Massage Therapy FAQs
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6/26/2009 - Spring Quarter Ends
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Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapy Programs


Massage Therapy students at Utah Career College earn either an associate degree or a diploma. The following answers to frequently asked questions only begin to describe our programs. If you are interested in this rewarding and fascinating field, we encourage you to contact us. A representative will help you evaluate Massage Therapy at UCC in light of your personal goals.

Is Utah Career College accredited?

Utah Career College is accredited through Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). They hold us to a very high standard of education.

How long does the Massage Therapy program take?

That really depends on the student. Some take as many credit hours as possible per quarter and finish sooner than those who take fewer credits. The Associate in Massage Therapy degree program , if taken full time (12 credits per quarter), will be completed in two years (eight quarters). The Massage Therapy Diploma program, taken full time (12 credits per quarter), will be completed in 12 months (four quarters).

How much does the program cost?

The cost of the program varies with each student, depending on the student’s qualifications for financial aid, textbook cost and other factors. For an estimate of tuition and costs for your specific situation, please contact UCC Admissions and arrange a personal interview with a representative.

Does UCC provide a massage table, chair, oils and lotions?

We do. We provide high-quality industry-standard chairs and tables.

While you are a student and practicing the massage techniques that you learn in class, we also provide oils, lotions and crèmes chosen from the best products available.

Does UCC pay any license or exam fees?

Utah Career College currently pays for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam. The NCBTMB exam is required for licensure in the state of Utah and in many other states. We feel that once a student has graduated, he or she should not have to struggle for the funds to take the exam. The student pays Utah State law exam and fees for state licensure.

How large are your massage therapy classes?

The class size will vary depending on the course. The massage techniques classroom has the capacity for about eight students. Some classes are split and attended by both massage and exercise science students. In those cases, classes may have enrollments of 12 to 24. If a class is full and there are still students who need to take it, we simply add another class to accommodate those students.

What experience do your instructors have?

ALL of our instructors are required to have either eight years of professional experience in the massage therapy field or a college degree and four years of professional experience in the field. We feel that extensive first-hand experience is an essential qualification.

Do you offer a college degree in massage therapy?

We are one of the only schools in the Salt Lake City Valley region to offer a degree in massage therapy – the Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy. All credits from the Massage Therapy Diploma program at UCC transfer to the AAS program.

Will I be able to retake classes when studying for the NCBTM exam?

Yes, as long as you have taken a class, you can always take it again to refresh your knowledge. If you retake the class within six months of graduation, it is free. If you retake it more than six months after graduation, the charge is only $50. Retaking a class can be an excellent experience – you may work with a different instructor and receive a different perspective on the material.

Does UCC offer job placement assistance?

Absolutely. The Career Placement Department at Utah Career College provides individualized placement assistance. Massage therapy provides entry into many different career paths – we will help you identify and follow the path right for you. Options include:

  • Private practice
  • Day spas
  • Chiropractic clinics
  • Cruise lines
  • Athletic team massage
  • High-risk pregnancy massage 

Why should I choose Utah Career College for massage therapy?

Our instructors are dedicated professionals who put their hearts and souls into the massage therapy classes at UCC. It is very important to us that we this allied health training includes not only what is required for licensure, but guides students to become therapists that clients respect and seek out.

Our Massage Therapy Program Advisory Committee, a group of professionals and employers in the region's massage therapy community, regularly reviews our program and our courses to see that we are offering high-value skills training. We carefully consider selection of textbooks, what information is accurate, valuable and dependable, and which instructors are best qualified to teach each topic.

Students make our school special. We will strive to offer you the educational experience you are looking for. Each quarter, our program coordinator will go over the classes you have taken, advise you on which classes you should take next and listen to your feedback on the program. This ongoing, personalized advising truly sets our school apart.

Why UCC? We offer a high-quality education, top-quality books and supplies, the opportunity to work with highly-educated and experienced instructors, and, most important, we focus entirely on helping you achieve professional success.

Where are the massage therapy programs offered?

The Massage Therapy Diploma and Associate in Massage Therapy degree programs are offered at three Utah Career College campus locations: West Jordan (15 miles south of Salt Lake City Center), Layton and Orem.

How do I get started?

Please contact UCC Admissions. A representative will answer your questions. If you are ready to enroll, walk you through the entire admissions process.