Sandra MillerEver catch yourself daydreaming about ditching your desk for a massage table? You’re not alone. The wellness industry in Indianapolis is booming, and there’s never been a better time to get your hands involved.
High-end spas, medical clinics, and private practices all require the same foundation, and that’s the right training. Choosing a school is a big life decision. You need a program that fits your schedule, your budget, and your learning style.
To help you evaluate your options, I’ve rounded up the top spots to get certified in Indy. These programs offer the 625 hours required for state licensure and the practical skills to succeed.
How much does Massage School cost in Indianapolis?
Investing in your education is significant, but the price tag in Indianapolis depends heavily on the route you take. A quick certificate program to get you working faster might cost around $4,500.
Plus, a full associate degree with extensive academic requirements could cost over $10,000. Most private institutions sit comfortably in the middle. You can generally expect to pay between $8,500 and $9,000 for a comprehensive program at a dedicated massage school.
1. Indiana Therapeutic Massage School
Website: https://indianamassageschool.com/
Address: 6625 Network Way, Suite 180
Contact: +1 317-966-1388
Hours:
- Mon & Thu: 9 AM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM
- Tue: 9 AM – 2 PM
- Wed: 6 PM – 10 PM
Indiana Therapeutic Massage School (ITMS) has deep roots in the local industry. Since 1994, they have served as a primary training ground for therapists in Indy.
The curriculum moves quickly past basic back rubs to explore specific techniques like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Lomi Lomi. That kind of variety gives grads a massive leg up when applying for jobs.
Like many trade schools, they have strict policies regarding “clinic hours.” Missing a scheduled clinic day can result in fees or the need for difficult-to-schedule make-up hours.
And because it runs strictly on class schedules, appointments are limited and fill up fast.
This can make it tricky for friends or family to book a session with you. I actually spoke to a recent grad who worked the Mini Marathon sports massage event with ITMS.
They told me that the adrenaline of working with real athletes gave them confidence that a classroom setting simply couldn’t match. It’s that real-world focus that makes this school a heavy hitter.
Instructors have immense experience
I could not have asked for a better education and overall fit for my massage schooling. The program is in depth and really prepares you to become a therapist, but with a flexible model to allow for life to happen. Instructors have immense experience, and were constantly providing kind and affirming learning opportunities. Clinic clients were really wonderful as well, and I left with a huge stack of positive client feedback forms after my program was completed.
– Kimberly Milfort, Google Review
They were fantastic!
We had the Indiana Therapeutic Massage School come out to our company Wellness Event to provide chair massages for our employees, and they were fantastic! Every employee received a 10-minute massage and gave rave reviews. The team was professional, friendly, and created such a relaxing experience. We’ll definitely be inviting them back for next year’s event!
– Tiffany Villaveces, Google Review
2. Indiana Academy of Massage
Website: https://indianaacademyofmassage.com/
Address: 4400 Weston Pointe Dr #120, Zionsville
Contact: +1 317-343-0886
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
For those in a rush to start a new career, the Indiana Academy of Massage (IAM) is likely the best bet.
They offer the only 20-week fast-track program in the area. You can knock out your full 625-hour certification in just five months.
They also include almost everything in the tuition, from scrubs to the licensing exam fee, which saves you from being nickel-and-dimed later on.
However, the trade-off for that speed is a rigid schedule. The classes run Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, which makes it nearly impossible to hold down a day job while studying.
However, what really impressed me was their student clinic model. Instead of working on random walk-ins, you work with professional massage therapists.
This means the feedback you get is technical and precise, rather than just “that felt good.” It’s a brilliant way to sharpen your skills quickly.
Choosing IAM for schooling was the best decision I could’ve made.
Choosing IAM for schooling was the best decision I could’ve made. All of the instructors were so helpful and were truly there for you whenever you had questions or didn’t understand something. I had no experience with massage therapy when I first went to this school and they taught me so much. I feel very confident now to go out and start my career as a massage therapist.
– Kaelyn Spears, Google Review
I couldn’t imagine going to any other place.
Indiana academy of massage is a great place to get an education. They really prepare everyone to go out in the world and succeed as a massage therapist. The instructors are amazing and really help their students to understand what is being taught. This has been the greatest experience for me with schooling and I couldn’t imagine going to any other place.
– gracie balk, Google Review
3. Ivy Tech Community College
Address: 50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr
Contact: +1 888-489-5463
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Ivy Tech Community College offers a distinct financial advantage, and that’s the potential for free tuition. Through the Next Level Jobs program, eligible residents can get their Therapeutic Massage Certificate at no cost.
