Massage Therapy Scholarship
$1,000
At MBLExGuide we believe in education and helping massage students and new therapists succeed. We know that completing a professional massage therapy training program can be challenging and require sacrifices.
As strong advocates for health and wellness education, we are proud to give back to the massage and bodywork community and assist aspiring massage therapists on their journey.
Massage Therapy Scholarship – Spring 2025
This scholarship is available to any massage student currently enrolled in an approved entry-level massage therapy training school or program in the US, and who is working towards taking the FSMTB Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) to become a professional massage therapist (see eligibility requirements below). One winner will be selected and awarded the $1,000 scholarship.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Application Period Will End In:
(Please read instructions below before applying!)
About MBLExGuide
MBLExGuide is committed to helping massage therapy students and graduates pass the FSMTB Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). We focus on providing MBLEx practice exams and quizzes, as well as offering helpful study strategies and test-taking tips. We offer a complete MBLEx Prep Course that provides an organized review for the massage licensing exam.
Enroll in our MBLEx Prep Course!
The MBLEx Prep Course provides massage therapy students and graduates with an organized, convenient and comprehensive review for the FSMTB massage licensing exam. Complete with practice quizzes and progress tracking.
Massage Scholarship Eligibility
In order to be eligible to apply for the Spring 2025 MBLExGuide Scholarship, massage therapy students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Participant must be a currently enrolled student in an approved entry-level massage education program in the US. For a massage school to be approved, the massage program must meet all their state licensing requirements that enable graduates to apply for a state massage therapy license upon completion of the program. This includes meeting the minimum number of classroom and instructional hours, and any other state curriculum requirements necessary for licensing. (Recent graduates from an approved massage therapy school or program are eligible to apply as long as they will complete their entry-level massage therapy program on or after April 30, 2025).
- The student must be in good standing with their massage school and passing all classes.
- Proof of current enrollment must accompany your scholarship entry. This can be contact information for your massage program director so that enrollment can be verified.
- Applicants must complete one written essay based on the topic described below, and must follow all entry guidelines. One entry per student will be accepted.
How to Apply
Review the eligibility criteria (listed above) to ensure that you are eligible to participate with this massage therapy scholarship program. Write your essay following the submission guidelines detailed below.
Complete the scholarship application form and upload your entry as instructed on the application page. Complete the survey after submitting your application.
Create a 1-Page Study Guide
Contest Description
The topic of the Spring 2025 MBLExGuide Scholarship is to create a 1-page study guide on a topic relevant to massage therapy. This focused study guide (also known as a quick reference sheet, concept summary, study notes, or cheat sheet) should be concise, informative, and visually appealing, helping you understand and remember key concepts relevant to your chosen topic.
Creating a 1-page study guide offers numerous benefits for students. The process of condensing information into a concise format helps reinforce your understanding and retention of key concepts. It encourages active learning, critical thinking, and the ability to prioritize essential information. These study guides also serve as quick reference tools, making reviewing material efficient and effective, especially when preparing for tests like final exams or the MBLEx. It should be visually appealing, which will make it easier to recall information and recognize important connections. By participating in this scholarship contest, you enhance your own learning and a create valuable study resource that can aid you in mastering a complex topic.
Note: the best 1-page study guides will be compiled and posted on our website, allowing all participants and other massage therapy students to benefit from these student-generated study resources.
How to Participate
1. Choose a Topic
Select a specific topic within the broad field of massage therapy. Look through your massage school curriculum or the topics covered on the MBLEx for ideas. Or you can choose your topic based on what you are currently studying in school. Focusing on a narrow topic will help you organize your thoughts and prevent your review guide from becoming cluttered or overwhelming. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Structure & Function of the Heart
- Mechanisms of Muscle Contraction
- Pathology Profile: (e.g. Osteoarthritis, MS, RA, TOS, Hematoma)
- Key Massage Business Concepts
- Documenting with SOAP Notes
- Structure and Function of Synovial Joints
- Types of Massage Contraindications
- Areas of Caution for Massage
- Classes of Medications
- Key Principles of Range of Motion
- Pain Concepts
- Treatment Approaches for Special Populations
- Swedish Massage Techniques and Applications
- Key Landmarks for Posture Assessment
- Common Posture Deviations
- Notes on Vertebrae: Structures & Functions
- Knee Joint Anatomy & Function
- Concentric, Isotonic, and Eccentric Contractions
- Therapist Ergonomics
- Massage Sanitation & Cleanliness Concepts
- Basic Principles of Trigger Point Therapy
- Stages of Tissue Healing After Injury
- Overview of Special Tests (or deep dive into a specific test)
- Integumentary System: Skin Layers, Features & Functions
- Principles of Massage Client Assessment
- Decoding Dermatomes
- A&P of the Lymphatic System
2. Content Ideas
- Key Points: Include the most important information and concepts related to your chosen topic. Use lists, tables, text boxes, section headings, etc. to organize information.
- Key Terminology: Concisely define essential terms and concepts.
- Illustrations: Incorporate diagrams, charts, or images to enhance understanding.
