Massage Therapy
Program Goals
SFCC’s massage therapist training prepares you to provide relief and improved well-being to clients using the application of manual techniques for manipulating skin, muscles, and connective tissue. You’ll study anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology as it relates to massage therapy. You’ll also learn about instruction in contraindications, self-care, professional standards, business practices and ethics.
SFCC’s Massage Therapy is an approved program with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). Tuition is approximately $3,000 for students who are NM residents and live in the Santa Fe County. Financial aid and scholarships available, including the NM Opportunity Scholarship. SFCC graduates are eligible to apply for a national license and be nationally/board-certified in massage therapy. Learn more about NCBTMB here: www.ncbtmb.org You’ll also be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX), to qualify for New Mexico State licensure.
The median annual wage for massage therapists is $46,910 and employment is projected to grow 32 percent by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Program Admission Requirements
Prospective candidates for the Massage Therapy Program must be 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or the equivalent.
Candidates’ applications will be reviewed by the Program Lead who will schedule interviews with the candidates. Candidates will be informed of their acceptance to the program by email and a letter of acceptance or denial will be mailed to a physical address.
Interested students should fill out the Application to the Massage Therapy Program and email to julianna.santillanes@sfcc.edu and sarah.wernsing@sfcc.edu along with a current résumé.
Massage Therapy Electives (CEUs)
SFCC also offers Massage Therapy Electives that Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) can take for their required Continuing Education (CEUs). These electives require permission for enrollment, so please review these SFCC CEU Registration Steps. Descriptions for Fall 2023 courses are available below, please contact Julianna Santillanes at 505-428-1293 or julianna.santillanes@sfcc.edu for more information.
Intro to Cranial Sacral Therapy
Monday, October 9th 9am-6pm & Thursday, October 12th 9am-6pm
1 CR (~$120 for Santa Fe residents)
*All electives are 16 CEUs (includes 4 hours of ETHICS & some online course work & cost ~$120 for Santa Fe residents
SFCC Student Massage Therapy Clinic
Thank you to everyone who made our 2023 Student Massage Clinic a huge success! The students massaged 480 people in 2 months and were excited to support our community!
The next cohort will offer the next Student Massage Therapy Clinic in March 2024.
SFCC Pathways
Related Programs
Program Resources
- Summer 24 Massage Therapy Classes
- Fall 24 Massage Classes
- Massage Therapy Fall 2024 Application Form
- SFCC CEU Registration Steps
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“The Santa Fe Community College Massage Therapy Program is the best option in town if you want to become a massage therapist. The classes prepared me so well that I took the national examination one month after graduation and passed on my first attempt. I was able to start working as a licensed massage therapist at a local spa less than two months after graduating.”
– Daniel K. (Graduated with an AAS and Certificate in Massage Therapy in July 2022)
Faculty and Staff
Sarah Wernsing, MFA
Academic Advisor, School of Science, Health, Engineering, & Math, School of Fitness Education
Julianna Santillanes
Massage Therapy Program Lead
