Get the Skills to Become a Massage Therapist in Greenville, SC

Hands-On Massage Therapy School with Job Placement Assistance

Campus
Greenville, SC
Schedule
Full or Part Time
Length
6.5 Months*
Work Experience
Student Clinic

Massage Therapy School Built for Your Goals

At Urban River Massage Institute in Greenville, SC, you’ll develop the technical foundation and practical skills to pursue a confident, rewarding career in massage therapy through hands-on training.

We move at a pace that lets you grow steadily and feel genuinely prepared, not just for the MBLEx exam, but for everything that comes after it. Massage therapy is one of the most in-demand services in the health and wellness industry, and you could be licensed and ready to work in as little as 6.5 months*.

Institutionally accredited by COMTAFederation of State Massage Therapy Boards logo

Is a Rewarding Career as a Massage Therapist Right For You?

Take the Urban River Massage Therapy Career Readiness Quiz This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete, and you'll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the career paths you're a good fit for. Get Your Massage Therapy Career Readiness Score 

The best way to see if Urban River Massage Institute - Greenville, SC is the right fit for you is to come in and visit. Tour our facilities and meet with our team. Book a Tour Now or Get More Info.

Build the Skills to Succeed as a Massage Therapist

Massage Therapy Foundations 
Core massage techniques and modalities, plus an understanding of body systems, muscles, and movement to support safe, effective, therapeutic care.
Kinesiology & Pathology 
Movement mechanics and common conditions relevant to applying massage therapy.
Professional Practice 
Client communication, ethical standards, and professionalism in therapeutic and clinical settings.
Business Principles 
Marketing fundamentals and business planning for joining a practice or starting your own.
Your Urban River tuition at Greenville, SC covers everything you need to succeed including textbooks, massage tools, all program materials, and the MBLEx exam & license fee. No hidden fees, ever.

How You'll Learn

Practice-Based Learning
Practice hands-on techniques at our Greenville, SC campus, where facilities are designed to reflect real clinical and professional environments.
Build Confidence Gradually 
Structured coursework meets you where you are and moves at a pace that helps skills truly stick. 
Experienced Instructors
Learn from working massage therapists and get paired with a student mentor who's been exactly where you are.
Ready to Work Before Graduation
From business planning to industry speakers, we prepare you for the professional side of massage therapy, not just the technical side.

Program Schedules

Whether you're ready to dive in full-time or need a schedule that works around a job or family, we've got you covered. Both tracks cover the same complete curriculum and include real client experience in our student clinic in Greenville, SC.
Full-Time Classes
6.5 months* to complete
✓ Monday - Friday schedule
✓ Follows school district calendar
✓ 4 start dates per year
✓ 650 hours of instruction
✓ Hands-on clinic hours included
→ Download the 2026 Calendar
Part-Time Classes
Flexible schedule, change anytime
✓ Personalized path to graduation
✓ Same curriculum as day program
✓ Ideal for working professionals
✓ 650 hours of instruction
✓ Hands-on clinic hours included
Winter Cohort
January 4
Graduate Jun 25, 2027
Spring Cohort
April 6
Graduate Sept 24, 2027
Summer Cohort
June 28
Graduate Dec 21, 2027
Fall Cohort
September 27
Graduate Mar 30, 2028

Is a Career as a Massage Therapist Right for You?

Take the Urban River Massage Therapy Training Career Readiness Quiz
The fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

What Can You Do With a Massage Therapy Diploma?

Careers to Explore

Graduates of the Massage Therapy program are prepared for entry-level roles providing therapeutic massage services in a range of professional settings.

 

With this training, you might find work in settings such as:

 

  • Massage therapy and wellness clinics
  • Spas and resorts
  • Chiropractic and physical therapy offices
  • Healthcare and integrative wellness centers
  • Fitness facilities or private practice environments

 

Career paths and earning potential can vary based on location, setting, experience, and specialization. In some cases, graduates may pursue roles that pay $70,000+ annually**, depending on these factors.

High Demand for Massage Therapists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2025 to 2035***, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects continued demand for massage therapy services across wellness, healthcare, and rehabilitative settings, as more individuals seek therapeutic care for stress management, pain relief, and overall well-being.

Get More Details

Click the button below to request details about our Massage Therapy Training Program including:
✓ Career Prospects
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options

Get Licensed with Confidence

At Urban River, we know that becoming a great massage therapist takes more than mastering the skills. It means being prepared for licensure and building a lasting career in Greenville, SC.
MBlex preparation
Passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) is what lets you legally practice massage therapy and start taking clients, and we're with you the whole way there. We prepare you for the exam, then cover both your exam and license fees, so you're fully covered from classroom to career.
ACCREDITATION & STANDARDS
Our program is fully accredited by COMTA and aligned with FSMTB standards to ensure your credential carries national value.
Institutionally accredited by COMTAFederation of State Massage Therapy Boards logo
career fairs
Before you graduate, you'll attend a career fair where local employers and business owners come ready to meet your cohort. It's a built-in chance to start building your network in the Greenville, SC massage and wellness community before you even have your license.

