Become A Massage Therapist in Alaska
Whether you dream of working in a medical practice, sports clinic, day spa, chiropractic office, or owning your own massage business, your journey begins here.
Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Alaska
A career in massage therapy is about more than learning techniques. It's about helping people recover from injury, reduce stress, improve mobility, and live healthier lives. Every day, massage therapists make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients while building careers that offer flexibility, personal fulfillment, and opportunities for growth.
At New Seasons School of Massage, we've designed our Massage Therapy Diploma Program to prepare you for that future. Located in Soldotna on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, our program combines expert instruction, extensive hands-on training, and flexible hybrid learning to prepare students for entry into one of today's fastest-growing wellness professions.
Whether you dream of working in a medical practice, sports clinic, day spa, chiropractic office, or owning your own massage business, your journey begins here.
Massage Program at a Glance
Our Massage Therapy Diploma Program is specifically designed to meet Alaska's educational requirements for massage therapy licensure while providing practical skills employers value.
Program Overview
625 Contact Hours
26 Weeks (Full-Time Day Program)
Hybrid Learning Format
Diploma Upon Graduation
Small Class Sizes
Hands-On Clinical Experience
Preparation for the MBLEx
Designed to Meet Alaska Licensing Requirements
Our hybrid format combines online academic learning with extensive in-person instruction, allowing students to enjoy greater scheduling flexibility without sacrificing the hands-on experience essential to becoming an outstanding massage therapist.
A Curriculum Designed for Professional Success
Every course in our curriculum builds upon the previous one, gradually developing the knowledge, confidence, and technical skills necessary to practice professionally.
Foundations of Massage Therapy
Your journey begins with the fundamentals.
You'll learn proper body mechanics, therapist ergonomics, sanitation procedures, professional draping, massage strokes, client communication, assessment techniques, treatment planning, and session flow. You'll begin developing confidence through supervised hands-on practice while learning to safely and effectively perform a complete massage session.
Principles of Massage Therapy
Understanding why massage works is just as important as learning how to perform it.
This course explores professional standards, clinical applications, contraindications, hydrotherapy, stretching, trigger point therapy, pain management concepts, client documentation, and evidence-informed massage practice. You'll also learn how massage can be adapted for different populations and health conditions.
Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology & Pathology
Exceptional massage therapists understand the human body.
You'll study muscles, bones, joints, body systems, movement patterns, and common pathologies while learning how massage therapy affects the body's structure and function. This scientific foundation allows graduates to make informed treatment decisions throughout their careers.
Ethics, Business & Professional Practice
Technical skill alone doesn't build a successful career.
You'll learn professional ethics, communication, business management, marketing, recordkeeping, boundaries, legal responsibilities, and Alaska massage regulations. Whether you choose employment or entrepreneurship, these skills prepare you to build a respected and sustainable career.
Clinical Practicum
Confidence comes from experience.
Before graduation, you'll work with members of the public in our supervised student clinic, applying everything you've learned in a professional environment. Clinical education helps bridge the gap between the classroom and your future career while developing communication skills, treatment planning, documentation, and professional confidence.
Hybrid Learning That Fits Real Life
New Seasons School of Massage uses a hybrid educational model that combines online coursework with live classroom instruction and extensive hands-on training. This approach allows students to complete much of the academic material on a flexible schedule while still receiving the face-to-face instruction and supervised practice required to become a skilled massage therapist.
Hybrid education offers many advantages:
Greater scheduling flexibility Better balance between school, work, and family More time for reviewing difficult concepts Increased instructor interaction during hands-on classes Reduced classroom lecture hours while maintaining educational quality
The result is an educational experience designed around today's adult learner without compromising the quality of clinical training.
FMT101 — Foundations of Massage Therapy (204 hrs · live)
Fundamental practices of massage and bodywork: ergonomics, body mechanics, hygiene and sanitation, draping, sequencing, assessment and recordkeeping, indications and contraindications, and introductions to allied modalities including hot stone, sports, chair, and aromatherapy.
PMT102 — Principles of Massage Therapy (127 hrs · online)
Tools of the trade, body mechanics, professional standards, scope of practice, basic pharmacology, contraindications, clinical massage concepts (pain management, trigger points, fascia, orthopedic assessment), hydrotherapy, foot reflexology, Asian bodywork, evidence-informed practice, and the physiological and psychological benefits of massage.
AKP103 — Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology & Pathology (217 hrs · online)
In-depth study of body systems, kinesiology and movement analysis, identification of muscles (origins, insertions, actions), endangerment sites, common pathologies, and how massage influences movement and systemic function.
EBL104 — Ethics, Business & Laws (36 hrs · online)
Business structures, strategic planning, marketing, recordkeeping, professional terminology, communication and boundaries, scope of practice, therapeutic relationships, ethical behavior, career longevity, and Alaska laws, regulations, and statutes governing massage therapy.
