Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We offer flexible scheduling options so you can arrange an educational schedule that works for you. Our 500 & 658 Hour Massage Therapist Programs must be completed within 24 months; many students are able to do it in about a year.
The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) requires a minimum of 500 hours of massage education from an approved school & Program in order to apply for statewide Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) status. While it is still technically a voluntary credential, more and more employers are requiring CAMTC certification, as well as more and more local governments. (As of January 1, 2019, the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam, or MBLEx, is not currently a requirement for CAMTC Certification – however, this is likely to become a requirement again in the future, so we still encourage students to prepare for & take this exam while the information is fresh in their minds.) If you are interested in opening a massage business of your own, it is important that you check with the local government of the city you wish to work in to see what their requirements are for being a sole proprietor.
Once you have met the minimum educational requirements for Certification, you will need to complete the CAMTC application process. The application process includes requesting transcripts from all schools you have attended in order to confirm your completed hours & getting a LiveScan background check. Please visit the CAMTC website for complete information about the application process: https://www.camtc.org/requirements-to-certify/.
All coursework at McKinnon BTC is based on hours and it is required by the state that all hours are attended in order to receive credit. Students may make-up missed time by arranging to sit in on a different iteration of their class in the future, or by attending a Sunday Night Practice Session that is being facilitated by an appropriate instructor. Because of certain considerations and requirements in different classes, all make-up must be arranged through admin. Every class has a maximum absence allowance of 25% of the total class hours before you are considered Incomplete for the course. McKinnon does not issue partial credit or any refunds for Incomplete classes. Make-up time is priced at $15/hour.
Yes, you will disrobe to your comfort level when appropriate in hands-on classes and be draped accordingly. Draping for modesty and comfort will be taught in the context of these classes. In some classes, you may remain clothed.
McKinnon provides massage tables, equipment such as pillows & bolsters, as well as oil & lotion to use in class. (If you have skin sensitivity or allergy, please notify us in advance and be prepared to bring a product that will be safe for you to use.) Students will need to provide their own textbooks (listed on each Course Outline), note-taking materials, and a set of twin sheets. (For most courses you will want a flat, fitted, and a pillowcase. They don’t need to be new or fancy, but they do need to be clean.) Students may rent sheets here at the school for $5/set/class.
500-Hour Massage Therapist Program = $8,995
658-Hour Massage Therapist Program = $11,995
(The cost for the 658-Hour Program is the TOTAL cost of 658 hours, including the tuition paid for your first 500 hours.)
We offer a few different payment options, including discounts for paying in full and interest-free payment plans. Contact admin for more information.
We do not participate in financial aid programs, however, we do offer flexible in-house, interest-free payment plans for some classes & both of our Massage Therapist Programs. Contact admin for more information.
Textbooks are not included in tuition & need to be purchased separately by the student. We do sell the required textbooks at the school, but you do not have to buy them from us. Many times students are able to find cheaper copies online. (Required textbooks for each class are listed on the Course Outline.)
McKinnon BTC is approved to operate by the Bureau of Private Post Secondary Education (BPPE) in California. All educational hours at McKinnon are accepted by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). Whether or not educational hours at McKinnon will be accepted by another state or educational institution is at the full discretion of that state or institution. If there is a chance you will be moving out of state, you should check with the appropriate regulatory body to see if your hours will be accepted. Massage is regulated on a state level & there is no national Licensure or Certification.
McKinnon does not offer job placement, however, we are frequently contacted by employers who prefer to hire McKinnon graduates and these openings are posted on our website and on our in-school bulletin board. For more information about current position openings & opportunities, email olivia@mckinnonbtc.com.
Parking directly outside of the school is metered Monday-Saturday (9a-6p). Street parking is free on Sundays. Parking can also be found in numerous local parking garages or in the residential area on the East side of Broadway.
Yes. We are halfway between the 19th Street & MacArthur Bart stations (about .9 miles from each). There are also numerous bus stops nearby.