 is the 2023–2024 FAFSA year). After submitting FAFSA, you’ll typically receive an immediate confirmation email. Healing Hands generally receives FAFSA information about 3–5 business days after you apply. Once received, the school will contact you to schedule a Financial Aid appointment to review your FAFSA and any other funding sources you may qualify for.

How do I get certified to work as a massage therapist in a different state?

Massage therapy requirements vary by state. If you plan to relocate, check the licensing or certification requirements for your new state. Requirements can include minimum education hours, exams, background checks, and other criteria. A reliable way to start is to review the state’s official licensing board website and compare requirements before you move.

What is the MBLEx, and why is it important?

The MBLEx is the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, used by many states as a licensing requirement for massage therapists. Healing Hands encourages students to take and pass the MBLEx because it is widely recognized as an industry standard and can help graduates qualify for more opportunities in states that require it. For official exam details, visit the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).

What are the Nationals (Board Certification), and how do I get them?

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworkers (NCBTMB) offers Board Certification for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (often referred to as “the Nationals”). This is an additional credential that can help demonstrate advanced competency. While many employers do not require it, some therapists pursue it for professional credibility and potential pay benefits. Eligibility commonly includes meeting education and work-experience requirements (for example, 750 hours of massage education and 250 hours of professional hands-on experience). In some states, Board Certification may help streamline licensing if an exam is required.

How do I get insured as a massage therapist?

Massage therapist insurance is available through several professional providers. Healing Hands partners with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), which offers full-coverage plans and member benefits. To learn more or enroll, visit abmp.com. If asked for a referral, Healing Hands’ referral number is 133236.

Why do I need massage therapist insurance?

Insurance helps protect you if a client is injured before, during, or after a session, and many employers require proof of coverage if they don’t provide it. Massage therapy policies often include general liability, professional liability, and product liability—always verify what is included. Also note: certain modalities (such as hot stone) may not be covered unless you’ve completed training through a qualified school. If an employer trains you informally, your personal policy may not cover that modality—so confirm coverage before offering any technique.

How long is the Holistic Health Practitioner Program at Healing Hands?

The Holistic Health Practitioner Program is 1,000 hours. It includes the complete 600-hour Massage Therapist Program plus 400 additional hours of bodywork electives selected from eastern modalities, western modalities, and professional or self-development subjects. This track is designed for students who want broader, more advanced training in holistic wellness and bodywork.

Are flexible schedules available?

Yes. Both the Massage Therapist Program and the Holistic Health Practitioner Program offer part-time and full-time schedule options so students can train at a pace that fits their lifestyle.

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FAQ's

Q: How much does massage therapy school cost at Healing Hands?

Healing Hands offers a 600-hour Massage Therapist Program with part-time, full-time, and accelerated full-time options. Program payments are structured as a first payment (monthly payment + $250 one-time fee + STRF) followed by monthly payments: • Part-time (15 months): First payment $920; then $670/month; 100 hours of class time per quarter (1 class) • Full-time (9 months): First payment $1,320; then $1,070/month; 200 hours of class time per quarter (2 classes) • Accelerated full-time (7 months): First payment $1,630; then $1,380/month; 300 hours of class time per quarter (3 classes) For the most accurate totals and current fees, confirm with Admissions or Financial Aid.

Q: How much is the Holistic Health Practitioner program?

Healing Hands offers a 1,000-hour Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) Program with part-time, full-time, and accelerated full-time options. Payments are structured as a first payment (monthly payment + $250 one-time fee + STRF) followed by monthly payments: • Part-time (2 years): First payment $920; then $670/month; 120 hours or less per quarter • Full-time (15 months): First payment $1,320; then $1,070/month; 200 hours or less per quarter • Accelerated full-time (12 months): First payment $1,630; then $1,380/month; 250 hours or less per quarter Note: “Hours of class time per quarter” is subject to administrative approval.

Q: What is FSA and FAFSA?

Federal Student Aid (FSA) refers to government-sponsored financial support that can help cover tuition, housing, and other education-related costs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application used to determine eligibility. Aid may include grants or scholarships (typically not repaid) and federal student loans (repaid). Awards are generally based on financial need using information from the FAFSA for the student and/or their parents.

If you have questions, we have answers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Programs

We understand that choosing the right school for your massage therapy or holistic health education is an important decision—and you likely have questions. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is designed to provide clear, helpful answers about our programs, admissions process, class structure, career opportunities, and more. Whether you're just exploring your options or preparing to enroll, we hope this resource gives you the information and confidence you need to take the next step.

Questions are divided into categories below. If you can't find an answer here, please feel free to call us at (800) 355-6463. We would love to talk with you.

Tuition & Financial Aid FAQ's

How much does massage therapy school cost at Healing Hands?

Massage Therapy – 600 hours	Monthly Payment + $250 On-time + STFR = 1st Payment	Monthly Payments	Hours of Class Time per Quarter
Part-time	$920 (15 months)	$670	100 hours (1 class)
Full-time	$1,320 (9 months)	$1,070	200 hours (2 classes)
Accelerated Full-time	$1,630 (7 month program)	$1,380	300 hours (3 classes)

How much is the Holistic Health Practitioner program?

