Celebrate 50 Years of Empowering Healing Hands

Since its founding in 1976, Bellevue Massage School, now known as Washington Spa Academy, proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of educating massage therapists and spa professionals and contributing to the growth of the wellness industry in Washington.

In 1976, Bellevue Massage School founded during a pivotal time for the massage therapy profession. Just one year earlier in 1975, Washington State passed its first massage therapy regulation establishing licensing requirements and setting the foundation for professional standards. As the profession transitioned from informal bodywork practices into a recognized healthcare field, schools like Bellevue Massage School played a vital role in preparing practitioners to meet the evolving expectations of the industry.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, massage therapy in Washington underwent significant professionalization. The state introduced formal education requirements, licensing examinations, and the oversight of the Washington State Board of Massage. During these decades, Bellevue Massage School expanded its Training Programs, helping students develop the knowledge and hands-on clinical skills necessary to succeed in a regulated healthcare environment.

Over the past five decades, Bellevue Massage School/Washington Spa Academy has trained thousands of graduates who now serve their communities in clinics, spas, medical offices, and wellness centers across the country. Our school has remained committed to high-quality education, hands-on training, and strong partnerships with employers in the wellness and healthcare industries.

Celebrating its50th year, Washington Spa Academy honors the Instructors, alumni, students, and community partners who have helped shape its legacy. The milestone also reflects the broader journey of massage therapy in Washington, from early regulation in the 1970s to its current recognition as an essential component of health and wellness.

As Washington Spa Academy looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to advancing education, supporting professional standards, and continuing to prepare the next generation of skilled massage and spa professionals for decades to come.