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Finding and Choosing the Right Massage School
Find Massage Therapy Schools | Natural Healers Career Resource Center
| | "Massage is the study of anatomy in braille." Massage Therapy School Resources |
How do I know which massage school to attend?
First, you have to ask yourself what kind of massage therapy career you want to have. If you want a strictly medical practice, you are best served by a massage therapy school that specializes in that type of training. For the average practitioner however, who is more of a general practitioner, you will need to have a general expertise about multiple massage specialties.
Second, you have to ask whether the school teaches many types of massage, and whether it teaches them superficially or at sufficient depth to be of professional value once you are in practice. Your massage classes could include Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, medical massage, myofascial release, prenatal massage, energy work, healing touch techniques, Shiatsu, rehabilitation, pain relief and relaxation massage, to name a few. These depend on the career objectives of the school you choose. The more you know, the more capable and confident you will be once you are in practice. Learn more about the different types of massage specialties.
Finally, consider that your massage training need not end at graduation. There are workshops, seminars and other advanced training available for just about any kind of work you may want to do. So even if you choose a massage school that does not offer all the massage classes you would like to have, you still have options for rounding out your professional education after graduation.
Learn about Phoenix School of Holistic Health massage school opportunities and programs.
What will I study in massage school?
Many times, a massage school curriculum will follow guidelines to help prepare students to take the NCETMB or NCETM exam. Below is a sample of courses you should expect to see in a massage program:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Business and license procedure
- Contraindications and limitations
- Health values of massage
- Hygiene
- Pathology
- Professional ethics
- Self-care
- Theory of massage
You will also learn various types of massage techniques, such as:
- Chair massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Infant massage
- Shiatsu
- Sports massage
- Swedish massage
- Trigger point / acupressure massage
Schools may also offer courses in specific holistic practices, such as:
- Aromatherapy
- Reflexology
- Hydrotherapy
- Ayurveda
For more on the wide world of massage, see our comprehensive guide to understanding massage therapy specialties.
Massage programs should also be concerned with the amount of hours spent on each course in order to comply with exam requirements. They may keep a log of those hours for you and submit them to the National Certification Board of Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers (NCETMB) prior to your taking the exam. Read more about the NCETMB or NCETM exam.
What questions should I ask massage school admissions representative?
Here are some additional things for you to think about and questions to ask admissions specialists when choosing a massage school.
- What types of massage classes and training does the school offer?
- Does the school have a good reputation in the industry?
- Do the teachers have thorough professional and/or teaching experience?
- Does the massage school have job placement assistance?
- How does the massage school help to prepare you for state licensing and the national certification exam?
What prerequisites do I need to go to massage school?
Typically, the only prerequisite for beginning massage school is simply to have a high school diploma. Additionally, you should be physically fit and in good health, posses a caring and positive attitude, and must have a genuine interest in helping clients overcome their physical problems.
Related Reading
- Comprehensive List of Massage Schools
- An Interview with a Massage Teacher & Professional
- An Interview with a Massage Student
- Massage School Tuition & Financial Aid
Source
Answers provided by our online advisor for massage, Martin Ashley, J.D., L.M.T., the author of Massage: A Career At Your Fingertips.
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