Lin NormanIf you feel a strong pull to help people heal or simply need an escape from a draining desk job, you are looking in the right place.
Nashville has evolved beyond its musical roots into a booming hub for wellness. Yet education costs still fluctuate significantly, depending on the program.
I have dug deep into the local scene to find the best massage schools in Nashville that deliver on their promises.
With this guide tudents seeking a debt-free start and those ready to invest in a comprehensive medical curriculum can both find their path to a career that actually feels good.
Here’s our review of highly recommended massage schools in Nashville.
How much does massage school cost in Nashville?
The cost of massage therapy education in Nashville varies based on the program type, the depth, and duration of the program you choose to pursue.
On the more affordable end of the spectrum, efficient, clinically-focused programs cost around $8,000 to $10,000. Graduates choosing this path often finish with minimal student debt.
However, a comprehensive, holistic education with extensive hands-on hours and specialized electives requires an investment upwards of $12,000.
Remember that these figures often do not include essentials like your own massage table and textbooks, which cost around $1,000-$2,000 more, or state licensing exam fees. Budget an extra $1,000 to $2,000 for inevitable startup costs to avoid surprises later.
1. Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies
Website: https://cumberlandinstitute.com/
Address: 500 Wilson Pike Circle, Suite 121, Brentwood
Contact:
- Teresa Greene, LMT: (615) 370-9794 (Director)
- Candis VanSickle, LMT: (615) 370-5869 (Administrative Assistant)
Hours:
- Mon-Thu 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Fri 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Students who view bodywork as a mind-body-spirit journey find their community at Cumberland. A deeply holistic curriculum defines this school, integrating emotional well-being with technical skill in a way we don’t usually find in standard trade schools.
Students are allowed to design their own schedule to some degree. This takes the pressure off if you’re balancing a job while studying.
The campus atmosphere also feels less like a sterile classroom and more like a retreat center where personal growth is part of the syllabus.
Their comprehensive approach does come at a premium, placing tuition at the higher end of the region’s price spectrum.
While the cost is high, those wanting to master niche modalities like craniosacral therapy right out of the gate often find the investment justifiable.
I recommend it to anyone seeking education as a massage therapist!
Cumberland is where I trained and I felt very equipped in several modalities when I graduated, and I now run my own practice in Nashville. This is a great school and I recommend it to anyone seeking education as a massage therapist!
– Mary Vaughan, Google Review
You receive top-tier education and feel like you’re part of a caring community.
My experience at Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies has been nothing short of amazing. The staff and instructors are incredibly friendly and welcoming, creating a truly supportive environment.
Their professionalism and expertise are outstanding. Every person I’ve interacted with is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely responsible and dedicated to the success of their students. This is a place where you receive top-tier education and feel like you’re part of a caring community. I highly recommend it!
– X Yu, Google Review
2. Mind Body Institute
Website: https://mindbody.edu/
Address: 1556 Crestview Drive, Madison
Contact: (615) 360-8554 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Fri-Sun By Appointment Only
Mind Body Institute (MBI) has built a solid reputation as the “Harvard” of Nashville massage schools. Here, rigorous, clinically focused training prepares students for the medical side of the industry.
Aspiring therapists eager to treat injuries and understand the science of pain thrive here. Such deep medical focus creates a demanding environment.
When I visited the campus to check out their setup, I was struck by how professional the student clinic felt. The coursework heavily favors anatomy and clinical pathology. This makes grads highly sought after by local chiropractors and medical spas.
Just note that they have strict attendance policies, and the academic load can be overwhelming if you aren’t fully committed. It is not the place to coast, but it is the place to become an expert in this field.
When I am hiring I will pick an MBI graduate over anyone else
I highly recommend Mind Body Institute as your education to become a massage therapist. The quality of eduction is the best in Tennessee. I went to MBI in 2023 and graduated from there. I now own Focal Massage and have 4 massage therapists working here of which 2 graduated from MBI. When I am hiring I will pick an MBI graduate over anyone else regardless of other qualifications and continuing education.
