625-hours Certificate Program
Students will gain in-depth knowledge of massage therapy principles and applications, preparing them for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue careers as massage practitioners in various professional settings, including wellness centers, clinics, spas, and private practices. Virginia only requires 500 hours for licensure.
Program TypeCertificate
Online LearningHybrid
Next Start DateJul 6, 2026
Hours625
Duration30 weeks
Tuition & Costs$10,625
Next Financial Aid DeadlineJun 26, 2026
As more states adopt licensing requirements and standards for massage therapists, the practice of massage is increasingly respected as a tool to improve health. There are 22,000 openings projected annually for massage therapists, and employment is expected to grow at an above-average rate as demand continues to rise. More than 90% of high-end spa packages include massage services, and many professional sports teams hire massage therapists to help athletes recover from injuries and relieve pain.
Educational Outcomes/Settings
Graduating in Clinical Massage Therapy from Columbia College opens a world of career opportunities in health, wellness, and business throughout the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), about 22,000 openings for massage therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Learn more about taking the exam after graduation.
Opportunities in Virginia
- •As more states adopt licensing requirements and standards, demand for massage therapists continues to grow.
- •Graduating in Clinical Massage Therapy from Columbia College opens a world of opportunities.
- •The DMV area averages 1,260 job openings for massage therapists.
- •Average salary in the DMV area is $67,160/year or $32.29/hour.
Median Salary
$67,160
per year$32.29
per hourMean Wage in DC-VA-MD-WV, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025.
| Requirement | Citizen/Resident (pre-reqs) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Passport / Driver's License / State-issued ID | Passport / Driver's License / State-issued ID |
| Education History | Diploma/school transcript (at least high school) / General Equivalency Diploma (GED) / DD-214 form | Diploma/school transcript (at least high school) / General Equivalency Diploma (GED) / DD-214 form |
| Application Fee | $100 (Domestic) | $200 (International) |
| Application Forms | Click here to view the required forms for your student type. | Click here to view the required forms for your student type. |
International Students Eligible for This Program
- •This program is currently unavailable for international students
Non-Native English Speaker
CaMLA (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments) English Test to define the English level (must be at Advanced Level).
Instructors in the Massage Therapy program are skilled professionals with specialized education and hands-on experience in the field.
Andriy Kovhan
Instructor
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Health, Chernihiv National Polytechnic University - Licensed massage therapist in Virginia and physiotherapist with over seven years of experience in Ukraine, specializing in rehabilitation for patients recovering from strokes, car accidents, and hip replacements. - Active member of the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association).
John Smith
Instructor
- Graduate of the National Holistic Institute (Emeryville, CA) - Core Expertise : Structural Integration, Neuromuscular Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, and specialized modalities including Shiatsu, Thai Yoga, and Pre‑Natal massage. - Brings over 28 years of clinical massage therapy experience and 7 years of instructional leadership, including a 20‑year tenure at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, where she was recognized as one of Allure Magazine’s “Best of the Best.”
Academic Department
Academic Director: Ailee Lee
Aileel@ccdc.eduCompliances & Guidelines
Industry Associations
Program TypeCertificate
Online LearningHybrid
Next Start DateJul 6, 2026
Hours625
Duration30 weeks
Tuition & Costs$10,625
Next Financial Aid DeadlineJun 26, 2026
Academic Department
Academic Director: Ailee Lee
Aileel@ccdc.eduCompliances & Guidelines
Industry Associations