Frequently Asked Questions
Zion Massage College offers you an Ivy League quality education in Massage Therapy, Bodywork and Postural Alignment.
At ZMC, we blend the very best of Western medical science–based massage and bodywork techniques with effective hands-on therapies from around the world.
ZMC’s curriculum is heavily focused on practical and experiential education so that you emerge from the program as a highly skilled expert in the field of massage therapy and bodywork.
ZMC’s classes take into consideration the individual learning styles of each of our students. Classes combine elements of visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile learning to provide you with an engaging and rewarding experience where you succeed!
As a student at ZMC, you can also participate in Prana Experiences—ZMC’s clubs and activities where our community contributes to the whole by sharing healthy, community-building experiences with one another. ZMC students, staff, and graduates can all offer Prana Activities to the community as a way to share their talents, interests, and skills, and to help our community bond and benefit from our collective creativity and knowledge. If you have a Prana experience that you would like to share with our community, contact Rebecca Farraway at rebecca@zmc.edu or 435-216-8512.
After graduation, we provide you with continued support, including continuing education opportunities, career counseling and placement, and the opportunity to work as a team member within the Zion Massage College family.
Yes! Zion Massage College is proud to be institutionally accredited through the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and to hold the designation of Assigned School with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The contact information for these prestigious organizations are www.comta.org and ncbtmb.org.
- ZMC’s 600-hour Foundational Massage Therapy Program, which takes 7 months to complete.
- ZMC’s 900-hour Professional Massage Therapy Program, which takes 11 months to complete.
Zion Massage College offers three distinct class schedules to fit your lifestyle:
- Morning Classes: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday
- Evening Classes: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday
- 2.5 -Day Per Week Classes: Offered twice per year, either
- Mondays & Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., or
- Wednesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Contact a ZMC Admissions Advisor to learn more by emailing enroll@zmc.edu or by calling or texting 435-680-7158.
Because of the nature of hands on training, ZMC keeps its class sizes small, typically 10-14 students per class. Occasionally classes are combined so that students on campus can get to know each other.
Zion Massage College (ZMC) offers a world-class massage therapy education at an affordable price — with flexible financing options designed to help you graduate debt-free and career-ready.
ZMC is proud to be one of only two Federally Accredited massage therapy schools in Utah, setting a high standard for excellence, integrity, and student success.
Federal Financial Aid Option
As a Federally Accredited school, ZMC is approved to offer Federal Financial Aid to students who qualify. Most ZMC students receive some form of Federal Financial Aid, which may include Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans.
Steps to Get Started with FAFSA
- Create or Update Your FSA ID
Begin by creating (or updating) your FSA ID. If you are a dependent student, your parent(s) will also need an FSA ID. These IDs will be used to electronically sign your FAFSA. - Complete Your FAFSA Application
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 2025–26 and the FAFSA 2026–27.
You and/or your parent(s) will need your 2023 tax information for the 2025–26 FAFSA and your 2024 tax information for the 2026–27 FAFSA. - Start Here:
Click this link to begin your FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa - Add Zion Massage College to Your FAFSA
- School Code (OPEID): 042753
- School Type: Certificate or diploma (occupational, technical, or educational program of less than two years)
If you need additional help filling out your FAFSA, you can click here for step-by-step support: https://studentaid.gov/apply-
Remember: Our team at Zion Massage College is easily accessible and here to help you with every step of the process. Please contact Dagny, our Federal Financial Aid Advisor, at dagny@zmc.edu or 435-359-9829 with any questions.
Self Pay – Payment Plan Option
ZMC offers a no-interest, no-fee self pay plan requiring a $2,000 down payment. Students are encouraged to make payments as they progress through the program, with the remaining tuition balance due before graduation. There are no hidden fees or interest charges for students who participate in this plan.
Vocational Rehabilitation Funding Option
The Utah Vocational Rehabilitation Program provides financial assistance for qualified applicants who have a documented disability and are approved for training services.
St. George Vocational Rehabilitation Office: 435-673-5091
G.I. Bill® Funding Option
ZMC is approved for VA Education Benefits through the G.I. Bill®, allowing eligible veterans and dependents to use these benefits toward their massage therapy education.
The contact person for this program is Dagny, who also serves as ZMC’s Financial Aid Advisor for FAFSA.
