Massage Therapy

Start your career in massage therapy

Riverland's Massage Therapy diploma builds the skills and confidence you need for a rewarding career in wellness and healing. Over two semesters you combine classroom learning with hands-on practice, including real client work in our student clinic.

What it costs

Estimated tuition
$8,768.12
38 credits at $230.74 per credit
Estimated tuition only; updated once a year and does not include books or fees. See full program fees ›
Good news: many local high school grads pay little or nothing toward tuition through Minnesota's North Star Promise and area programs like Austin Assurance, Owatonna Opportunity, and the Freeborn County Community Promise. See if you qualify ›

Have a question before you apply? We're here to help. Contact Admissions ›

Career outlook

15%
Projected job growth, 2024 to 2034, much faster than average1
24,700
Massage therapist job openings projected each year nationwide1
$57,950
Median massage therapist wage in the U.S.2

Massage therapy is one of the faster-growing health careers in the country. Demand is rising as more people use massage to manage pain, recover from injury, and support overall wellness.1 Many therapists are self-employed and set their own rates, and the top earners make more than $97,450 a year.2

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Massage Therapists, 2024 to 2034 projections.
2 Median and top-decile annual wages, massage therapists, United States, May 2024. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. (Confirm against BLS direct before publishing.)

Why choose Riverland's program?

  • Professional standards: As an NCBTMB Assigned School, the program meets recognized standards and helps prepare you for board certification.
  • Experienced faculty: Learn from instructors with real-world experience and a strong commitment to student success.
  • Hands-on learning: Practice in a modern massage lab and with real clients through our student clinic.

Real experience in the student clinic

In your second semester, you provide massages for members of the community in Riverland's Massage Therapy Student Clinic, working under the guidance of licensed massage therapists. It is where the techniques you learn in class become real practice. You build confidence, sharpen your professional communication, and graduate with genuine client experience behind you.

Open to the public: the clinic offers massages at an affordable rate during the second semester of each academic year. Book an appointment ›

What you'll study

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Pathology and kinesiology
  • Massage techniques for relaxation and therapeutic care
  • Client assessment and treatment planning
  • Professional communication and ethics

See the full course list ›  |  Print the program sheet ›

Where this can take you

Massage therapy offers flexible, meaningful work in many settings. Graduates go on to work in:

  • Private practice
  • Spas and wellness centers
  • Hospitals and healthcare settings
  • Chiropractic and rehabilitation offices

You can also connect with professional groups like the AMTA and ABMP as you grow your career.

Scholarships

Riverland offers scholarships to help reduce the cost of your education. View current scholarships and deadlines ›

Ready to learn more?

If you're ready to turn your passion for helping others into a career, fill out the form on this page and admissions will follow up with you about next steps. We're excited to help you get started.

Last Updated: June 24, 2026

Quick Facts

  • Diploma
  • 38 Credits | Two Semesters, 784 hours of instruction
  • Location: Austin
  • Offering: Early Fall
Print Program Sheet


Book a Massage at Riverland's Student Clinic

Relax, recharge, and support student learning. Riverland's Massage Therapy Student Clinic offers affordable massage services performed by students under the supervision of licensed massage therapists. Services are available to the public during the spring semester.

Book Your Appointment

Request More Info

Have questions? We're here to help. Fill out the form and we'll connect you with admissions or the right faculty member.