Frequently Asked Questions

Somatherapy Institute is the longest-standing and most successful massage school in the Coachella Valley focused only on massage and bodywork. It is the place to go for a fully immersive massage training experience.

Since 1991 and with over 1500 Massage Therapist graduates, we have proved that we offer the best program with opportunity of success after graduation. We are dedicated solely to bodywork modalities in Western, Eastern, Energy, Medical and integrated modalities. We are often copied but never duplicated.

Somatherapy Institute is fundamentally different from all other schools in our area in that all of our courses are "modular" meaning each class has its designated hours for completion and it is done. You can take multiple classes at a time if your schedule allows or take it a little slower without being left behind. Most classes are run at least twice a year to accommodate most individuals' schedules.

Our courses stand out because our instructors are experts in each of the subjects each teaches. You would not choose a 2-year or 4-year school if there were only a single teacher for all your courses from literature to physics, would you? Then, why should you settle for a single teacher in your massage training? At Somatherapy we offer a team of seasoned therapists. Each of our professionals specializes in their course topics. This also allows for multiple viewpoints per instructor that share their skills and techniques with you. You will learn the most current techniques and not techniques taught by video or book review. Our instructors consistently receive a rating of 5 out of 5 for teaching excellence in their evaluations.

Only used for reference. Never taught with. When you choose a massage school you should expect to be taught the material by an experienced teacher. In larger multi-topic vocational schools you'll likely have to sit through some video training (and also may not get full attention to massage courses). Why would you pay a school a large sum of money to pop in a DVD? At Somatherapy, all topics are fully instructor led — with hands-on demonstration and practice. Our science classes are led by science experts who can answer challenging student questions. Furthermore, at Somatherapy we only teach massage so our priorities are not compromised by management decisions that are unrelated to the best possible massage educational experience.

When you attend massage school you want a calming comfortable environment that is appropriate for massage therapist training. Our environment is designed and functions as a school of massage. Our school, classrooms and student clinics are clean and comfortable and designed specifically to function for learning massage. This is incredibly important for creating a learning atmosphere.

At other vocational schools you may be in a training facility that has Security Services Training, Heating and A/C training, Cosmetology, even Computer Training (to name only a few) right next door to your massage classroom. This can make for a very awkward learning environment. At Somatherapy, our instructors are focused on our students and creating a safe environment. We oftentimes hear our students and graduates say it was the environment and sense of community that made their learning experience that much more enjoyable and successful. We are confident you will feel the same way.

Many people ask what is the difference between a Licensed Massage Therapist or Certified Massage Therapist. In California the standard is the California Massage Therapy Council Certified Massage Therapist Certification. To work legally in California you want to go to a CAMTC approved Massage School that trains you to meet the requirements to receive the Massage Certification. Once you receive that Certification, you will practice in one or two ways or both: 1) If you go to work for an establishment, they will need to see your CAMTC Certification. The law says you should always carry your CMT Card on your person. 2) If you work with private clients or on your own, you will want to take your CAMTC Massage Certification into your primary city and pay for a business license. That way you are licensed to practice in your city as well as work for other establishments. The CA law requires you to post your Certification number on any and all advertising as well. In that case you could refer to yourself as a CMT, LMT.

For those practitioners that intend to practice in other states as well, then the primary term for that state might be Licensed Massage Therapist rather than Certified Massage Therapist. If you have any questions about what massage education is required to work in California or how things work in other states, please call us; we follow not only the California laws but we are aware of the laws in other states.

No. Any courses taken online will not count toward the 500-hour minimum requirement for state certification. Plus, it takes away from hands-on, in-person, tailored and custom experience.

Yes. Somatherapy is licensed to operate by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC — the certifying body for California Massage Therapists), and The National Certification Board of Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB — Assigned School Designation — allowing graduates to pursue a Board Certification).

The MBLEx licensing examination requirement has been suspended by CA Law from 2019 to 1/1/2027. You do not need to pass the MBLEx to apply for a CA Certification. However, the MBLEx licensing examination is required in over 45 other states. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) administers the examination. Because it is used in so many other states Somatherapy recommends its graduates still take the exam. Once you take the exam your results are "portable" meaning it transfers to other states. You will only need to pass the test once. A passing score is 70% or better.

At Somatherapy we are proud to say our passing rate is over 84% for students taking the exam for the first time. This is a full 13% higher than the national average and 17% higher than state average. We attribute our high passing rates to the specialization of our teaching staff and separate in-depth anatomy, kinesiology, hands-on focus, business & ethics courses. All our classes are geared toward building the student's testing aptitude. And this strategy has proved very successful. Be sure and ask any school you investigate what the passing rates are, as this data is readily available from the FSMTB.

The total base Massage Therapist Program is 545 hours and generally about $8,800.00 plus approximately $241 for books depending on the market, currently totaling $9,041.00. This 545 hour program is specifically designed to meet the California Massage Therapy Council's required coursework and hours for State Certification. You are able to take additional electives at that class rate. A student will also need to pay their MBLEx licensing examination fee, estimated at $195, if they choose to take it — directly to the Examination Bureau, the Federation of Massage Therapy. A student will also need to pay the CAMTC application and associated fees, estimated at $300, and a $45 transcript request fee per official transcript ($20 per unofficial transcript).

The program takes about 8 to 10 months to complete depending upon the student's ability to take every class on the schedule and the courses they need. If the student takes 3 to 4 courses per week — in class 3-4 nights per week and some weekends — then 8-9 months is the average completion time. If the student can only take one to two courses a week then it can take longer to finish. Some students finish earlier being aggressive with classes.

You may pay per class, or go on a payment plan. It does depend upon the enrollment and classes you choose and any additional courses you would want to take. Payment plans range from $478 per month to $951 with registration when you start and choose the payment plan.

Somatherapy does not offer Government loans (FAFSA). However, Somatherapy offers payments after you make the down payment on your program. When you choose Somatherapy, you graduate without a long term debt. Your program can be fully paid for by the time you graduate.

Somatherapy does not offer government loan programs.

Installment payments are made monthly. A card is to be on file but other payments are acceptable. Students that do not stay current on their payment plans will not be allowed to participate or finish their coursework. A late payment fee of $25 will be charged for rejected payments or late payments.

Somatherapy offers Open Enrollment which means a student may start their program by taking any classes on the schedule that do not have prerequisites. Typically students start their programs by taking one of the following courses: Swedish Massage, Kinesiology, Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Business & Ethics, Health & Hygiene, Reflexology to name a few. Some classes have homework due by their first start date.

We recommend you visit our school for a tour, whereby you can ask your questions, review the schedule and learn more. Please call us at 760-321-9214 to schedule a visit meeting and tour. We look forward to meeting you.

Please see our Course Catalog for complete program terms and conditions and details.