Study massage therapy in Gainesville, Florida, USA. Florida School of Massage (FSM) welcomes inquiries from prospective international students interested in our hands-on Therapeutic Massage and Hydrotherapy diploma program. Our educational approach combines professional skills, body awareness, and compassionate touch in a supportive learning community.
The FSM program at a glance
- Credential: Therapeutic Massage and Hydrotherapy diploma.
- Length: 670 clock hours, approximately six months.
- Schedule: Daytime instruction, generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; supervised student clinic and other requirements may take place outside regular class hours.
- Program starts: January, May, and September. See current program dates.
- Accreditation: Institution accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
- Location: Gainesville, Florida, United States.
International student eligibility and visa information
The Florida School of Massage is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll eligible international students in our approved 670-hour Therapeutic Massage and Hydrotherapy diploma program. FSM accepts eligible international applicants pursuing an M-1 vocational student visa to study in Gainesville, Florida.
After an international applicant has been accepted and completed the required admissions and financial documentation, FSM can issue a Form I-20 for an eligible M-1 student to use when applying for a U.S. student visa. Admission to FSM does not guarantee visa approval; U.S. immigration authorities make visa decisions.
How to begin
- Contact admissions: Tell us that you are applying from outside the United States, your country of residence, and which class start date you are considering.
- Meet with our team: Request a virtual admissions conversation to learn about our curriculum, schedule, admission standards, and readiness for in-person study.
- Review requirements and costs: Our staff will explain what academic, identity, English-language, and financial records FSM requires from international applicants.
- Complete the admissions process: If accepted and eligible, work with the school’s designated official on the applicable SEVIS/Form I-20 steps before applying for a student visa.
- Plan your stay: Review housing, transportation, health coverage, travel, and living expenses independently before making commitments.
Tuition, living expenses, and financial planning
The currently published program tuition is $11,100, subject to change. Other expenses may include school fees, books and supplies, travel, housing, food, health coverage, visa and SEVIS fees, and personal costs. Review the current tuition information and program catalog and request an up-to-date estimate from admissions.
Individuals in F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant student status are generally not eligible for U.S. federal student financial aid. Applicants should arrange sufficient funds for educational and living expenses without assuming they can work while attending school.
After graduation
Graduates receive the FSM diploma after meeting all program completion requirements. Licensing and professional practice requirements vary by state and country; completing this U.S. program does not automatically grant permission to practice massage therapy elsewhere. International students should check any credential recognition or licensing requirements in the jurisdiction where they plan to work.
Ask us about studying at FSM
We would be happy to answer questions about our school and what it takes to apply from outside the United States. When completing the inquiry form, please mention that you are an international applicant.
Contact FSM Admissions / Request Information