Financing & Scholarships 

Urban River Massage Institute, a massage therapy school in Greenville, SC, is committed to helping students access the financial support they need to begin training with confidence. Our team works with you to explore a range of funding options, including scholarships, education benefits, and flexible payment solutions.

Our Tuition

Urban River's tuition is structured, so you know the full cost upfront. Tuition covers all required educational materials and tools, no unexpected expenses or no surprises along the way.

Financing & Payment Options

From scholarships and education benefits to flexible payment plans, our team can help you find the right fit for your budget, including:

 

  • GI Bill® education benefits for eligible veterans and their families
  • Flexible financing & payment plans through Lumion with a quick, no-obligation application
  • Out-of-pocket options tailored to individual schedule & needs

 

Urban River also partners with Hand & Stone on childcare support. Eligible students and instructors may qualify for tuition discounts through participating partner organizations. Availability varies.

 

For more information view our Financing & Scholarship page. 

Scholarships

We understand how important an affordable education is to our students. Available scholarships may vary based on eligibility, award amount and application requirements. Examples of scholarship opportunities include: 

 

  • AMTA Student Scholarship: American Massage Therapy Association Bob King $5,000 Student Scholarship
  • Massage Envy National Scholarship: $2,500 scholarship opportunity
  • ABMP Student Scholarship: Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals $5,000 Scholarship

 

For more information on these, and other opportunities, view our Scholarship page. 

Get More Details

Click the button below to request details about our Massage Therapy Training Program including:
✓ Career Prospects
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options

Courses

Our massage therapy school in Greenville, SC offers a comprehensive course structure designed to fully prepare you for a career in massage therapy.
  • 01
    Massage 1- Swedish
    120 hours
  • 02
    Massage 2 - Therapeutic
    80 hours
  • 03
    Ethics - Ethical Practice
    60 hours
  • 04
    Kinesiology & Palpation 
    90 hours
  • 05
    Anatomy Physiology and Pathology 
    160 hours
  • 06
    Business & Law Massage 
    40 hours
  • 07
    Clinic I - Swedish Clinicals 
    40 hours
  • 08
    Clinic II - Client Centered Clinicals
    60 hours

Learn from Working Professionals

Every instructor in this program brings hands-on industry experience into the classroom, backed by real credentials.
PhD
Don Taylor, Faculty at Urban River Massage Institute
Don Taylor
Founder
PhD
Student, Advanced Educational Leadership Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA (Currently Enrolled)
MBA
Business Administration, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 2005
MS
Electrical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 1995
BS
Electrical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 1992
BA
General Studies Pre-Med, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 1985
LMT
Colleen Ballard, Faculty at Urban River Massage Institute
Colleen Ballard
Administrator
BS
Business Administration, Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs, CO (Currently Enrolled)
Cert
Advanced Pain Management Certification, Living Metta, 2023
AS
Accounting, Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs, CO 2017
LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist, LLR South Carolina 2015
Bryan Boudreau, Faculty at Urban River Massage Institute
Bryan Boudreau
Director
MS
Educational Leadership, Bob Jones University 2019
MM
Master of Music, 2002
Cert
Teacher Licensure Presented in South Carolina, 2000
BS
Education, Bob Jones University, Graduated Summa Cum Laude 2000
LMT
Jennifer Desrosiers, Faculty at Urban River Massage Institute
Jennifer Desrosiers
Academic Dean
LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist, LLR South Carolina, 2021
Cert
Massage Therapy Diploma, Cortiva Institute, Joliet, IL 2015
AS
Science, Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL, 2004
LMT
Sam Ballard
Robert “Sam” Ballard
Faculty
Cert
Living Metta, Advanced Pain Management, 2023
Cert
Instructor Development, Corner Stones, ABMP, 2023
LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist, LLR South Carolina, 2017
Cert
Massage Therapy Certificate, Greenville Technical College, 2017
BA
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Anderson University, 2012
David Miller
Dr. David Miller
Faculty
MS
Anatomy, D’Youville College 2019, Graduated Magna cum laude
BS
Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 1987
New York Chiropractic College D.C. 1996
LMT
Urban River Logo
Donna Temm
Faculty
LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist, New Hampshire, 2004
BS
Education, University of Maine, 1990

Get More Details

Click the button below to request details about our Massage Therapy Training Program including:
✓ Career Prospects
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options

