My question is one about taxes...

I have; just get a really smart CPA.

I've been a volunteer massage therapist through the Institute for Health and Healing at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. They have a very comprehensive volunteer training program, an outpatient clinic w/ an extensive complementary medicine library, a sister program at Marin General Hospital, and two internship programs (200 & 500 hr I think..) with an inpatient focus. The folks over there would probably be a good contact to learn about other hospital based massage programs and for info on how to start your own.

I don't think accreditation is important as long as it's certified.... but each state is different so check with your local laws for practicing massage. California is quite lax. But from my understanding, massage therapy is classified as "vocational training" rather than accredited coursework towards an academic degree.

And I definately agree that consulting with a good CPA who specializes in small-business is VERY helpful for organizing tax deductions! Those write-offs are critical if you open a massage practice on your own.

I'm sure you'll absolutely LOVE learning massage therapy. It's quite addictive, and a really incredibly skill!!