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Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy Certification

Contact ProviderProgram Costs
4.5 / 5Student rating
19Reviews
1Program
2005Year established

Program Overview

The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy offers the only COMTA Accredited Massage Therapy study abroad program in the world. The 600/700-hour certification program is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the United States National Licensing Exam (MBLEX) and qualifies graduates to become licensed in most US states and many places worldwide. Our unique and comprehensive curriculum has been developed by leaders in the massage field for over 10 years. Instruction is conducted in English by professionals and educators from the U.S. including massage therapists, authors, business owners, naturopathic physicians, and chiropractors. Organized as a four-month intensive and immersive program, sessions are offered two times per year. The program includes accommodations in fully equipped bungalows on campus, just seconds away from the beach. Students may also explore off-campus housing. Samara, Costa Rica is a quaint beach town nestled in the jungle on the edge of a tranquil bay. The white sand beaches stretch for miles, and the town is full of delicious local and international restaurants. Students love to explore the many outdoor activities and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

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Program Highlights

Earn your Massage Certification in 4 months.
Get qualified for licensure in most US states and places worldwide.
Live on campus, just seconds from the beach and jungle hiking trails.
Explore Costa Rica and Central America on weekends and travel breaks.
COMTA Accredited Massage Therapy Program for study abroad

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Wifi Costs
Some Program Activity Costs
Laundry
Textbooks / Reading Materials
Course Materials
Certificate of Completion

Quick Details

Location
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Throughout the Year
Age Requirement18+
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Kinesiology & Exercise Science
  • Massage Therapy
  • Medicine
  • Physical Therapy
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Inquire about this program

Updated Jun 2, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Fields & Subjects

  • Kinesiology & Exercise Science
  • Massage Therapy
  • Medicine
  • Physical Therapy

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Throughout the Year

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Education: High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Resume
  • Transcript
  • Written Application

Age Requirement

18+

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy

4.5
19 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
11
4
7
3
1
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
4.7
Health & Safety
4.7
Academics
4.7
Community
4.7
Cultural Immersion
4.3
Living Situation
4.2

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-19 of 19 reviews

Timothy LeeUnited States · May 2023

Transformational growth

Be willing to grow out of your comfort zone! Immersion in a foreign country at an accelerated learning pace calls for one to be able to embrace and adapt to challenges. With that said; the skills, character, and sense of community one develops by going through this program is second to none. This is a truly incredible experience for anyone interested in learning massage therapy while experiencing “Blue Zone” lifestyle in a tropical paradise! Rana 2023

Candis JadeUnited States · May 2023

Pivotal life experience!

I was lacking in my traveling experiences until CRSMT. This was a wonderful place to begin opening up my horizons. However, it wasn't without it's challenges: spending all day outside (in shade), no AC (optional up-charge), separated from family/home, travelers sicknesses, lots of memorizing, a few 11hr-ish days of classes, sunburn (if you're not careful), and many mosquitos! The things I loved there most was the friendly community. I never felt any judgement for speaking my broken Spanish, in fact sometimes the locals would help and teach me a few words here and there. There are plenty of places to find food including farmers markets, grocery stores, small local venues and many restaurants. There are two pharmacies in walking distance as well. You're a five minutes walk from the beach. Being able to look around during classes enjoy the beautiful green nature and the animals that would travel though was a pleasure. This course was very fast paced and intense but having this program while in Costa Rica made it feel like a retreat from normal hectic life to vitalize for my future. It also helped highlight all the things I'm grateful for at home.

Photos

Ericka LafeverUnited States · November 2022

I have loved my time here and the memories I've made

Crsmt was without a doubt a place you go to show yourself you can do hard things. I have loved my time here and the memories I've made. I loved the acceleration and sometimes wish if could go on longer because I'm sad it's over. Looking back I didn't know I had that much in me. I didn't know how much I was capable of and I now i do ♡

Jordan MartellUnited States · May 2022

A life changing experience

It could be said that every experience will change you, but if you want an experience that provides a change that can perhaps alter everything you think you know about yourself or life in general, then this might be the place for you. It is an accelerated program, so you will be pushed, and it is in this pushing, in the stress, that there is change, but it is in a structured environment with great community around you, so the stress is eustress, and the growth is positive. You will learn massage and come away feeling greatly accomplished and with the assurance that you can make great strides in your life in a very short period of time. Enjoy!

Hails MilletteUnited States · May 2022

A supportive community

As told by a wise soul during my time here, "Massage school is about more than just learning massage." And, I have to agree. In this fast-paced program, I tested my endurance, will, and walls. The group that I studied with became the biggest support system in my life not only through the intensive training but also in a personal growth way. I am so grateful for these people and the experience here at this school. Thank you.