What Our Graduates Say

This school is a beautiful family centered around a passion for helping people feel better.
As a newcomer to South Carolina, I was thrilled to find Urban River Massage Institute in such a great location. I not only have pursued my passion for massage therapy, but I've done so couched within a group of the most wonderful instructors, administrators, and students. This school is a beautiful family centered around a passion for helping people feel better.
Read more
A
Alice
What stands out most is how much the school staff truly cares...
What stands out most is how much the school staff truly cares. They focus on skill-building while also teaching self-care so we can succeed both in our careers and in our well-being. I would absolutely recommend this school to others.
Read more
J
Jing
I could not be more thrilled with my decision to enroll...
I am in the process of enrolling at Urban River, and I could not be more thrilled with my decision to enroll there.

The curriculum at Urban River Massage Institute appears to be well-structured and it covers a wide range of massage techniques. It has left no stone unturned, ensuring that future students are fully equipped to excel in their future career.

The instructors at Urban River are highly knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about what they teach. Their dedication to their students' success is evident in their willingness to go the extra mile to provide guidance and support.

The practice rooms, massage tables, and equipment also appear to be top-notch.

I wholeheartedly recommend this school to anyone looking to embark on a journey in the world of massage therapy.
Read more
HA
Haylei August
I immediately felt right at home here, and I continue to enjoy being here every day...
Urban River Massage Institute is truly amazing, and staff and teachers show that they care about us as students and make sure we are doing well. When I was school shopping, I immediately felt right at home here, and I continue to enjoy being here every day. It's like a second home. I also love how flexible the school is. The ideal student-to-teacher ratio gives me lots of personal interaction time.
Read more
M
Madison
I've met the most supportive staff and am walking away with life-long friends...
Urban River Massage Institute has opened up a whole world to me. Beyond the obvious good of training me to be a massage therapist, I've gained a deep appreciation for the human body and all of the systems and structures that keep us alive and thriving. I've met the most supportive staff and am walking away with life-long friends.
Read more
C
Caroline
It's clear to me that the instructors and staff care about their students...
It's clear to me that the instructors and staff care about their students, their careers, and the success of massage therapy. It's a true blessing to learn under such capable professionals!
Read more
E
Emma

FAQs

Yes. Urban River's Massage Therapy Training program in Greenville, SC is institutionally accredited by COMTA (the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation). This accreditation applies to the program offered at the Greenville, SC campus. Accreditation status is one of the factors prospective students in Upstate South Carolina often use to evaluate massage therapy schools, alongside curriculum content and hands-on training opportunities.

Urban River's admissions team describes the application process as straightforward, with support available at every step. Prospective students can submit an online application through the school's application portal or contact the admissions team directly with questions before applying. The Greenville campus admissions line can also help you understand program structure, scheduling options, and how to schedule a campus tour

Apply Now

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must be able to read and write English; be a US citizen, hold valid immigration status, or be an approved US permanent resident; be at least 18 years of age; not be currently under investigation for, or convicted of, any offense prohibited by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; be physically, mentally, and psychologically able to participate in massage therapy training; have access to a reliable internet connection; have access to an electronic device, such as a tablet, laptop, or computer, for learning outside the classroom; and participate in an admissions interview with the Director or other designated staff.

Visit Our Admissions Page to Learn More

Urban River structures its Massage Therapy Training program with both a full-time, Monday–Friday schedule and a part-time option described as a personalized path to graduation with flexible scheduling. This format is designed for students balancing work, family, or other commitments alongside their training. The Greenville campus enrolls students on multiple start dates throughout the year, including sessions beginning in fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Graduates of Urban River's Massage Therapy Training program in Greenville, SC go on to work in settings such as spas, wellness centers, clinical practices, healthcare-related environments, and private practice. To support that transition, Urban River offers resume and interview guidance, access to shared job listings, employer networking opportunities, and ongoing email updates about openings. These services are meant to keep graduates informed and prepared, not to promise placement.

Learn More About Job Placement Assistance

Yes. Urban River hosts continuing education workshops and courses for licensed massage therapists at its Greenville location and through approved outside providers, including NCBTMB-approved continuing education credits. Course topics and schedules vary throughout the year, so licensed therapists in the Upstate SC area should check current offerings directly.

View Our Continuing Education Offerings

For current tuition rates, fees, and financing or scholarship information, contact Urban River Massage Institute's Greenville, SC admissions team directly at 864-202-6601. The admissions team can walk you through financing and scholarship options available to you and answer questions specific to your situation.

Explore Financing & Scholarship Opportunities

Is a Rewarding Career as a Massage Therapist Right For You?

If you’re interested in learning more about Massage Therapy careers and exploring whether Urban River is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable Admission Advisors are happy to answer any questions you have.
For immediate questions, call