This changes the game if budget is your primary concern. Furthermore, unlike private schools, your credits here are stackable.
You can start with a certificate and eventually work your way up to an Associate of Applied Science degree. However, getting in isn’t as simple as signing a check.
The admission process is selective, and acceptance into the college doesn’t guarantee a spot in the massage program. You might have to wait a semester if spots are full.
Nevertheless, the curriculum is robust and academic. You get the benefit of a college environment, including field trips for community outreach.
Plus, the environment allows you to shift focus from trade school basics to comprehensive healthcare education, which opens more opportunities for anyone taking their massage courses.
I enjoyed going and would recommend.
Nice place to go and get into higher education for cheap or no cost. Staff is a mixed bag but the nice and helpful people stand out. There’s not much social life but I think it depends on the person. Teachers are nice but it depends who you get. Also a diverse place and they try make everyone feel included. Only complaint is that they decided do construction when I went and they temporary closed a building. I enjoyed going and would recommend.
– John De Leon, Google Review
Great school!
Great school really cool that you are able to take trades classes and work with your hands while also taking college classes like learning French or studying government and history and taking welding fabrication, can’t do it at normal university.
– Patrick Sullivan, Google Review
4. Indiana Wellness College School Of Sports and Medical Massage
Website: https://indianawellnesscollege.edu/
Address: 10585 N Meridian St, Suite 102
Contact: +1 317-376-8640
Hours:
- Mon, Wed & Thu: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
- Tue: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Fri & Sun: 9 AM – 7 PM
Indiana Wellness College (IWC) focuses heavily on the medical and sports side of the industry. Their board exam passing rates are drastically higher than the national average, validating the teaching quality you can get from here.
What I like most about them is how they also structure their schedule efficiently. You only need to be on campus about 1.5 days a week for the massage diploma.
This concentrated structure suits students with long commutes or busy work schedules on top of taking the courses.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is their strict stance on licensure eligibility regarding criminal history. They are very upfront that past legal issues could bar you from a license, which might be a barrier for some applicants. I visited the campus recently and saw the students in action.
Unlike some programs that bury you in theories for months, IWC gets you hands-on immediately. Seeing students working on bodies from day one convinced me that their “learn by doing” philosophy is genuine.
I’ve gotten so much out of this curriculum and experience.
If you’re considering a career in any type of bodywork or sports massage therapy this is the school to choose. The owners and staff encourage and guide you the entire way ensuring you’re on the right track. I’ve gotten so much out of this curriculum and experience. I have the knowledge and experience now to begin building my own practice which was my goal when I first started!
– Darby Igo, Google Review
This was one of the best decisions I have ever made!
This was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I can’t say enough about IWC! The owner is incredible and the whole staff has become like family. I am leaving feeling so confident as an MT and I have so much gratitude for the ability to have this wonderful unforgettable experience! If you are interested in becoming a student of MT don’t walk, but run to IWC! You won’t be mad about it!
– Elizabeth K, Google Review
5. SomaBolo
Website: https://www.somabolo.com/
Address: 609 E 29th St, Indianapolis, IN
Contact: +1 317-296-4121
Hours:
- Mon – Fri 10 AM-9PM
- Sat 10 AM-7PM
SomaBolo operates outside the traditional trade school model to serve as a powerhouse for specialized education. They function as a “School of Thai Bodywork” and are a National Board Certified Continuing Education Provider.
The founder, Brandon Joe Rutten, brings 25 years of experience to the table. Combined with Ashley Tumey’s nursing background, the instruction grounds ethereal energy work in hard medical science. It’s a holistic approach you rarely find in standard curricula.
Their philosophy combines the Sanskrit words for “body” and “joy,” and you can feel that vibe instantly. Existing therapists looking to expand their skills or beginners wanting a niche focus on Thai massage and Reiki will find their home here.
The clear limitation here is geography. They are strictly based in the Indianapolis and Mooresville areas.
If you live outside this bubble, you might find the commute to classes difficult.
Fantastic class with a fantastic teacher.
Fantastic class with a fantastic teacher. Brandon is very hands-on, gentle, loving, knowledgeable and funny! I have started incorporated the techniques I learned into my practice and I look forward to learning more with Brandon. Do yourselves a favor and take his class 💕
– Renee Frye, Google Review
A phenomenal experience!!
A phenomenal experience!! Brandon and Ashley are so knowledgeable, warm, funny and have the most amazing energy! If you’re interested in learning Thai Massage look no further.
OUTSTANDING!!!!!
– Your Higher Self Holistic wellness, Google Review
