You may find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the esthetics and massage therapy programs and professions below:

Q & A's regarding the Esthetician Programs and Profession

Q: What is an esthetician and what do they do?

A: An esthetician is a skin care specialist and is licensed to perform facials, waxing, and makeup artistry services. Estheticians can be found working in various environments including salons; day and destination spas; dermatology and plastic surgery practices; and retail or educational environments.

Q: How long does it take to complete the esthetician training program?

A: The Elizabeth Grady School offers 600 hour esthetician programs that can be completed in as little as 5 1/2 months full time, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 8 months Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; or 13 months, Monday and Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m.

Q: How many hours are required to become licensed?

A: Massachusetts and surrounding states: Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and New York all require 600 hours of education to becom a licensed esthetician. If you plan to become licensed in another state, please check with your state's Board of Cosmetology or Division of Professional Licensure to determine educational requirments needed to become licensed. 

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The 600 Hour Esthetician program cost is $9,500.00 and includes textbooks, uniforms, and all products and supplies. A variety of discounts are available. Please inquire with your Admissions Representative.

Q: What’s available for financial aid for esthetician programs?

A: 600 HOURS/2019-2020: Independent students could qualify for up to $6333.00 in federal loans and up to $4130.00 in federal Pell grants. Dependent students can qualify for up to $3666.00 in federal loans, up to $4130.00 in federal Pell grants, and parent PLUS loans are also available and are credit based loans available to parents of dependent students.

Q: What is required for me to get my esthetician license?

A: Upon successful completion of your program at the Elizabeth Grady School, you will be eligible to take your State Board Examination. The State Board Exam in Massachusetts consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, a hands-on facial, waxing demonstration, and makeup application. Prior to graduation, all Elizabeth Grady students are provided a special State Board Review class to prepare the student to pass their exam. If you plan to become licensed in another state, contact the state Division of Professional Licensure to determine that state’s requirements for esthetician licensing as they vary from state to state.

Q: Is advanced education available for licensed estheticians?

A: A variety of advanced programs are available throughout the year. Check the calendar for upcoming classes or call the Admissions Dept. at 781-960-0123.

Q & A's regarding the Massage Therapy Programs and Profession

Q: What does a massage therapist do?

A: A massage therapist utilizes hands-on techniques to manipulate superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Massage then aids in the body’s natural healing processes while promoting relaxation and well-being. Massage therapists can be found working in a variety of professional environments including private practice, physician’s offices, rehabilitation centers, wellness centers, day and destination spas, and educational environments.

Q: How long does it take to complete the massage therapy training?

A: Massage therapy programs at Elizabeth Grady are 650 or 750 hours in length (The 750 hour program includes a variety of spa therapies. See the school catalog for more detail.). Depending upon the schedule, students can complete a therapeutic massage program in approximately six months. Flexible day and evening schedules are available.

Q: How much does it cost to go to massage therapy school?

A: The 650 Hour Massage Therapy program cost is $11,500.00 and the 750 hour massage therapy program is $12,500.00. Both programs include textbooks, uniforms, and all products and supplies with the exception of a massage table for at home practice. Certain discounts may apply.

Q: What’s available for financial aid for massage therapy programs?

A: 750 Hours: Independent students 2019-20/750 Hours: Can qualify for up to $7917.00 in federal loans and $5162.00 in federal grants. Dependent students 2019-20/750 Hours: Can qualify for up to $4583.00 in federal loans, $5162.00 in grants, and parent PLUS loans are also available.

650 Hours: Independent students 2019-20/650 Hours: Can qualify for up to $6861.00 in federal loans and $4474.00 in federal grants. Dependent students 2019-20/650 Hours: Can qualify for up to $3972.00 in federal loans, $4474.00 in grants, and parent PLUS loans are also available.

You can learn more about Financial Aid by phoning our Financial Aid Administrator at 781-960-0114.

Q: What is required for me to get my massage therapy license?

A: In Massachusetts, students must successfully complete 650 hours in a school recognized by the state. Upon successful completion, graduates are required to complete an application for licensure. This application is available on line at the Massachusetts State Board of Massage Therapy. A CORI (criminal offense record inquiry) is required along with proof of education, liability insurance (available through membership with a professional organization such as the ABMP or AMTA), letters of recommendation, and the appropriate fees. If you are planning on becoming licensed in another state, please contact the Division of Professional Licensure in that state to determine their requirements as they vary from state to state.

Q: Is advanced education available for massage therapists?

A: Advanced education is available to massage graduates and continuing education is recommended. The graduate coming out of the Elizabeth Grady massage therapy program will have received a comprehensive education that includes a broad range of massage modalities, including but not limited to: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, Prenatal Massage, Geriatric, and Oncology Massage. A variety of other complimentary modalities are presented and many students choose to continue to explore them as continuing education after graduation.