• How many training hours are currently required to practice massage in the City of San Francisco?
• How many hours are required under the impending California State regulations?
• How do I get 500 hours of training at SFSM?
• How long does it take to earn 500 hours of training at SFSM?
• How much does tuition cost?
• Do you offer financial aid?
• Is SFSM recognized by the State of California as an approved educational institution?
• What are the days and times SFSM's classes are offered?

Answers

• How many training hours are currently required to practice massage in the City of San Francisco?
  
  In the State of California, each city is responsible for regulating massage licensing requirements. While the City of San Francisco requires only 100 hours to practice, there is a voluntary 500 hour State licensing requirement. Legislation soon to be enacted empowers State guidelines to take priority beginning in 2015, at which point 500 training hours will be mandatory.
• How many hours are required under the impending California State regulations?
  
  500 hours or more. This change is expected to take effect in 2015.
• How do I get 500 hours of training at SFSM?
  
  You can choose to enroll in our 500-Hour Massage Therapist program or take our level 1, 2, and 3 courses individually until you reach the 500-hour goal. Whichever path you choose, every student is expected to complete an introductory training program, in the form of either the level 1 Fundamentals or Shiatsu programs (125 hours). Additional hours can then be attained through participation in our level 2 Advanced Massage course (125 hours). Students can then further enhance their skills and earn the remaining hours through participation in our level 3 Bodywork Therapist program (250 hours). Any remaining or additional hours needed to fulfill a 500 hour training requirement can easily be attained by taking the Thai Massage Practitioner course (80 hours) any of our continuing education workshops, covering a vast range of relevant and current bodywork modalities.
• How long does it take to earn 500 hours of training at SFSM?
  
  Due to the flexibility of our schedules, the timing varies greatly. However, if you are able to take programs consecutively you could finish in as little as eight to twelve months. For specific advice concerning your personal availability and goals, please call our admissions counselor at 415-474-4600.
• How much does tuition cost?
  
  It depends on your program track. Please consult our tuition chart for details.
• Do you offer financial aid?
  
  

  The San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork has a variety of student loan and financial assistance opportunities available depending on your needs and preferences. Please call the SFSM office at 415-474-4600 to discuss your options and to determine eligibility!

• Is SFSM recognized by the State of California as an approved educational institution?
  
  Yes. SFSM is approved and recognized by the Bureau for Private and Postsecondary Education (BPPE) of California.
• What are the days and times SFSM's classes are offered?
  
  Again, due to the scheduling flexibility of many of our courses, class times and the days offered vary greatly. Please take a look at our calendar for a detailed schedule of our programs.