About Us
The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy is the premier study abroad program in the world for Massage Training Programs!
Students receive an outstanding education that prepares them to perform at a highly-skilled level in the massage therapy industry. The CRSMT curriculum builds a solid foundation of knowledge in combination with advanced skills such that students graduate well equipped to provide customized therapeutic massage treatments to safely and effectively address everything from relaxation to sports-related injuries. Graduates of the CRSMT massage training programs are eligible for licensing in most of the United States and many other places around the world.
Committed to excellence, and maintaining the tradition of massage as an art form; the education at our massage school balances the sciences of the human body, the artistic techniques of massage and bodywork, modern business strategies, and holistic lifestyle principles. An underlying acknowledgment and celebration of the human spirit creates personal and spiritual depth to the program.
A message from the school's leadership
Welcome to the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy. Graduating our first class in 2006, our school was founded with the inspiring vision of creating a program that would take the study of bodywork to a new level by incorporating adventure, awe-inspiring beauty, and the raw environment of Costa Rica into an intensive residential study abroad massage therapy program. Today, CRSMT is proudly fostering the development of talented and creative bodywork practitioners that are equipped and primed to contribute to and succeed in the healing arts industry.
We are strongly committed to training heart-centered therapists that possess strong foundational knowledge of massage techniques, health sciences, and professional standards of practice and ethics. It is also our goal to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment where our students can create their own style and individuality with regard to their bodywork skills.
You are about to embark on an amazing journey that will cover a vast spectrum of experiences, challenges, and emotions. We have taken great care in designing the program to tap into your appetite for adventure while providing an intensive academic environment. The rigors of the program as well as the beauty and intimacy that come with living and learning abroad will test your commitment, strength, and fortitude, but will reward you with a strong sense of achievement, confidence, personal growth, friendships, laughter - as well as a new career.
Pura Vida!
The CRSMT Leadership Team
history of costa rica school of massage therapy
The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy was founded with the specific intent of creating an environment that would break the mold with regard to massage therapy education. Our first graduating class was in 2006. The dream was to allow for a deeper and more profound experience and outcome by providing a comprehensive curriculum and expert instruction in a focused, natural, and awe-inspiring environment.
The school has been located in Samara, Costa Rica since its origin and has since gone through growth and change to establish itself in its current gated, residential campus in central Samara. Over the years, CRSMT has graduated over 700 amazing and talented massage therapists who are making a positive impact in the wellness industry worldwide. Our graduates carry forward the knowledge, skills, and values they have gained at CRSMT, contributing to the betterment of their communities and the massage therapy profession.
The school changed ownership in 2015, continuing with the original dream of providing an unparalleled experience and education. The program also expanded in 2015 to include a 600-hour core curriculum with opportunities and options for up to 700 hours of education in western and eastern massage modalities. In 2020, CRSMT reached a new milestone when it was granted institutional accreditation through COMTA, the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation.
In 2024, CRSMT proudly offered its first COMTA Accredited 750-hour program, further solidifying its commitment to high educational standards and professional training. In 2025 the school will begin offering up to 800-hours of accredited massage therapy education. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to provide exceptional training to aspiring massage therapists.
Giving Back to the community
Our school has always been deeply integrated into the community that has warmly welcomed us. Through numerous philanthropic efforts, CRSMT has given back to the local community in numerous ways. Our scholarship program has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to Costa Rican massage therapy students, ensuring that talented individuals have the opportunity to pursue their passion regardless of financial barriers.
In addition to our scholarship program, CRSMT has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local non-profit organizations and causes. These contributions support a diverse range of initiatives, including Asociacion CREAR, which offers after-school programs for local children and career development programs for local youth. We also support local schools in the area including the public school and the non-profit, bilingual Samara Pacific School, local sports teams such as the Samara Beach Football Team, and women's causes.
Additionally, every class term we partner with Asociacion CREAR to provide free massage therapy to the community in a fun day of cultural exchange. We invite community members to enjoy receiving bodywork, set up activities for the kids, and learn how to make Costa Rican tamales from the community members.
The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy remains committed to excellence in education and community involvement, continuously striving to make a difference in the lives of our students and the broader community.
Accreditations and Licensure
The CRSMT Program is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the United States National Licensure Exam (MBLEX). Individuals who pass this exam are qualified to pursue many career opportunities available to Massage Therapists.
CRSMT is institutionally accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). We are currently the only COMTA Accredited massage therapy program for study abroad in the world.
CRSMT is a National Certification Board for Therapy Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Assigned School, an Approved Provider of CEUs by the NCBTMB, and all massage therapy related education offered by CRSMT is recognized by and counts towards the educational requirements of Board Certification.
CRSMT is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and also of the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education.
The CRSMT massage therapy curriculum is endorsed by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
This unique Costa Rica Massage trainingprogram is designed for English-speaking students who wish to study massage abroad in a beautiful, exotic, and natural environment. For more information about our massage school or training programs for cupping, Thai massage, and yoga, contact us today!
CR School of Massage Therapy is a Colorado LLC.
