Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is each of the programs at WSA?
A: The Massage Program at WSA is 660 hours and is delivered entirely in person. It takes approximately eight months to complete, depending on holidays and scheduled breaks.
The Esthetics Program is 750 hours and is offered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person instruction. The program generally takes approximately 7 months to complete.
Q: Do you have financial aid available? How much is tuition?
A: No federal financial aid is available. However, WSA does work with students to set up affordable payment plans if necessary. Every student has an individual financial plan. ESD Worker Retraining funding and ESD Unemployment Training Benefit Program are available to those who qualify. Tuition for the Massage programs is $14,650.00. The Esthetics program is $12,500.00 plus the cost of books and supplies.
More Resources: Washington Career Bridge - Grants, scholarships, FAFSA, work study, loans on Washington Career Bridge
Q: What days and times are classes?
A: Our Massage program class schedule is:
- AM Schedule | Full Time: Mon - Thur from 9 am to 2 pm (33 weeks)
- PM Schedule | Part Time: Mon - Thur from 5 pm to 8 pm (52 weeks)
Our Esthetics program class schedule is:
- Hybrid: Mon - Thur from 10 am to 5 pm
Our Bilingual Massage program class schedule is:
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am to 4 pm
Q: Is Washington Spa Academy a board-approved school? Are WSA's programs certified with the State of Washington?
A: Yes. Washington Spa Academy - formerly Bellevue Massage School is state approved through the Department of Health, Board of Massage, Department of Licensing, and Board of Cosmetology and with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
Q: If I complete my education at WSA, am I licensed? Can I begin working right away?
A: No. Upon satisfactorily completing the massage programs at WSA you will receive a Certificate of Completion. You will apply for your license; pass the MBLEX licensing exam administered through the FSMTB. After passing the MBLEX exam and approval of your massage application from the Department of Health, Washington State will issue you a license to practice massage. Only then can you legally practice massage on the public for compensation. With the esthetics program you will also receive a Certificate of Completion. You will apply for your license; pass a practical and written exam. Upon approval of your application the Department of Licensing will issue you a license to practice esthetics.
Q: If I go to school and get my license in Washington State then move out of state, can I practice where I move?
A: No. You must obtain a license in that state. Additional schooling may or may not be required depending on where you move. We offer our graduates a lifetime of placement and assistance with relicensing. Let us know where you want to go and we will assist you! Of course this is not a guarantee, every State is unique. Our staff is very versed in the out-of-state application process and will be there to guide you.
Q: If I am licensed in another state and move into Washington State, can Washington Spa Academy help me obtain my license in Washington?
A: Yes. WSA offers a Transfer Student Program for that very situation. Contact us and we will walk you through the process.
Q: Should I choose to become dual licensed in Massage and Esthetics?
A: Yes. Becoming a dual licensed massage therapist will increase your marketability, broaden your scope of practice and increase your potential earnings.
Q: I did not graduate from High School but I do have my GED. Can I attend massage school?
A: Yes. The state of Washington requires that an individual need be 17.5 years old with a GED or greater to be eligible to attend an approved massage licensing program.