The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Massage Therapy Program at Aveda Institute Madison

A wellness-first program covering Swedish and deep tissue technique, anatomy and physiology, pathology, ethics, and business practice, plus Aveda's signature rituals and aroma therapy.

750 clock hours · Aveda Institute Madison

Massage therapy student working on a client's back
Hands-On
Clinic Floor Training
Aveda
Product Training
Madison
Campus Location
PRODUCT LINE
PARTNER TRAINING

Credential

Massage Therapy Certificate

Program Length

750 clock hours

Schedule

Full-time or 3-Day

Next Start

FEBRUARY 15, 2027

Campus

Madison

Course Overview

A complete, hands-on education in Massage Therapy

A wellness-first program covering Swedish and deep tissue technique, anatomy and physiology, pathology, ethics, and business practice, plus Aveda's signature rituals and aroma therapy.

You'll learn the Aveda way at our Madison campus: pure, plant-based products and a philosophy rooted in wellness and environmental responsibility. From the first day on the clinic floor, you'll gain real experience with real guests, guided by educators who've worked in the industry.

Our Madison Massage Therapy program is 750 clock hours of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and hands-on bodywork, and it prepares you to sit for the MBLEx and apply for Wisconsin massage therapist licensure.

Massage therapy program training

By the Numbers

Program at a Glance

750
Program Hours
83.33%
GRADUATION RATE*
100%
LICENSURE RATE*
CPR
Certified
Massage therapy student performing a treatment on a client in the student spa

Curriculum

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

A structured path from core theory to advanced, guest-ready technique.

Musculoskeletal anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, and the science of the body, the foundation your licensing exam is built on.

Core Swedish technique, deep-tissue work, body mechanics, and client positioning, practiced under expert supervision.

Hot stone, prenatal, aromatherapy, and other modalities that expand your service menu and clientele.

Guest care, hydrotherapy, Aveda aroma and body rituals, and building a calming, professional treatment experience.

Ethics and professional boundaries, building a practice, marketing, interview prep, and licensure readiness.
Download Full Course Catalog

A Day in the Life

See yourself Here

Massage therapy students working on clients across the Madison clinic floorA massage therapy student applying neck and shoulder work during clinicAn educator and student practicing table technique in the Madison massage classroom

From morning theory to the clinic floor, Massage Therapy students at our Madison campus spend their days doing real beauty work with real guests.

Healing Hands 

TRAIN IN REAL MODALITIES

Swedish, deep tissue, and specialized modalities paired with Aveda spa rituals and a full digital textbook library prepare you for clinic and spa work from day one.  

Core

Aveda

Pure, plant-based, vegan hair and body care. Aveda's philosophy of wellness and environmental responsibility is woven through every phase of your training.

TOOLS

DYSON

The renowned hair dryer measures air temperature more than 40 times per second. Preventing heat damage while keeping hair shiny. 

CERTIFICATION

CPR Certified

Every Massage Therapy student earns CPR certification during the program, so you graduate ready to respond with confidence and keep your clients safe.

Tuition, Kit & Financial Aid

A clear picture of your Investment

Program Tuition

Request a personalized cost breakdown

Total program cost including required fees, tailored to your schedule and aid eligibility.

  • Federal financial aid available to those who qualify
  • Scholarships & grants
  • Monthly payment plans
  • 1-on-1 support from our financial aid team
Talk to Financial Aid

Your Student Kit

Included

Professional tools and products you'll use in class and keep for your career.

  • Professional massage table
  • Essentials of Human Anatomy, 13th Edition
  • Tappan's Handbook of Massage Therapy
  • Trail Guide to the Body, 6th Edition
  • A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, 7th Edition
  • Aveda body care, aroma blends, caddy, and bottles
Aveda Rosemary Mint body care collection surrounded by fresh herbs

Student Success

HEAR FROM OUR FUTURE PROFESSIONALS

“I liked Aveda's high graduation rate, which gave me peace of mind and made me feel I'd be successful at this school. Overall, Aveda offers a positive professional environment that sets you up for success and helps you reach your goals, which is something I strive for.”
Elizabeth K. • Cosmetology
“Since I started at Aveda, I've noticed positive growth in myself and my mindset as I learn about the art of hair. I enjoy the positive and supportive atmosphere and feel like I belong for once in my life.”
Lunar W. • Cosmetology
“The teachers are all wonderful people!”
Prosper V. • Massage Therapy

Upcoming Start Dates

Find the start that Fits Your Life

Start Date

FEBRUARY 15

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time38 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

JULY 26

2027

Schedule

Day · Part-time36-37 weeks
  • Mon-Wed 8:30am-4pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

NOVEMBER 8

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time38 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Contact admissions for exact upcoming cohort dates and application deadlines.

FAQ

Frequently asked Questions

The program is 750 course hours. The Day schedule (part-time) runs 37 weeks: Mon.-Wed. 8:30am-4pm. The Evening schedule (part-time) runs 38 weeks: Mon.-Thurs. 4:30pm-9:30pm.

You'll earn a Massage Therapy Certificate and be prepared to sit for the MBLEx and apply for Wisconsin massage therapist licensure.

Total tuition for the Massage Therapy program is $14,575 (2025-26): $13,175 tuition plus a $1,400 program kit (includes tax). Interest-free payment plans are available, and federal financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Down payments are due two weeks prior to the start of classes, and all tuition must be received in full no later than three weeks prior to graduation.

No experience is required, just a passion for beauty and wellness and a willingness to learn. Our admissions team will guide you through the requirements and enrollment steps.

You'll train primarily with Aveda's plant-based, vegan professional products, plus other professional lines you'll see in the field, Ultraceuticals skincare, OPI nail products, keratin and smoothing treatments, and more. Most importantly, you learn the technique and product chemistry behind them, so your education applies to any product line you work with after graduation.

The program covers anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and hands-on bodywork, and prepares you to sit for the MBLEx and apply for Wisconsin massage therapist licensure.

We offer multiple start dates throughout the year on both full-time and 3-Day schedules. See the start-date table above or request info for the next available cohort.

We're at 7021 Tree Ln, Madison, WI 53717, in Madison's west side on Tree Lane. All Massage Therapy classes and clinic floor hours happen right here at the Aveda Institute Madison. Call (608) 250-3100 or schedule a tour.

Are You Ready?

Start your tomorrow today at the Aveda Institute Madison.

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