Serena MossUnited States · May 2022

Massage school by the sea

My time at CRSMT has been life changing. I have grown professionally and have been challenged in ways I never knew I needed. The curriculum is intensive but definitely worth it in the end. The faculty and staff are always there when we need them and the entire cohort is also very supportive. You’ll never feel alone on this journey if you embrace it fully. Coming to CRSMT was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! If you’re on the fence, come on! Take that leap! I highly recommend it.

Nicole WestUnited States · May 2022

Intense! In the best way possible!

I just finished the Rana (Jan-May) semester of the 600-hour program for the massage program. CRSMT is a great school with wonderful, passionate teachers and staff. I wanted an immersive, all-consuming experience (vs working full time and going to school at night) and THIS WAS DEFINITELY what I was looking for. It sounds like 'living the dream' to go to massage school in Costa Rica and it was, but not in a lazy, ethereal way. It was hard work, lots of studying and being engaged and each one of us had care with every fiber of our being. It was demanding and stringent but I'm sure it's an experience I'll remember fondly as time goes on. I'm excited to start Asian modalities next week!

Stacy AllenUnited States · November 2021

Unique spec in time

I am deeply grateful to have been a part of the Mariposa Class of 2021 at CRSMT. I have a passion for how the human body works, empowering others and myself to feel connection to the body, and holistic wellness. Massage is a tool I plan to use and integrate into my career fully upon graduation and CRSMT has set me up to feel confident and excited to start practicing bodywork and massage in my community. Full immersion in nature and in Samara, Costa Rica has been the greatest part of it all. I was able to fully focus on school for four months and enjoy the ocean, the community, and do some small travel trips during my time here. I highly recommend this program if you are interested in fully diving into massage and want to also learn things about yourself through living in a new place with a new community.

Abby BrossmannUnited States · June 2021

Pura vida!

CRSMT was such a unique massage school experience. How many people get to say that studied in Costa Rica? It was challenging, fast paced, and full of excitement. The teachers are amazing and bring the curriculum to life. The location is vibrant and rich with culture. Overall, the experience was mentally, emotionally, and physically intense. I have grown so much personally and professionally and can say that I feel very confident in my future as a massage therapist.

Response from provider

Thanks so much Abby. It's been a real pleasure to get to know you. We are so excited to see what you do in your massage career. We know it will be amazing!

Annika SchwartzUnited States · April 2021

Once in a lifetime experience!

This has been a one-of-a-kind experience. There were times I thought my brain would literally explode in protest of the sheer amount of information I was shoving into it--but it was worth it. Most of the curriculum is physiology and mechanics focused, while the intuitive and energy-based classes (which sparked so much awe and joy in this field for me) are at the end of the program. My connection to others, and to the natural beauty around me, grew so much during my time at CRSMT.

Response from provider

Thanks so much Annika, we appreciate you! We know you'll go on to have an amazing massage therapy career. Best wishes!

Morgan LittleUnited States · April 2021

Empowering, transformative, and irreplaceable experience

Having the opportunity to understand myself and all the pieces that make me a whole, have been irreplaceable. Getting to live with people that inspire me everyday, create intelligent vibrations, yet still have all the energy in the world to be themselves and care about me, and have the best time no matter the circumstances. This includes the students, teachers and staff! You WILL gain a family here. When you understand that the people who have chosen to come here are on a similar journey to yours, the light that shines from each person and is shared throughout the entire campus, is immaculate. The amount of instruction and practice time is a lot, but there was no better way to immerse in massage therapy, self-growth, and in a way that always encouraged self-care. You get to experience what it means to embrace every challenge, to be patient, be gentle with yourself, to be uncomfortable, and do it every single day. You CAN overcome challenges and adversity and at CRMST, you will see that you don’t have to learn the hard way. At times it can be exhausting, but the reward is empowering. The lifestyle you create here only reveals your strengths and molds you to exactly the person you would want to become. I fell in love with living by the ocean, and seeing the Earth rotate while watching the night sky. Life here is simple, but there is so much to reap. Going forward now, I cannot wait to follow this career and use all the knowledge I have now because it is MORE than enough to succeed. The information I have absorbed and experiences I have undergone here are exquisite. Yes, being a good massage therapist is knowing your anatomy and how to touch, which we were taught, but what makes a REALLY great therapist and friend, is every other intangible quality you learn from being here at CRSMT. In the words of Jan, “learning massage is just a byproduct of going to school at CRSTM.” There is so much passion for this industry that you will find here. I know now exactly what it feels like to be completely confident: in myself, my touch, my skills and in this family.

