Choose the massage therapy program that fits your goals

600 Hours, CAMTC-Approved, Full-Time or Part-Time Options

Best for: New students seeking the main certification path.

Learn how to become a massage practitioner under the tutelage of the instructors at CalCopa Massage School. As a small school, we can keep our class sizes small and you’ll get the personal attention and instruction you deserve.

Course Objectives: The 600-hour Massage Practitioner program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, client assessment, treatment planning, and safe, professional massage practice. Hands-on training emphasizes formula massage, deep transverse friction, myofascial release, stretching, and other techniques used to address a variety of client needs. Sports & Medical Massage expands students’ understanding of body-maintenance techniques and includes an introduction to Oncology Massage.

Students also explore Asian bodywork by completing either Acupressure or Shiatsu. Neither course has a prerequisite, allowing it to be taken at different points during the program. The final 100 hours focus on professional readiness through test-taking strategies, business practices, and self-care for massage therapists.

CalCopa’s Massage Practitioner program is approved by CAMTC and provides education that may be applied toward CAMTC certification requirements. The MBLEx is not currently required for CAMTC certification in California; however, CalCopa continues to encourage exam preparation because the MBLEx may be required for professional credentials in other states.

Program includes the following courses:

• Massage Technician – 100 hours
• Massage Therapist I – 100 hours
• Massage Therapist II – 100 hours
• Sports & Medical Massage – 100 hours
• Acupressure or Shiatsu – 100 hours
• Business Practices Practicum – 25 hours
• Advanced Curriculum – 25 hours
• Self-Care for the Massage Therapist – 50 hours

Total Hours: 600 hours

Course Completion: To successfully complete the Massage Practitioner program, students must pass all quizzes and tests with a minimum score of 80% accuracy and submit completed homework packets for each class. The student will also demonstrate the massage routines associated with each class within the allotted time frame using the proper draping, body mechanics and hand positions with a minimum score of 90%. They must have an attendance of 90% of credit hours.

The 600-hour program includes a 30-hour student-clinic requirement. Students must also participate in one community event. Students receiving VA benefits are exempt from the community-event requirement.

600 Hours Massage Practitioner Training Program

Total Program Cost: $10,040

800 Hours, Deeper Bodywork Focus, Advanced Curriculum

Best for: Students wanting more advanced therapeutic training.

Course Objectives: The 800-hour Myotherapist program is designed to provide comprehensive massage therapy education while allowing students to develop additional skills in areas aligned with their professional interests. Students complete foundational and advanced training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, client assessment, treatment planning, professional ethics, and safe massage practice. Hands-on instruction includes formula massage, deep transverse friction, myofascial release, stretching, Sports & Medical Massage, and either Acupressure or Shiatsu.

Beyond the core curriculum, students complete an additional 200 hours of training that may be directed toward Medical Massage, Spa Services, Sports Massage, or a broader combination of approved modalities. This flexibility allows students to explore different approaches to massage and bodywork while learning how to select and integrate techniques based on client needs, professional goals, and appropriate scope of practice.

CalCopa’s Myotherapist program is approved by CAMTC and provides education that may be applied toward CAMTC certification requirements. The MBLEx is not currently required for CAMTC certification in California; however, CalCopa continues to encourage exam preparation because the MBLEx may be required for professional credentials in other states.

Program Structure:

• 600 hours of core Massage Practitioner coursework
• 200 hours of approved advanced or elective training
• Elective selections are based on course availability and must satisfy CalCopa’s program requirements

Program Length:

• Full-time: approximately 8–10 months
• Part-time: approximately 16–20 months

Total Hours: 800 hours

Course Completion: To successfully complete the Myotherapist program, students must pass all quizzes and tests with a minimum score of 80% accuracy and submit completed homework packets for each class. The student will also demonstrate the massage routines associated with each class within the allotted time frame using the proper draping, body mechanics and hand positions with a minimum score of 90%. They must have an attendance of 90% of credit hours.

As part of the 800-hour program, students complete 30 hours in the student clinic and participate in one community event. Students receiving VA benefits are exempt from the community-event requirement.

Total Program Cost: $14,590
Personal supplies and certain outside certification or application expenses may be additional. Contact CalCopa for current program availability, elective options, and cost information.

1,000 Hours, Expanded Wellness and Bodywork Training

Best for: Students seeking broader training across massage, bodywork, and holistic modalities.

Course Objectives: The 1,000-hour Holistic Health Practitioner program combines CalCopa’s core massage therapy curriculum with additional advanced and elective training. Students develop a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, client assessment, treatment planning, professional ethics, business practices, therapist self-care, and safe hands-on massage techniques.

After completing the core curriculum, students can explore advanced areas that align with their professional interests. Training may focus on spa services, medical and therapeutic massage, sports massage, energetic or Asian bodywork, or a broader combination of approved modalities. Elective options may include craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, Thai massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, hot stone massage, Lomi Lomi, Tuina, cupping and Gua Sha, Reiki, and other available courses.

Program Structure:

• 600 hours of core Massage Practitioner coursework
• 400 hours of approved advanced and elective training
• Elective selections are based on course availability and must follow CalCopa’s program requirements

Total Hours: 1,000 hours

Program Length:

• Full-time: approximately 8–10 months
• Part-time: approximately 16–20 months

Course Completion: Students must pass required quizzes and tests with a minimum score of 80%, complete assigned coursework, and demonstrate required massage routines with a minimum practical score of 90%. Students must maintain at least 90% attendance, complete 30 hours in the student clinic, and participate in one community event. Students receiving VA benefits are exempt from the community-event requirement.

CalCopa’s Holistic Health Practitioner program is approved by CAMTC and provides education that may be applied toward CAMTC certification requirements. The MBLEx is not currently required for CAMTC certification in California, although it may be required for professional credentials in other states.

Total Program Cost: $19,065
Personal supplies and certain outside certification or application expenses may be additional. Contact CalCopa for current program availability, elective options, and cost information.

600 Hours, Instructor Preparation Path

Best for: Qualified Holistic Health Practitioner graduates preparing to teach massage therapy.

Course Objectives: The 600-hour Massage Instructor program is designed for experienced graduates who want to prepare for a career teaching massage therapy. The program combines an in-depth review of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage theory, and professional bodywork practices with training in adult-learning principles, lesson-plan development, classroom procedures, and instructional preparation.

Students work directly with the Dean of Teachers to develop an educational direction suited to their experience and teaching goals. Training focuses on organizing and presenting course material, preparing effective lessons and demonstrations, supporting hands-on learning, and understanding the professional responsibilities involved in massage therapy education.

This is an advanced program and is not intended for students beginning their massage therapy education.

Total Hours: 600 hours

Program Length:

• Full-time: approximately 6 months
• Part-time: approximately 12 months

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the Holistic Health Practitioner program
• Permission from the Dean of Teachers or School Director

Program Cost: $10,715, plus any applicable licensing, certification, or examination fees. Contact CalCopa Admissions to confirm the current total cost.

Program admission, scheduling, instructional assignments, and completion requirements must be confirmed with CalCopa before enrollment.