- Use of Images: Ensure that all images, diagrams, and illustrations included in your study guide are either your own creations or are properly licensed for use. Avoid using copyrighted materials without permission. Consider utilizing royalty-free image sources or creating original visuals to enhance your guide.
- Examples: Provide practical examples where applicable.
- Summarize or paraphrase concepts in your own words, as if teaching someone else.
3. Format
- Must fit on one standard letter-sized page (8.5″ x 11”).
- Choose a topic that is small enough and focused enough so that you can fit everything that you need about it on one page.
- Organize your study guide with clear headings, bulleted lists, and tables for easy readability.
- Ensure the 1-page study guide is visually appealing with balanced use of text and visuals.
- Avoid overcrowding the page.
- Use different colors or highlighters to emphasize crucial points. This can help in quickly locating key details during review.
- You can create your study guide using various methods: design it using free online tools like Canva, or note-taking apps like Notability or GoodNotes. Alternatively, you can create it by hand and then scan it. Common software like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Google Docs will also work. Choose the method that best suits your style and resources.
4. Submission
- Save your 1-page study guide as a PDF file.
- Submit your entry using the application link above.
Evaluation Criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Adherence to Instructions: Does the 1-page study guide follow the instructions provided above?
- Informative Value: Is the resource informative and helpful for a massage therapy student?
- Accuracy: Is the information correct and reliable?
- Clarity: Is the guide easy to understand and read?
- Creativity: Is the presentation innovative and visually appealing?
- Relevance: Is the chosen topic appropriate and useful for massage therapy students?
- Proofreading: Has the study guide been proofread for spelling and grammatical errors?
Originality: The entry must be original work created by the applicant, and should demonstrate unique insights and perspectives, ensuring that content is not copied or plagiarized from other sources.
Tips on Creating a Better 1-Page Study Guide
Investing time and effort into creating an outstanding 1-page study guide will improve its quality and your chances of winning. Here are a few tips on how to create a better study guide:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until right before the deadline to begin. Start as far in advance as possible to allow ample time for research, design, and revisions.
- Brainstorm Ideas: Reflect on the key concepts and information relevant to your chosen topic. Plan out how to present these ideas in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner.
- Organize Logically: Arrange the information in a logical order with clear headings, bullet points, and sections. This will make the guide easier to follow and understand.
- Make it Engaging: Imagine you are creating this study guide for a classmate. Write in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. Use visuals, like diagrams and charts, to enhance comprehension.
- Visual Appeal: Ensure your study guide is visually appealing. Use balanced text and visuals, different colors, or highlighters to emphasize crucial points and make the information stand out.
- Proofread and Revise: Review your study guide for any errors. Be consistent with font type, size, and spacing. Correct any typos or mistakes.
- Seek Feedback: Have someone else review your study guide. It’s easy to overlook your own mistakes, and another pair of eyes can provide valuable feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I verify that I am a current student at an approved school?
A: You can provide verification that you are currently enrolled as a massage therapy student by providing the contact information for your massage program director or school administrator on the application form. Only the finalists will be verified after the application deadline has passed.
Q: I will graduate before the scholarship submission deadline. Am I still eligible to enter?
A: Recent massage therapy graduates are eligible to participate as long as they have completed their entry-level massage therapy program on or after April 30, 2025.
Q: In which formats can my essay be saved and uploaded?
A: The preference is for entries can be uploaded on the application form as a PDF document. Any of the following file extensions will also work: .pdf, .docx, .doc, .pages.
Q: When will the scholarship winner be announced?
A: The winner will be announced by July 31, 2025.
Q: When and how will the scholarship be awarded?
A: The winner will receive a single scholarship payment in the form of a check within 30 days of announcing the winner. This check will be mailed directly to the winning student. The school’s financial aid department or administrator for the winning participant will also be notified when the funds have been issued.
Q: Can I submit multiple entries for this scholarship?
A: No. Only one entry will be accepted per student.
Q: Am I eligible for a scholarship if I am not a US citizen?
A: No. This massage student scholarship is for US citizens in a US-based massage therapy training program.
Note: By submitting a scholarship application, you agree to use any awarded scholarship prize money for education purposes only: tuition and/or related expenses such as school supplies, books, continuing education, etc.
Submitting your application hereby gives MBLExGuide permission to use or post your entry in part or in full on this website or our social media channels. Any contact information will remain confidential and will not be shared with other parties. Selection of the winning entry is at the sole discretion of MBLExGuide, and all decisions of the MBLExGuide Scholarship committee are final and binding.
For Massage Schools
For inquiries about whether or not your school is approved for the MBLExGuide Scholarship, or for assistance promoting this scholarship to your students and potential future students, please contact us.
All schools must be in the US or based in the US, and accredited or approved by an appropriate regulatory body to provide initial massage education that meets their state massage therapy or bodywork license requirements.
Printable Flyer
This PDF flyer is ideal for posting on bulletin boards in classrooms and other student areas. It can also be emailed to students and other massage instructors, and shared on social media.