Morgan LittleUnited States · April 2021

Empowering, transformative, and irreplaceable experience

Having the opportunity to understand myself and all the pieces that make me a whole, have been irreplaceable. Getting to live with people that inspire me everyday, create intelligent vibrations, yet still have all the energy in the world to be themselves and care about me, and have the best time no matter the circumstances. This includes the students, teachers and staff! You WILL gain a family here. When you understand that the people who have chosen to come here are on a similar journey to yours, the light that shines from each person and is shared throughout the entire campus, is immaculate. The amount of instruction and practice time is a lot, but there was no better way to immerse in massage therapy, self-growth, and in a way that always encouraged self-care. You get to experience what it means to embrace every challenge, to be patient, be gentle with yourself, to be uncomfortable, and do it every single day. You CAN overcome challenges and adversity and at CRMST, you will see that you don’t have to learn the hard way. At times it can be exhausting, but the reward is empowering. The lifestyle you create here only reveals your strengths and molds you to exactly the person you would want to become. I fell in love with living by the ocean, and seeing the Earth rotate while watching the night sky. Life here is simple, but there is so much to reap. Going forward now, I cannot wait to follow this career and use all the knowledge I have now because it is MORE than enough to succeed. The information I have absorbed and experiences I have undergone here are exquisite. Yes, being a good massage therapist is knowing your anatomy and how to touch, which we were taught, but what makes a REALLY great therapist and friend, is every other intangible quality you learn from being here at CRSMT. In the words of Jan, “learning massage is just a byproduct of going to school at CRSTM.” There is so much passion for this industry that you will find here. I know now exactly what it feels like to be completely confident: in myself, my touch, my skills and in this family.

Photos

Response from provider

Thanks Morgan we appreciate your words and your kind spirit. It's such a joy to have had you here, and we are so excited to see what kind of amazing things you'll go on to do in the future!

Sherice BurchUnited States · November 2019

An experience of a lifetime

I couldn't have picked a better school. The curriculum was better then I expected and the instructors are top notch top of their field. All were very supportive in the success of each and every student. It was truly a remarkable learning experience which was both challenging and rewarding. The friendships made here became very close like family, ones that will last a very long time. I can't say enough good about this incredible journey other than thank you CRSMT.

Joshua O'ConnellUnited States · November 2019

A true blessing

What an exceptional fast paced program in the most beautiful place to learn massage therapy. It will test your grit, but if you truly put effort into succeeding, you'll come out on top as a new person. Being here as truly changed my life for the better in numerous ways and has shown me a new profound love for body work.

Toni TylerUnited States · November 2019

Living with no regrets

One of the best experiences I could have chosen for myself. When they ask you why...why not? Coming to the CRSMT program is a chance of a lifetime experience. If one is courageous enough, make the leap and allow the program to catch you.

Deanna HamiltonUnited States · November 2019

Amazing journey

Putting my experience at CRSMT into words is no easy task. This school provides a top notch education with life and personal growth experiences that are difficult to describe as they are profound. I am eternally grateful for the support and education I received here and I feel well prepared for my journey into bodywork. If you hear the call deep down inside to come here, do it. You will be challenged, you will be supported, you will evolve.

Adelle CarrUnited States · November 2019

The train keeps moving!

I found this place on a whim and from the beginning it didn't feel real. This place has helped me evolve in so many ways. Ive been taught that I am capable of so much here and that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. The support here is exponential. The staff, the students, and even the locals around bring so much positive energy. It's an intensive program to say the least but oh so worth it. Thank you CRSMT!

Brittany HardeckiUS Virgin Islands · November 2019

Life changing experience!

CRSMT is a phenomenal school of massage therapy. They have prepared us so well to spring into our new careers as massage therapists! They take great care to provide us with tools for self-care to help us through the extremely challenging program, and push proper body mechanics so we can have career longevity! The setting is absolutely beautiful, and the caliber of many of the educators is beyond expectation. This program will change you as a person. The challenges are steep, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When you come out the other side, though, you will be amazed to see what you are capable of!

Maple ConnCosta Rica · November 2017

Mariposa class 2017 is the best life decision I've made!

This program is very rigorous, and incredibly rewarding. The 4 months that I've been here have gone by in the snap of a finger! That being said, this is a very faced-paced and intense program and although it is located in paradise, your time will not feel like vacation. Be prepared to buckle down and focus while you're here since there is a TON of material covered in a fairly short period of time. Don't worry though, you will find yourself studying at the beach and taking weekends to explore nearby beaches, snorkle, or learn to surf. I was a little concerned about feeling overwhelmed and alone when I came here (I graduated high school just 2 months prior to starting Massage School) but the worry disappeared after day 1. My roommates and peers have been incredible, the staff are very organized, and the surrounding community is super supportive. This is a tourist destination so (depending on the season) you will meet not only Ticos but also people from almost every other part of the globe... it's a great place to see people from all walks of life, and to grow your own global community. I can't wait to come back here to visit, CRSMT has given me life-long friends, a community, and a skill that I love!! I'm so so SO glad I did this!!

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Alliance for Massage Therapy Education
Endorsed Curriculum | Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
Institutionally Accredited | Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation

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