Choosing a massage school

Choosing a massage school is and can be ageneral public is offered massage treatments by
daunting task, one which I remember well when Istudents at discounted prices. Schedule a
was at the beginning of my venture into themassage! What a great way to check out the
world of massage and I too was looking for theschool and get an inside look at the same time,
“right” school.not to mention the benefits of getting a massage!!
There are many ways to go about finding aHaving been involved with a large massage
massage therapy school, and I used the approachtherapy school for a number of years, I can tell
of first contacting several schools in the city oryou that the staff, students, and graduates love
state in which I wanted to study. I found thatto talk about their school and they usually are
most admissions offices were able to providewilling to share the ins and outs with you. The
many of the details I needed to make a decision,admissions department is a valuable resource as
including the program or courses offered, theyou begin your search for the massage school
schedule, and the financial obligation. In mostthat is “right” for you. They
cases, the schools will provide a brochure whichwill know about the laws, the rules and regulations,
breaks down those details.the post graduation requirements needed to
Be aware that most massage schools differ inobtain local and/or national licenses as well as
their focus. There are massage therapy schoolsnecessary certifications to be able to work. Also,
that have a strong focus on anatomy, physiology,the schools’ admissions personnel and
and pathology.placement office will know about the conditions of
Others are dedicated to teaching painthe local marketplace such as where the hot jobs
management courses, while yet another group isare, who is hiring, and how much you can
more focused on relaxation techniques and sparealistically expect to earn. There are massage
treatments. Based upon these orientations, thetherapy schools that have accreditations and
hands-on component of some programs willthose that offer college credits.
include Swedish massage, trigger point therapy,Aside from the curriculum, the class schedule, the
neuromuscular therapy, and sports massage.locations at which the courses are taught, and the
Other schools’ offerings have a morestudent/ instructor ratio are of great importance.
Eastern focus that may include but not be limitedLastly, prices for programs can differ significantly.
to Shiatsu, Reiki, Thai Massage, Yoga, and CranioDo not just look at the price alone, however, and
Sacral. Many massage schools will offer aconsider what you are getting in return for the
combination of both Eastern and Western coursesmoney you will spend. Many massage schools are
to provide the future massage therapist and/ oroffering financial assistance, scholarships or grants,
bodyworker with a more comprehensivean important point to most new students.
background.As you can tell there are many points to consider
For the novice, these explanations may sound abefore making your final choice. However, when
bit confusing. I do not believe that you will have ataking all the options I have mentioned in this
full understanding of any massagearticle (and I am certain there are many more)
school’s offering until you actuallyinto consideration it becomes very clear that
interview the school - just like they will interviewchoosing a massage school is a rather personal
you. So go ahead and visit the schools! The firstmatter. No two students are alike and neither are
impressions you collect oftentimes tell you a lottheir needs.
about the school.Spending time up front to understand your needs
If possible attend a planned career day, sit in on aand matching them to the massage therapy
class, meet with current students and instructorsschools’ offerings will help you greatly
and talk with graduates. Many of the massagewith your decision and to get the most from your
schools have student clinics during which theefforts and investment.