Massage Therapy Certificate & Associate Degree

Culinary Arts Certificate & Associate Degree

It’s time to unleash your healing touch! With our program, you’ll be able to develop the skills needed to thrive as a licensed massage therapist. Furthermore, you will gain the confidence to excel in the wellness industry.

Work in an established, world-renowned hotel or, alternatively, start your own independent business! Whichever path you choose, our curriculum will support you every which way towards the moment you GRAB Your FUTURE!

Our program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in this field. With theoretical studies, extensive hands-on practice, and educational excursions into real work settings, you’ll gain valuable skills to enter an industry that heals others, one touch at a time.

Massage Therapy Certificate & Associate Degree

see what our students are doing!

Columbia College Massage Therapy Program and Students’ Experiences

About the program:

About the program:

0 CREDITS
(For Associate Degree – 64 Major | 28 General Education)
0 WEEKS
(Or up to 80 – Depends on Program)
0 HOURS
(For Certificate – Core Requirements)
0 CREDITS
(For Associate Degree – 64 Major | 28 General Education)
0 WEEKS
(Or up to 80 – Depends on Program)
0 HOURS
(For Certificate – Core Requirements)

This course offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire the communication skills and technical abilities to significantly enhance career development in the field. Moreover, whether opting for the certificate program or associate degree, you will benefit from extensive knowledge that will surely enable you to roam the world of massage therapy and wellness to unexpected heights.

Gerald Moragne El

Mr. Gerald Moragne obtained his certificate in Massage Therapy from our very own Columbia College in 2021, then became a licensed massage therapist in the state of Maryland. As an instructor, he is committed to conveying the principles of professional massage therapy in various settings, both clinical and non-clinical. With a strong belief in wellness and a great passion for teaching, he never fails to put in 110% for his students. Moreover, he ensures they have the skills and confidence they need to become licensed professionals themselves. When he is not teaching, you can find him studying for his PhD in Educational Administration for Special Populations or spending time with his loved ones. 

  • Board Member and Secretary of the American Massage Therapy Association (2024 – 2026) 
  • Certified Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (1983) 
  • MA in Education Leadership and Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University 
  • Current PhD Candidate at Notre Dame of Maryland University 

Gerald Moragne El

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Mr. Gerald Moragne obtained his certificate in Clinical Massage Therapy from our very own Columbia College in 2021 and became a licensed massage therapist in the state of Maryland that same year. As an instructor, he is committed to conveying the principles of professional massage therapy in various settings, both clinical and non-clinical. With a strong belief in health and wellness and a great passion for teaching and research, he never fails to put in 110% for his students, ensuring they have the skills and confidence they need to become licensed professionals themselves. When he is not teaching on the campus, you can find him studying for his PhD in Educational Administration for Special Populations or spending time with his family and loved ones. 

  • Board Member and Secretary of the American Massage Therapy Association (2024 – 2026) 
  • Certified Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (1983) 
  • MA in Education Leadership and Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University 
  • Current PhD Candidate at Notre Dame of Maryland University 


The program starts with the “Introduction to Therapeutic Massage” for students to learn more about massage as a health and wellness practice. The curriculum then enters the foray of anatomy and physiology so students can identify where on the body they are treating, which is important in any healing profession. Afterwards, students engage in practical learning, massage therapy demonstrations, and business courses to prepare themselves for employment.

Massage Therapy Certificate & Associate Degree

Participating in the certificate program allows you to cover the most fundamental and comprehensive knowledge in the field. Conversely, pursuing an associate degree in Massage Therapy provides the opportunity to take more major courses. This further builds up your knowledge and technical skill set. Additionally, it also prepares you for the professional environment and positions you as an ideal employment candidate in the industry.

  • Specific courses can be found within the course catalog
  • Courses completed working toward the certificate program can be transferred to the associate degree
  • Courses completed working toward the associate degree can be transferred to the certificate program

The program starts with the “Introduction to Therapeutic Massage” for students to learn more about the idea of massage as a health and wellness practice. The curriculum proceeds to enter the foray of anatomy and physiology so the students can identify the parts of the body they are treating, which is important in any healing profession. Afterwards, students engage in practical learning courses, massage therapy demonstrations, and business courses to prepare themselves for employment, whether working in massage or as a business owner in the industry.

Massage Therapy Certificate & Associate Degree

While participating in the certificate program allows you to cover the most fundamental, comprehensive knowledge in the field, pursuing an associate degree in Massage Therapy provides the opportunity to take more major courses, further building up your knowledge and technical skill set, preparing you for the professional environment, and positioning you as an ideal employment candidate in the industry.

  • Specific courses can be found within the course catalog
  • Courses completed working toward the certificate program can be transferred to the associate degree
  • Courses completed working toward the associate degree can be transferred to the certificate program

MBLEX

Columbia College is committed to ensuring that our students have the skills necessary to achieve their goals and obtain a bright future. Furthermore, we provide in-depth preparation for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) so they can walk into the exam room with confidence.

Career Prospects

As more states adopt licensing requirements and standards for massage therapists, it is safe to say that the practice of massage is likely to be respected as a tool to improve health. There are 22,000 openings projected annually for massage therapists, and employment for them is expected to grow at an above-average rate as demand increases. Furthermore, the fields of employment are also expanding – the number of day spas, for example, has increased by 400% over the past 10 years. Additionally, more than 90% of high-end spa packages include massage services. Many famous sports teams will even hire massage therapists to help their athletes recover from injuries and relieve pain. Graduating in Clinical Massage Therapy from Columbia College opens a world of career opportunities in health, wellness, and business in the Washington DC Metropolitan area.

The annual salary for licensed massage therapists in Washington, DC, is also higher than the national average, making this field even more attractive for our students.

Columbia College’s Students Services Department offers individual guidance towards student’s careers and an extensive database of job opportunities with our renowned partners, resulting in a high employment rate of our graduates.

Tuition & Financial Aid

We believe in making education accessible to all, and that starts with transparent pricing. Our program’s total cost is just the beginning, with numerous opportunities for scholarships, financial aid, and veterans’ benefits available to support you throughout your academic journey.

CERTIFICATE

$9,900Total Tuition
  • $16.50/hour
  • No Additional Course Fee

ASSOCIATE DEGREE

$27,415Total Tuition
  • Major Courses: $325/credit
  • General Courses: $235/credit

Financial Aid

Financial Aid & Veterans’ Benefits may be available to those who qualify. CLICK HERE to check if you qualify for it.
Presidential Scholarships are also offered. CLICK HERE to check the available scholarships

Additional costs

$100 – Application Fee
$300 – Massage Therapy Kit

Massage Therapy Certificate & Associate Degree

want to unleash your healing touch?

Check out our YouTube channel for our “Wellness Tipsand practice them on yourself and your loved ones!

Massage Therapy Certificate & Associate Degree

want the inside scoop?

Check out our YouTube channel for our “Wellness Tips” and see how they teach while learning practical massage tips.