We accept the G.I. Bill®. To apply, visit https://www.vets.gov/
If you would like to speak to a local office, please contact the Utah U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office at 1-800-827-1000. They can also provide information about the housing and supplemental rate you may receive while enrolled in the program.
After submitting your application, you’ll receive your G.I. Bill Certificate of Eligibility letter, which you should bring to the school or forward to Dagny at dagny@zmc.edu.
Once received, ZMC will enroll you in the program through our Enrollment Manager system.
Special Enrollment Incentive
For 2025 and 2026 enrollments, prospective students may qualify for a free textbook, tools, and massage table package (conditions apply).
Contact a ZMC Admissions Advisor to see if you qualify: enroll@zmc.edu | 435-680-7158.
Short answer (U.S., nationwide):
The median pay for massage therapists in the U.S. is $57,950 per year (that’s about $27.86/hour) according to the most recent BLS data for May 2024. The middle 50% typically falls between about $41,600–$74,970, with the top 10% earning $97,450+. Keep in mind many therapists do not work 40 massage hours per week because of the physical nature of the work and appointment-based schedules.
Utah snapshot:
State and regulatory reports summarizing Utah labor data show many Utah LMT roles paying $20–$60 per hour, with $20–$30/hour being most common starting out; actual annual income varies because many therapists work part-time or variable schedules. (Utah’s own review cautions that practical annual earnings are often below the “full-time equivalent” because of typical weekly massage hours.)
By work setting (national medians):
Among employed massage therapists, industry medians (May 2024) are approximately: $66,710 (offices of chiropractors), $61,640 (offices of other health practitioners), $55,630 (personal care services), $45,280 (accommodation such as resorts/hotels). Independent practitioners set their own fees and keep a larger share after expenses.
What affects a new graduate’s income?
Hours & schedule: Most therapists don’t perform hands-on massage 40 hours/week. Realistic schedules (e.g., 15–25 hands-on hours plus prep/admin time) directly influence annual totals. The BLS notes part-time work is common in the field.
Setting & pay model: Clinics, spas, chiropractic/health offices, resorts, and self-employed practice all pay differently (hourly, commission, per-session + tips, or rental/percent splits). Industry medians differ by setting.
Location: Wages vary by state and metro area; Utah ranges above reflect local conditions reported in state reviews.
Experience & specialties: Advanced modalities, medical/rehab settings, or resort work can increase rates over time (national industry medians by setting reflect this spread).
Employment status: Employees may earn less per session but often receive marketing, steady bookings, and benefits. Self-employed LMTs set rates but cover their own marketing, supplies, space, and taxes (see BLS note on high self-employment share).
How do typical first-year numbers translate?
To make the numbers concrete for graduates in Utah:
Entry range many grads see posted: $20–$30/hour base (employee or contractor), often plus tips for spa/clinic roles. Some roles advertise higher effective rates depending on commission/bonus structures.
Example math (illustrative only):
If you average 18 hands-on hours/week at $25/hour for 48 working weeks, base pay ≈ $21,600; with average tips, commissions, or add-ons your total may be higher (varies widely by employer and clientele).
If you average 22 hands-on hours/week at $30/hour for 48 weeks, base pay ≈ $31,680, before tips.
Actual figures depend on bookings, no-shows, benefits, and whether time between sessions is paid.
Do massage therapists receive tips?
In many spa/clinic settings, yes—tips are customary and can be a meaningful portion of take-home pay, but they’re highly variable (season, location, clientele) and not guaranteed. (Because BLS wages are employer-reported, tipping practices can make individual results differ from “posted” wage figures.)
What’s the long-term outlook for earnings?
Demand is strong. BLS projects 15% job growth from 2024–2034, much faster than average, which generally supports steady opportunity for building a schedule and raising rates over time.
Important notes about income data
BLS is the gold standard and reports the May 2024 national median as $57,950; this is a full-time equivalent measure and doesn’t account for part-time patterns common in massage, so many early-career therapists will earn less until they build consistent bookings.
Utah-specific guidance from the state’s 2024–2025 regulatory review indicates $20–$60/hour, with $20–$30/hour most typical at the start, and emphasizes that many LMTs do not work full-time massage hours—so annual take-home is closely tied to weekly availability and bookings.
Sources (last checked October 20, 2025)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Massage Therapists — pay, industry medians, work hours, and job outlook (May 2024 data).
State of Utah—2024 Periodic Review: Massage Therapy (Office of Professional Licensure Review), summarizing Utah wage conditions and typical hourly ranges.
