What You Learn in Massage Therapy School: 5 Essentials Every Massage Therapist Needs to Know
- Julie Marciniak
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Are you considering a career as a massage therapist? In my most-read blog, How to become a massage therapist in NC, I break down, step by step, the process of becoming licensed in North Carolina. However, before you enroll in massage therapy school, let's discuss what you will learn. Spoiler alert: it's more than just giving relaxing massages.
Whether you're making a career change or exploring a passion for helping others, here are five core areas massage therapy school will teach you—and why they matter.
1. Anatomy & Physiology in Massage School
You'll dive deep into how the human body works. Expect to study muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and various systems, including the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Why it matters:
It helps you understand where and how to apply techniques safely
It equips you to recognize red flags and contraindications
Builds trust when communicating with clients or healthcare professionals
A strong anatomical and physiological foundation will set the right course for everything else you learn— for the safety of your clients (and your own body).
2. Massage Techniques & Modalities You'll Practice
Every program covers foundational techniques like Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. Some may include introductions to Prenatal, Sports, Chair Massage, or Trigger Point Therapy. You'll also get real, hands-on practice in supervised clinics.
But here's the thing: massage school gives you the basics. Mastery comes later through practice and continuing education.
At NC Ashiatsu, for example, we offer barefoot massage as advanced continuing education for already licensed massage therapists. Ashiatsu barefoot massage is something I wish I'd learned way earlier in my career!
3. Ethics & Professional Conduct in Massage School
Massage therapy is intimate work. That's why clear boundaries and ethics are essential components of training. You'll learn how to:
Maintain professionalism with every client
Communicate clearly and respectfully
Handle tricky or inappropriate situations
In North Carolina, you'll also need to pass the Jurisprudence Learning Exercise (JLE) to show you understand state laws and the Massage & Bodywork Therapy Practice Act.
4. Business & Career Preparation for Massage Therapists
Not every therapist wants to run their own business, but every therapist needs basic business skills. You'll cover:
Client scheduling and documentation
Understanding taxes and insurance
Professionalism in the workplace
These topics are critical if you want to be self-employed. Massage therapy can be a fulfilling career, but running your own practice takes strategy, planning, and a support network.
Pro tip: If you already know you want to be a solo practitioner, consider taking a small business course outside of massage school. Most massage programs only cover the basics, so additional training in entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance can give you a real advantage. You can often find small business courses through your local community college or the Small Business Administration (SBA) in your area.
5. Body Mechanics & Self-Care for Massage Therapists
Body mechanics and self-care are parts that many new therapists don't realize are critical until it's too late.
Using your body efficiently during a session is everything. Good body mechanics reduce fatigue and injury. You'll learn:
How to use your body weight (not just your hands)
How to maintain a neutral posture
The importance of stretching and self-care routines
Don't underestimate this part of your training—good body mechanics are what allow you to build a long-term career without burning out. That's part of why I transitioned into barefoot massage; it saved my career.
Want to Practice in North Carolina?
Massage therapy is regulated by the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT). Here's a quick breakdown of what's required:
Complete at least 650 classroom hours at a board-approved school
Pass the MBLEx exam
Pass the Jurisprudence Learning Exercise (JLE)
Submit an application, background check, and pay associated fees
Final Thoughts
Massage school is just the beginning of a deeply rewarding journey. It's hard work, but it's also incredibly fulfilling. If you're already licensed and looking to grow your skills or extend your career, learn barefoot massage with us at NC Ashiatsu.
We teach continuing education classes to help massage therapists work smarter, not harder, and stay in the game for the long haul.
You've got this.
