San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork

What Is It Known For?

Back in 1969, Dr. Uli Brix had a vision that therapeutic touch could heal people. He started the San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork as a private for-profit institution to train skilled professionals in this field. Over five decades later, the school has earned recognition as one of America’s oldest and most respected massage training centers.

Each year, roughly 131 students pass through SFSM’s doors to learn massage therapy techniques. You’ll study both traditional methods and modern bodywork approaches while preparing for a career in this expanding profession.

Degrees & Certifications

Your education centers around a 600-hour Massage Therapist Program that brings together different bodywork methods under one roof. The curriculum includes:

  • Swedish Massage
  • Body Mechanics
  • Massage Theory
  • Sports Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • And Much More!

You’ll earn a certificate upon completion rather than a traditional degree. How long this takes depends on your schedule preference. Full-time day students finish in six months, while part-time options stretch to eleven months.

Licensed therapists can return for continuing education workshops that introduce new techniques and refine existing skills.

Class Schedules

All instruction happens in person because massage therapy requires hands-on practice that online learning cannot provide. You can select from several scheduling options that fit different lifestyles:

  • DAYS Track: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM (six months)
  • Part-time DAYS: Tuesday, Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM (nine months)
  • MORNINGS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM (eleven months)
  • EVENINGS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6 PM to 10 PM (eleven months)

Instead of externships, you’ll practice your skills in the school’s student clinic, which serves as a vital component of your training experience.

Is It a Good School?

Yes. The San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork is a legitimate institution. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Acceptance Rate

SFSM accepts all students who meet its basic requirements. The school has a 100% acceptance rate.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

You’ll pay $10,500 in cash for the 600-hour Massage Therapist program. This price covers registration fees and all required textbooks. Some additional costs may apply based on your individual needs. Check their net price calculator to see the complete financial picture for your situation.

Programs & Courses

Healthcare

  • Massage Therapist

Campus Locations

San Francisco 475 Valencia Street – 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94103

San Francisco 2973 16th St., Ste 100 – Ground Floor San Francisco, CA 94103

Reviews

Based on Google reviews, the San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork (SFSM) has an almost perfect reputation, characterized by an intensely supportive community, high-quality instruction, and a program structure that is praised for being flexible yet thorough. There are virtually no negative reviews.

Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars

 

Common Praises

  • Exceptional and Passionate Community: The most striking feature is the overwhelming praise for the school’s atmosphere, which is consistently described as a “warm community,” “home,” and a family of “knowledgeable, friendly and insightful professionals.” Reviewers often state the school’s culture is supportive and goes “far beyond expectations.”
  • Life-Changing and Transformative Education: Students credit the program with providing a “life-changing skill” and an “inspirational journey” that results in being “transformed in the best way possible” and coming out a “highly skilled massage therapist.” The school is recommended for exploring a “ton of modalities.”
  • High-Quality, Experienced Instructors: The teachers are described as an “abundance of knowledge,” “passionate, inspiring individuals,” and “legends in the field.” The fact that most, if not all, of the staff were former students is noted as a strong endorsement of the school’s quality.
  • Supportive and Helpful Administration: The admin team is praised for being “incredibly helpful,” professional, and genuinely caring, with a focus on ensuring everyone succeeds. They are noted for taking student feedback seriously.
  • Flexible and Effective Program Structure: SFSM is specifically chosen over other schools due to its “flexible class schedules” and “reasonable tuition.” Students appreciate that the curriculum is thorough without being overwhelming with excessive hours, allowing them to balance the “intense but totally doable” track with their lives.

 

Common Criticisms

There are virtually no negative or critical reviews of the school’s program, faculty, or administration. The reviews are universally positive, reflecting the perfect 5.0 rating.

 

Momentum

The momentum is extremely strong, with a flood of highly detailed, positive reviews appearing within the last few months to a year. This consistent flow of five-star feedback confirms that the school is currently maintaining its exceptional quality and community atmosphere. The school owner actively responds to nearly all reviews, thanking graduates, congratulating them on their new careers, and engaging with the community, further reinforcing the image of a supportive and grateful institution.