Massage Therapy Schools in West Virginia

Browse our directory of massage therapy schools in West Virginia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's massage therapy licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Masseuse in West Virginia

In the cosmetology industry, there are many exciting specialties that give you the chance to make people look and feel better in your community.

The field of massage therapy does just that. If you want to learn how to relieve stress and minimize pain for your clients, learn more about massage therapy programs in West Virginia by requesting information from the schools on our site.

State License Requirements

Like many other states, West Virginia has a 500-hour training requirement for massage therapists. Once you complete this type of program, you can take the state exam and earn your license. The initial fee is $300 to get set up and going.

Education Details

When you begin your masseuse training in West Virginia, you may start by covering different types of massage. Deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and other techniques are covered in great detail. As you work through these types of massage, you may also learn more about how the human body works. Studying anatomy and physiology may give you the background you need to become an effective massage therapist. You can plan on getting quite a bit of practical experience with volunteers and customers, as this is how you perfect your technique.

License Renewal

From there, you will have to renew your license every two years for a fee of $200. West Virginia also requires massage therapists to complete at least 24 units of continuing education courses every renewal period. This is another reason why you should discuss your options with advisors at massage schools in your area.

West Virginia Massage Therapy Careers

It seems like everyone today is always stressed out about something. Perhaps that is why the job outlook is so bright for massage therapists. From 2016 through 2026, CareerOneStop anticipates a 25% increase in massage therapy jobs. This job growth rate is higher than average when compared to other professions (2020). You may earn a wide variety of salaries as a massage therapist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a massage therapist in West Virginia is $32,500 per year.

When you complete your massage therapist program, you may jump into a variety of work settings. Different places that hire massage therapists include spas and salons. If you want to be employed by a spa or a salon, you may earn a base hourly salary plus tips from your clients. If you decide to become self-employed, you may set your own rates and only get paid for the appointments you keep. As you build your career, you may learn how to improve your client communication skills and tweak your massage techniques to suit each client's needs and preferences. These are skills that you build with time and experience.

Contact the West Virginia State Board of Massage Therapy