– Luca Janssen, Google Review
One of the best decisions I have made in my life was to attend here
I can’t speak highly enough of this school and the staff. As a military veteran, I found the transition to a civilian career difficult, but the staff at MBI understood my struggle and knew how to make me feel welcome and at home. It is academically challenging, but if you’re willing to work hard they will help you succeed. Even post-graduation the staff and fellow classmates are encouraging and helpful. One of the best decisions I have made in my life was to attend here.
– Stephen Gray, Google Review
3. Living Sabai School of Thai Massage (The Cumberland Institute)
Website: https://livingsabai.com/locations/the-cumberland-institute/
Address: 500 Wilson Pike Circle, Suite 121, Brentwood
Contact: (615) 370-9724
Hours: Varies By Class
Living Sabai serves licensed therapists and those seeking a specific path in bodywork.
Instruction focuses entirely on the mastery of traditional Thai massage. This is a modality that saves your hands and sets you apart in a crowded market.
Unlike the broad curricula found elsewhere, they dive deep into mat work and stretching techniques.
Many Western therapists never get the chance to learn these specific skills during their initial training, so continuing education students use these courses to revitalize their practice.
Programs here are designed for those ready to layer complex, ancient techniques onto an existing foundation.
Since this path targets advanced specialization rather than initiation, it does not offer the initial 650 hours required for state board licensure. You come here to sharpen specific skills and deepen your therapeutic toolbox, not to start from zero.
4. Nashville School of Massage Therapy
Website: https://nashvilleschoolofmassagetherapy.com/
Address: 130 Seaboard Lane, A-12, Franklin
Contact: (615) 905-4141
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Career changers seeking certification without delay often choose this Franklin campus. A streamlined curriculum gets you ready for the national exam quickly, cutting out the fluff.
I’ve spoken to a few students who loved the hands-on focus from day one. They noted that they felt comfortable touching clients much sooner than peers at other schools.
Students pivoting from other careers also appreciate the ability to start earning quickly.
While the accelerated pace benefits many, some students note that communication between day and night shifts can occasionally feel disjointed.
Despite that, it represents great value if your goal is to pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) efficiently and get to work.
The learning atmosphere here is truly amazing
The learning atmosphere here is truly amazing. I’ve learn so much in my time here I can’t wait to apply in the real world. The only that the school can improve is the communication on both the day time and the night time students. I would definitely do this experience all over again.
– Nathan Moore, Google Review
This one far out-ranks them all
I just completed their program. I felt really prepared to pass the national exam. This year 100% of the students have passed on their first attempt. I also got great hands on practice and feel ready to launch in my career. I have visited and attended other massage schools here and this one far out ranks them all. They also have great scholarship opportunities to attend the school.
– Bliss Birth, Google Review
5. Nashville Academy of Reflexology (NAR)
Website: https://www.nashvilleacademyofreflexology.com/
Address: Classroom C, 1556 Crestview Drive, Madison (Inside Mind Body Institute)
Contact: (615) 934-1034 | [email protected]
Hours: Varies By Class, By Appointment Only
NAR focuses exclusively on the microsystems of the feet, hands, and ears. As Nashville’s only dedicated reflexology school, the program provides a level of detail on zonal therapy that standard massage courses miss.
This path suits those who want a career in wellness, but don’t want to perform full-body massages all day. The training is precise and scientifically grounded. This specific focus allows for a deeper dive into the neurological connections of the body, offering a unique approach to healing.
Because this certification focuses solely on reflexology, it offers a distinct but more limited scope of practice than a full LMT license.
With intimate class sizes ensuring personalized attention, it is best viewed as a specialized add-on or a niche career path rather than a general entry into bodywork.
The atmosphere is comfortable
I book sessions at NAR a couple of times a year. The atmosphere is comfortable. As I rested, the Student Reflexologists I have had were pleasant and located deposits (a few were slightly uncomfortable spots) in my feet and they were knowledgable in explaining what reflex areas these areas were near. I was having issues with several of those same areas in my body.
I will go back…😊👣🙌
– Linda Jones, Google Review