HHP – 1000 hours	Monthly Payment + $250 On-time + STRF = 1st Payment	Monthly Payments	Hours of Class Time per Quarter
Part-time	$920 (2 years)	$670	120 hours or less
Full-time	$1,320 (15 months)	$1,070	200 hours or less
Accelerated Full-time	$1,630 (12 months)	$1,380	250 hours or less

‘Hours of Class Time Per Quarter’ is subject to Administrative approval.

What is FSA and FAFSA?

Federal Student Aid (FSA) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are government-sponsored funding packages that assist students with the cost of tuition, housing, and other fees associated with higher education. The package may be made up of federal grants and scholarships (which do not need to be repaid) and loans (which do need to be repaid). Typically, these awards are determined based on the economic needs of students and are calculated from the FAFSA data collected on the student and/or their parents.

Who Qualifies for FSA?

Federal Student Aid (FSA) is available to US citizens or eligible noncitizens with a valid social security number. Students must be accepted and enrolled at an educational institution for the purpose of obtaining a degree, certificate, or other recognized credential offered by that institution (such as the certificates offered at our school

To receive FSA support for your educational investment at Healing Hands, a student must:

Enroll in one of our programs.
Plan to participate in 15 hours of classes/course work per week. You will be expected to finish the 600-hour Massage Therapy or 1000-hour Holistic Healing Practitioner program in one year.
Satisfactorily complete 90% of the course hours to maintain FSA eligibility.
Have a high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or qualifying equivalent equal to High School.

For more information regarding FSA at Healing Hands, download Applying for FSA and visit the Federal Student Aid website. To apply for financial aid, visit studentaid.gov.

Typically, these awards are determined based on the economic needs of students and are calculated from the FAFSA data collected on the student and/or their parents.

What is Time-line for FAFSA?

One immense benefit of FAFSA is that you can apply at any time! However, it is extremely important that you apply for the right year, based on when you are enrolled in the program. FAFSA awards years are from July 1st - June 30th of the following year. Ex: July 1st, 2023 - June 20th, 2024 would be the 2023/2024 FAFSA application.

When you apply for FAFSA, you will receive an automatic confirmation email right away. Healing Hands will receive your FAFSA information 3-5 business days after you have applied. Once Healing Hands receives your FAFSA, we will contact you to schedule a Financial Aid appointment to go over all FAFSA information and any other funding sources you may have qualified for.

Explore our financial aid options

Graduate FAQ's

How do I get certified to work in a different state?

Different states have different requirements for massage therapists/ If you plan on leaving California, check the new state’s requirements. These requirements may include: hours of training, testing, background checks, etc. The best one-stop website for different state requirements.

What is the MBLEx? Why is it important?

The MBLEx stands for Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination and is used by 43 states to determine if you should become licensed or certified in that state. In California, this exam has been suspended until January 1st, 2027, however, we still encourage all of our students to pass this exam. The MBLEx is considered an industry standard, and we believe that passing this exam allows graduates to have more opportunities than they would otherwise have, and we prepare our students to take this exam. Visit FSMTB for more information.

What are the Nationals? How do I get them?

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworkers (aka the Nationals) changed its name to the Board Certification for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. This is an additional certificate that helps prove your expertise as a massage therapist. Most employers do not request this. However, therapists with this certification may experience greater pay because they are considered more qualified. Most of our teachers have this certification, and we highly encourage the additional certificate for our graduates. In states where a test is necessary to receive a license, the Nationals can often take the place of sitting for an additional exam. You need 750 hours in school and 250 working hours to take this exam.

Visit https://www.ncbtmb.org/ for more information.

How do I get insured?

Why do I need insurance?

There are 3 different types of Insurance for a massage therapist: General Liability, Professional Liability, and Product liability. Most massage insurances cover all 3 types, but always check before you buy.

Insurance covers you in case someone gets hurt before, during, or after a massage. Most employers require that you have insurance if it is not included with employment. *Please note that some modalities, like Hot Stone, are not covered under most insurance agency’s policies unless you have taken the class at a qualified school. (That means that if a spa trains you, your personal insurance will not cover you). So, be careful with what employers ask you to do, and always make sure you are covered!

Program FAQ's

How long is the Massage Therapist Program?

Our Massage Therapist Program is 600 hours. It includes four required courses:

- Circulatory Massage (100 hours)
- Anatomy for Bodyworkers (100 hours)
- Business & Professional Practices (50 hours)
- Clinical Practicum for the Massage Therapist (50 hours)

Students also choose three 100-hour elective courses to personalize their training. Elective options include:

- Advanced Circulatory & Sports Massage
- Deep Tissue Manipulations
- Shiatsu Techniques
- Tui Na: Chinese Massage Techniques

How long is the Holistic Health Practitioner Program?

The Holistic Health Practitioner Program is 1,000 hours. It includes:

- The complete 600-hour Massage Therapist Program, plus
- 400 hours of additional bodywork electives, chosen from a variety of courses in eastern modalities, western modalities, and professional or self-development subjects.

This path offers the most well-rounded training for students seeking advanced careers in bodywork or holistic wellness.

Is there a flexible schedules available?

Can I start a program at any time?

Will I get hands-on experience during training?