Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Massage Therapy School in San Francisco
Founded in 1969, we are one of the oldest and most respected massage therapy schools in the United States. Our institution has trained thousands of skilled massage therapists through a comprehensive 600-hour program approved by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). We maintain institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and operate as a Title IV Federal Financial Aid institution, providing grants and loans to qualified students. Our diverse faculty includes certified professionals with decades of combined experience, many of whom are graduates of our own program.Located in San Francisco's Mission District, our campus offers convenient access to public transportation and proximity to cultural landmarks. We provide flexible scheduling options including evening, weekend, and part-time tracks to accommodate working adults. Our graduates benefit from a robust job placement network built over 55 years of operation in the Bay Area. We also offer continuing education workshops and a student clinic for hands-on training and community service.
Services
Massage Therapist Program
CE Workshops
Student Massage Clinic
Job Placement Services
Continuing Education
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- 55+ years of excellence in massage therapy education since 1969
- Institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Flexible scheduling options including evening, weekend, and part-time tracks
- Comprehensive job placement services with established Bay Area employers
- Experienced faculty with decades of combined industry expertise
Associations and certifications
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
What people say
Experienced instructors
Comprehensive curriculum
Excellent job placement
Affordable clinic services
Flexible scheduling
Services
Massage Therapist Program
Our 600-hour Massage Therapist Program covers Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, and Neuromuscular Techniques. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction and a supervised student clinic. Graduates qualify for California state certification and national board exams through NCBTMB.
CE Workshops
Approved by NCBTMB, our workshops offer advanced training in modalities like Ortho-Bionomy and Reiki. Designed for licensed therapists seeking skill enhancement or general interest participants. Courses range from single-day sessions to multi-week programs with flexible scheduling options.
Student Massage Clinic
Fully supervised student clinic providing affordable Swedish massages at $50/hour. Services performed by trained students under professional supervision. Ideal for gaining practical experience while offering community members accessible wellness care. Open seven days weekly with flexible appointment times.
People
Gary Witt
School Director
Gary Witt, founder of MassageLab, has over 20 years of experience in massage therapy education. He has served as School Director since 2010, bringing practical industry insights to curriculum development and student mentorship.
Jennifer Witt
Advisory Committee Member
Dr. Jennifer Witt, a licensed physical therapist, contributes her healthcare expertise to the school's advisory committee. She helps maintain clinical standards and bridges massage therapy with broader healthcare practices.
Questions
What massage therapy programs do you offer?
We offer a 600-hour Massage Therapist Program covering multiple modalities, approved by CAMTC and NCBTMB. Flexible scheduling options include evening, weekend, and part-time tracks.
Are financial aid options available?
Yes, we participate in federal financial aid programs and offer interest-free payment plans. Complete the FAFSA with school code 042734 to determine eligibility.
Do you provide job placement assistance?
We maintain a network of Bay Area employers and provide job placement services to graduates. Our 55-year industry presence connects graduates with employment opportunities in spas, clinics, and private practices.
What continuing education options exist?
Our NCBTMB-approved workshops cover advanced techniques like Ortho-Bionomy and Reiki. Courses include both skill development for professionals and introductory sessions for general interest participants.
Can I receive a massage at your student clinic?
Yes, our supervised student clinic offers $50/hour Swedish massages. Sessions are available seven days weekly with flexible appointment times. No pregnancy massages available in the student clinic.
How is the school accredited?
We hold institutional accreditation from ABHES, approval from CAMTC, and NCBTMB assigned school status. Our programs meet California's BPPE regulatory standards for private postsecondary education.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Joann Kuo
Jun 19, 2022
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Took my BF and he loved it! I always get the best massages here. And it's always an excuse to go to the mission :-
Kristin Kunzelman
May 07, 2022
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SFSM is a fantastic school with truly dedicated teachers and administrators. I attended their program to earn my CMT license in order to practice a different form of bodywork, and was able to graduate in 11 months. From my first meeting with the director, I was impressed with the school's approach to bodywork and how much they cared about their students. The online portion of the program was fine, and I really enjoyed my in person classes.
Each instructor brought their own approach, excitement, and helpful insights to the program. They really care about your education, and your longevity as a practitioner after you start working on your own. The students in my classes were a great group and we learned so much from one another as well. My favorite part of the program was working in the student clinic and getting to help members of the community - it was so rewarding. Not only did I graduate in 11 months, but by keeping up with all my classes I was also able to earn my certification and pass the MBLEX prior to graduation as well. I highly recommend SFSM!
Each instructor brought their own approach, excitement, and helpful insights to the program. They really care about your education, and your longevity as a practitioner after you start working on your own. The students in my classes were a great group and we learned so much from one another as well. My favorite part of the program was working in the student clinic and getting to help members of the community - it was so rewarding. Not only did I graduate in 11 months, but by keeping up with all my classes I was also able to earn my certification and pass the MBLEX prior to graduation as well. I highly recommend SFSM!
Mac Nwachukwu
Apr 27, 2022
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If your desire is to be the best in massage and bodyworks under the best of experienced instructors! I used to be like you! Alas! I found San Francisco School of Massage and Bodyworks! Hurry and register! They're the best! They trained us to be the best!
Randy Miranda
Apr 20, 2022
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Recently completed the morning track which took about 11 months. I was very impressed with the structure of the program because I was able to retain the antomomy very well with touch, feel, and knowledge. The teachers in the program go above and beyond to make sure you follow the proper mechanics and understand each modality. Highly recommend for body work and massage as a solid foundation as a heal practioner!
Philip Kilmer
Jan 12, 2022
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I started school halfway through the 2020 madness and was admittedly very skeptical if I was making a good move. But all of the teachers, staff, and admin were so diligent and dedicated to our class, and I'm so happy I made this decision. Less than one month after graduating I landed a job in the field that I love!
Alexander Cebula
Apr 17, 2019
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SFSM is an excellent school and I'm so glad I chose to go here. The teachers and admins are very dedicated and available. There are a number of payment plan options which made it possible to go at all, and the instruction itself is top-notch. The school clinic was also invaluable in preparing me for actual work with paying clients (not just practicing on other students). I felt ready to launch my career after graduating, passed the MBLEx without much trouble, and the assistant director Sarah's job placement assistance got me my first position only a couple weeks after getting certified. Can't thank the school enough!
Silvia Castello Images
Jun 03, 2018
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I was in the PT day course and I loved the organization of the classes. The teachers are wonderful professionals and amazing people, I didn't grow just as a massage therapist but also as a person. The school has a job replacement program after graduation and the administrative staff is always there to help you out with anything you need. The space is clean and safe and they have a lot of equipment, they also have a clinic where you can practice with paying customers. The clinic has been a great place for me to understand and have a feeling of what the "outside world" could be. Thank you for the wonderful experience SFSM!