ZMC tip: Our graduates pursue a variety of settings—spas, health clinics, chiropractic offices, resorts, and self-employment. During your program we’ll help you understand pay models, build a realistic first-year schedule, and develop the professional skills to grow your income sustainably
Apprenticeship vs. Accredited Massage Therapy School: Choosing the Path That’s Right for You
Both massage apprenticeships and accredited massage therapy programs can lead to a career in massage therapy, but the structure, educational depth, and long-term career benefits differ greatly. At Zion Massage College (ZMC), we believe that a student’s investment of time, effort, and money should result in a truly comprehensive education, recognized nationwide.
Apprenticeships: Limited Opportunities and Narrow Perspectives
Currently, only a small number of states—including Utah, Washington, Missouri, Hawaii, and Arkansas—offer apprenticeships as an alternative to formal schooling. While this model might seem appealing for its flexibility or mentorship opportunities, many who choose this route later report challenges and disappointment.
In an apprenticeship, the student works under a single supervisor, which means the entire learning experience depends on that one person’s availability, skill set, and teaching ability. If that mentor lacks depth in anatomy, physiology, or theory—or has limited time to teach—the student’s education suffers. Apprentices often miss the diversity of perspectives and specialized expertise that come from learning under multiple instructors within an accredited program.
Zion Massage College has heard from many individuals who completed apprenticeships and later realized that they were unprepared for licensing exams or unable to transfer their credentials when moving out of state.
One graduate of a Utah apprenticeship, shared this heartfelt story to help others make a more informed choice:
“I genuinely hope this helps someone. If you’re in Southern Utah and want to become an LMT, please attend Zion—an actual accredited program! Avoid apprenticeships like the plague. I thought I’d get more one-on-one training and flexibility, but instead I got very little guidance and spent over $10,000 with no real education. My supervisor couldn’t answer my questions, and when I asked for help, I was told to ‘say ten positive things’ instead. The only real learning I got was from watching Rebecca Farraway’s YouTube videos! Then, when I moved out of state, I learned my apprenticeship hours didn’t qualify me for a license. If I could go back, I’d attend Zion without hesitation.” — Nahtalya Serene
Nahtalya’s experience reflects a common issue: apprenticeships can leave students isolated, under-supported, and unable to transfer their training to another state for licensure.
Accredited Massage Therapy Schools: The Gold Standard
Graduating from a federally accredited massage therapy school—like Zion Massage College—offers a structured, consistent, and nationally respected education that prepares students for success both in Utah and across the country.
ZMC’s 900-hour curriculum exceeds Utah’s state educational requirements, giving our graduates an edge when applying for licensure in other states that require higher hour counts or more comprehensive academic coursework. This enhanced training makes ZMC graduates far more portable, allowing them to practice in a wider range of jurisdictions without needing to retake classes or complete additional hours.
Benefits of an Accredited Massage Therapy Program:
Licensure Portability: Because accredited schools meet federal and national standards, graduates are better positioned to qualify for licensure in multiple states with minimal barriers.
Comprehensive Curriculum: ZMC’s 900-hour program goes beyond the basics—covering anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, ethics, business, and advanced modalities—ensuring graduates are confident, capable, and ready to serve.
Diverse Instruction: Students at Zion Massage College learn from multiple instructors, each offering unique professional insights, techniques, and approaches to healing. This diversity of knowledge helps create a more well-rounded therapist.
Federal Financial Aid Access: As a federally accredited institution, ZMC provides eligible students with access to Title IV Federal Financial Aid, scholarships, and veterans’ benefits.
Professional Credibility: Employers, clients, and state boards all recognize graduates from accredited programs as highly trained professionals who meet the industry’s highest standards.
The Bottom Line
While apprenticeships can seem appealing for their one-on-one model, they come with significant limitations—both in educational depth and career mobility. Only a handful of states even recognize apprenticeships, and many do not accept them at all for licensing purposes.
In contrast, Zion Massage College’s federally accredited 900-hour program offers a broad, integrated education that exceeds Utah’s requirements and supports graduates in obtaining licensure throughout the United States.
At ZMC, students benefit from a team of passionate instructors, a well-designed curriculum, and a community that supports their growth every step of the way. Our mission is to prepare you not only to pass your licensing exam, but to thrive—as a confident, compassionate, and skilled Licensed Massage Therapist wherever your path takes you.
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