Program FAQ
Massage Therapy School FAQ — here you will find clear answers about how to apply, what the training includes, class schedules, tuition costs, and the licensing process.
This page covers the most common questions we receive about admissions, Level 1 and Level 2 training, schedule options, hands-on clinic requirements, tuition planning, and preparing for exams. Use this guide to understand what you need to begin, how to stay on track, and how to complete your program at Advanced Fuller School with confidence.
Getting In
How to apply, what documents are required, the steps involved, and when new classes begin.
Program, Cost, and Licensing
Level 1 and Level 2 training, available schedules, planning for tuition, and what to know about licensing.
FAQ CategoryGetting Started
New classes begin each September. Evening classes typically start on the second Monday in September.
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, meet the physical requirements of massage training,
have no felony convictions and be able to commit about 30 hours per week to class, study, and hands on practice.
Start by submitting the Level I application along with a $100 application fee. Next, provide proof of high school graduation,
complete a personal interview with school leadership, document 2 professional massages received within the past 6 months,
and select your preferred schedule and start date. If you want to learn more about the national licensing exam, you can review the
MBLEx overview from FSMTB.
Yes. A high school diploma is required. General Educational Development certificates are not accepted.
FAQ CategoryProgram and Schedule
We offer both a 500 hour program and a 625 hour program. Both tracks begin with Level I, which includes 375 hours of core
foundational training. After completing Level I, students select additional elective courses to complete their chosen program path.
Level I includes foundational massage skills, anatomy and physiology, pathology, professional ethics, client communication,
documentation, and weekly supervised practice labs. Basic business principles are also introduced.
Licensure hour requirements vary by state. If you may relocate, it’s smart to confirm your destination state’s required hours
and pick the training track that aligns best. You can explore an interactive overview here:
Where you can practice.
Level II is a set of elective courses that let you specialize after Level I. To reach graduation totals, students complete
125 elective hours for the 500 hour track or 250 elective hours for the 625 hour track. Electives run in different formats
(morning series, evening series, and weekend intensives) so you can build a plan that fits your schedule.
Electives are commonly offered in time blocks like a morning series (around 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM), an evening series
(around 6:00 PM to 9:35 PM), and weekend intensives (often 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Specific course
times vary by class and calendar
Level I can typically be completed in about 7 months, depending on whether you select the daytime or evening schedule.
Elective registration is handled per class. Students generally sign up in advance, submit a deposit to reserve a seat,
and have tuition paid by the first day of class. If you need to switch courses, deposits may be transferable with notice
(course availability and deadlines apply).
Class sizes are intentionally kept small for closer supervision and more one on one feedback. Average class size is typically
around the mid teens (exact numbers can vary by class).
Yes. Training includes weekly supervised practice sessions where students build confidence by alternating between giving and
receiving massage. These clinics help refine technique, body mechanics, draping, communication, and professionalism in a
supportive environment.
Yes, both daytime and evening schedules are available. The curriculum remains identical regardless of schedule. Only the meeting
times differ.
FAQ CategoryPolicies and Expectations
Students typically have access to supervised practice opportunities beyond class meetings. The classroom is generally available
across the week during posted hours (availability can change for holidays, workshops, or facility needs).
Professional attendance is required. Tardiness is typically defined as 5+ minutes late, and repeated late arrivals can count toward
an absence. Unexcused absences can result in probation, and missed time must be made up within a required window according to policy.
Yes. Students are expected to present a neat, modest, professional appearance suitable for hands on practice.
A short sleeve collared shirt is typically required, and some items (like jeans, tank tops, and sweatpants) are not permitted.
Hygiene and professional boundaries are part of training.
Students are expected to complete their selected program within the allowed completion window. Requirements include meeting hour totals,
maintaining satisfactory academic progress, passing practical evaluations, staying within attendance thresholds, and being current on tuition.
Yes. Missed instructional time must be made up (and is time sensitive). If you miss a class, you can request a make up session
so you stay current and maintain progress toward required hours. Make up timelines and any tutorial fees are outlined in program policies.
FAQ CategorySupplies and Preparation
Students typically order required textbooks and bring personal linens for hands on practice. Some classes (especially electives) may require
sheets, oils, and course specific supplies. The school can share a current checklist during enrollment.
A personal table is often recommended for home practice, but it may be optional depending on your setup and goals. Many students practice
on campus and choose to add a table later when they begin building a client base.
FAQ CategoryCost and Licensing
Graduation rates and first time licensing exam pass rates are published annually as required. In Virginia, graduates are eligible to sit
for the MBLEx exam after completing the required hours. For the most current Virginia requirements, visit the
Virginia Board of Nursing.
Estimated tuition for the 500 hour program ranges from $7,500 to $8,000. Estimated tuition for the 625 hour program ranges from
$9,000 to $9,500. Program related extras can include required textbooks, linens and supplies for hands on practice, and optional equipment
(such as a personal table for home practice).
For scholarship ideas, some students explore options through the
AMTA scholarship resources.
The school does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs and is not approved to accept military education benefits.
Yes. Students can typically pay in full or use an in house payment plan for Level I. Level II elective tuition is handled separately
based on the elective courses you choose.