CPE105 — Clinical Practicum Experience (41 hrs · live clinical)
Real-world practice: client assessment and recordkeeping; interpersonal and communication skills; recognizing contraindications and pathologies; selecting appropriate techniques; ergonomics and self-care; hygiene and sanitation; marketing strategies; and upholding standards of practice and ethics with real clients in our student clinic.
Learn By Doing
Massage therapy cannot be mastered from a textbook.
That's why our program emphasizes hands-on learning from the very beginning. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll practice techniques repeatedly until they become second nature.
Throughout the program you'll gain experience in:
Swedish massage
Clinical massage applications
Sports massage concepts
Hot stone massage
Chair massage
Pain management techniques
Client assessments
Professional draping
Body mechanics
Treatment planning
Documentation
Professional communication
By graduation, you'll have developed both the technical ability and confidence employers expect from entry-level massage therapists.
Small Classes. Personal Instruction
One of the greatest advantages of New Seasons School of Massage is our commitment to individualized education.
Rather than teaching large lecture halls, we intentionally maintain small class sizes that allow instructors to spend more time with each student. You'll receive personal feedback, individualized coaching, and additional opportunities to develop your technique throughout the program.
Learning massage is personal. We believe your education should be too.
A Massage School Built for Alaska
There has long been a need for additional massage therapy education on the Kenai Peninsula.
Instead of relocating or commuting long distances, students can now complete their professional training close to home while remaining connected to their families, jobs, and communities.
Our location in Soldotna also provides a unique perspective on the needs of Alaskans. From outdoor recreation and physically demanding occupations to an active lifestyle that often benefits from therapeutic bodywork, graduates leave prepared to serve the communities they call home.
Learn From Practicing Professionals
Our instructors don't simply teach massage—they live it.
Josh and Kara Hawley have spent years serving clients through New Seasons Bodywork while building trusted relationships within the local community. Their experience treating real clients provides students with practical insights that extend beyond textbooks.
Students benefit from learning techniques that are used every day in professional practice while receiving mentorship from instructors who understand both the clinical and business sides of massage therapy. The school also benefits from its partnership with Alpha School of Massage, bringing together a proven curriculum with local expertise to serve Alaska students.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Massage therapists enjoy a wide variety of career paths.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in:
Day spas and destination resorts
Chiropractic and rehabilitation clinics
Medical offices
Physical therapy practices
Sports and athletic facilities
Wellness centers
Independent contractor positions
Mobile massage practices
Private practice ownership
As experience grows, many therapists choose to specialize in areas such as sports massage, orthopedic massage, prenatal massage, medical massage, or other advanced therapeutic techniques.
Built around the MBLEx and Alaska requirements.
Students who complete the program have the foundation to sit for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and apply for Alaska massage therapy licensure. New Seasons does not guarantee eligibility for licensure — applicants are responsible for confirming individual eligibility with the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists.
Is This Program Right for You
Our students come from many different backgrounds.
Some are beginning their first career. Others are changing careers after years in another profession. Many simply want work that offers greater flexibility, purpose, and personal fulfillment.
If you enjoy helping people, are willing to learn, and are committed to developing professional skills, massage therapy can become a rewarding lifelong career.
Start Your Journey
Schedule a campus tour, speak with our admissions team, or begin your application today. Discover why students across the Kenai Peninsula are choosing New Seasons School of Massage to begin their journey into the healing arts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous massage experience? +
No. Our program is designed for beginners as well as those with some experience
How long does the program take?+
Our full-time daytime program is designed to be completed in approximately 26 weeks.
Is the program approved?+
Yes. New Seasons School of Massage is authorized by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE).
Will I receive hands-on training?+
Absolutely. Hands-on instruction, supervised labs, and clinical practicum are central components of the program.
Will this prepare me for the MBLEx?+
Yes. The curriculum is designed to provide the educational foundation students need as they prepare for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, though students remain responsible for taking and passing the exam as part of Alaska's licensing process
Can I work while attending school?+
Many students can, thanks to the flexibility offered by the hybrid learning model, though individual schedules and workloads will vary.
Why choose New Seasons School of Massage?+
At New Seasons, you'll learn from practicing professionals in a supportive learning environment that combines flexible hybrid education, small class sizes, extensive hands-on training, and a curriculum designed specifically to prepare students for successful careers serving communities across Alaska.
Is massage therapy a growing profession?+
Demand for massage therapy continues to grow as more people seek natural approaches to pain management, stress reduction, athletic recovery, and overall wellness. Massage therapists work alongside healthcare providers, wellness professionals, and fitness experts in a variety of settings.
What qualities make a great massage therapist?+
Compassion, professionalism, good communication, a willingness to keep learning, and a genuine desire to help people are some of the most important qualities. Technical skill can be taught, but a caring attitude is what helps therapists build lasting relationships with clients.
Can massage therapists specialize after graduation?+
Yes. As you gain experience, you may choose to pursue additional training in areas such as sports massage, orthopedic massage, prenatal massage, medical massage, lymphatic techniques, or other specialty modalities.
Will I learn more than just massage techniques?+
Absolutely. Professional massage therapists need a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, ethics, communication, business practices, documentation, client assessment, and professional standards. Our curriculum prepares students for every aspect of the profession.
Why should I attend school in Soldotna instead of traveling to Anchorage?+
Attending New Seasons School of Massage allows students from the Kenai Peninsula to receive a quality massage therapy education closer to home. That means less travel, more time with family, and the opportunity to begin building professional connections within your own community.
Is massage therapy a good career for someone changing professions?+
Yes. Many massage therapy students are career changers looking for more meaningful work, greater flexibility, or the opportunity to own their own business. Our program is designed with adult learners in mind.
Do I need to be physically strong to become a massage therapist?+
Not at all. Successful massage therapists rely on proper body mechanics and technique rather than physical strength. Throughout the program, you'll learn how to work efficiently while protecting your own body and building a sustainable career.
Will I be prepared for the MBLEx?+
Our curriculum is designed to provide the educational foundation students need as they prepare for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is part of Alaska's licensing process.
How large are your classes?+
We intentionally keep our classes small to provide more individualized instruction. Learning massage requires observation, coaching, and feedback, and smaller class sizes allow instructors to spend more time helping each student succeed.
What kinds of massage techniques will I learn?+
Students are introduced to a wide range of professional techniques and concepts, including Swedish massage, hot stone massage, chair massage, sports massage concepts, pain management applications, client assessment, and treatment planning.
Can I own my own massage practice someday?+
Absolutely. Many massage therapists eventually open their own businesses. That's why our curriculum includes business, ethics, communication, and professional practice—not just massage techniques.
Why Alaska Needs Massage Therapists
Alaska is unlike anywhere else in the country, and the demand for skilled massage therapists reflects that unique way of life. From physically demanding careers to year-round outdoor recreation, Alaskans place extraordinary demands on their bodies. As awareness continues to grow around the benefits of therapeutic massage, licensed massage therapists are becoming an increasingly valuable part of the state's wellness and healthcare communities.
Supporting Alaska's Active Lifestyle
Life in Alaska is active by nature. Residents spend countless hours hiking mountain trails, fishing the Kenai River, skiing, hunting, kayaking, snowmachining, and enjoying the outdoors in every season. While these activities are part of what makes Alaska special, they also place significant stress on muscles, joints, and connective tissue.
Massage therapy can help improve recovery, reduce muscle tension, increase mobility, and support an active lifestyle, allowing people to continue doing what they love.
Helping Those Who Do Physically Demanding Work
Many of Alaska's largest industries require long hours of physical labor. Construction workers, commercial fishermen, healthcare professionals, oil and gas employees, transportation workers, and tradespeople often experience repetitive stress, muscle fatigue, and chronic pain as part of their daily work.
Massage therapy offers a natural, non-invasive approach to relieving tension, improving flexibility, and supporting overall physical wellness. Skilled massage therapists play an important role in helping hardworking Alaskans recover so they can continue performing at their best.
A Growing Role in Healthcare
Massage therapy has become an increasingly recognized part of comprehensive healthcare. Physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers frequently recommend massage therapy as part of a treatment plan for pain management, injury recovery, stress reduction, and improved mobility.
As healthcare continues to emphasize preventative care and whole-person wellness, licensed massage therapists have more opportunities than ever to work alongside other healthcare professionals in clinical and wellness settings.
Caring for Alaska's Aging Population
Like much of the country, Alaska's population is growing older. Older adults often seek massage therapy to help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, manage chronic pain, and maintain mobility and independence.
Compassionate, well-trained massage therapists can make a meaningful difference in the quality of life for seniors by providing safe, appropriate care that supports healthy aging.
Serving Rural Communities
Access to healthcare services can be challenging in many parts of Alaska. While larger cities offer more healthcare options, many rural communities have limited access to wellness providers.
Licensed massage therapists help expand access to therapeutic care throughout the state. Whether working in a clinic, a wellness center, or an independent practice, massage therapists have the opportunity to serve communities where their skills can have a lasting impact.
Building Healthier Communities
Massage therapy is about more than relaxation. It helps people recover from injuries, manage stress, improve movement, and enhance their overall quality of life. As more Alaskans prioritize preventive health and wellness, the need for knowledgeable, compassionate massage therapists continues to grow.
At New Seasons School of Massage, we're proud to prepare the next generation of massage therapists to serve the unique needs of Alaska. Our graduates don't just earn a diploma—they gain the knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional confidence to make a meaningful difference in the communities they call home.