Where should I study to become a Massage Therapist?

Choosing the right massage school for you is extremely important. This investment is not just money and time (although it will be a considerable amount of both) it is also the foundation of your new career. Massage schools function as more than learning institutions, they also serve as support centers as you transform into a body worker. For one thing, your vision will change; people walking in the mall carrying shopping bags suddenly turn into bodies comprised of an intricate system of bones, muscles and tendons all working in concert to create movement. You will begin to view the person in front of you in line as a muscular system and immediately start assessing their posture for holding patterns and old injuries. As you learn more about the body, and receive bodywork on a regular basis your understanding and connection to yourself will deepen and change as well. The support system of a school has many faces; the following is a guide of what to look for and who to ask; in the end a decision should be based on how closely the answers meet your needs and who you feel the most comfortable with. Some considerations may be addressed on the school's website prior to calling or meeting with anyone; such as, the accreditation status and faculty biographies (knowing the experience level of your instructors can be a large influence in choosing your school).

 

Environment

First consider how quickly someone responded to your request for information, how friendly were they? Were they encouraging and able to meet your schedule requirements? When you meet in person, request a campus tour if they do not offer it and ask to meet the student services and placement advisors (if there are any). Is the campus clean (even if it is not new or conventional)? Does the campus culture feel supportive and exciting? How long did the commute to the school take you?

 

Accreditation

Accreditation means that the school is held to operational, educational and often placement standards that are overseen by a private educational association.  There are several accreditations available to massage schools including the most common ACCET, ACCSCT, COMTA, ABHES and NACCAS. Without accreditation student loans and/or grants will not be available; however, there are many schools with excellent curriculum and faculty that are not accredited.

 

Education

Your education will provide you with a foundation to build upon as you practice over the years; therefore, understanding what the curricula has to offer is extremely important. The admissions advisor should be able to answer all of the following questions.

• Do they offer day and night classes?
• How many hours is the entire program, and how do those hours break down on a weekly basis.
• What are the state requirements to practice massage and/or receive licensure or certification?
• If you are planning on moving, will the hours stand up to the requirements of the other state?  
• How do the hours split up into subject matter (anatomy & physiology, pathology and modality specific training such as Swedish, Trigger Point, and Structural Integration)?
• Are specialty courses included in the main program or are they offered as extended programs or continuing education; such as, reflexology, spa wraps, pregnancy, acupressure, sports?
• How many hours are spent in a Business Development course and what type of projects or presentations will be given; such as, employer panels in which the class is able to ask questions to a group of employers or a business plan creation project? Is resume writing and interview coaching included in the course?
• In anatomy, will you be using tools such as models to build the muscle groups or computer layering aids?
• Does the school operate a clinic in which the students practice what they are learning on the general public?
• Does the school market for clients or are the students responsible for bringing in friends and family?

Student and Classroom Policies

These questions can best be addressed by student services if you can meet with them; if not, ask the admissions person you are meeting with.

• What is the make up policy/tardy policy?
• Is there tutoring available?
• Are there organized study groups?
• What is the test re-take policy?
• Is there licensure test preparation?
• Are there school organized off campus activities such as providing massage at charity sports events?

Career Services/Placement

Does the school have a placement department that is dedicated to ensuring the success of its graduates?

• What is the placement rate of the school?
• Who are some of the employers the school works with?
• Will they assist with out of state job searches?
• Does the school host employer recruitment visits?
• How long does the school offer placement support to its graduates?
• What other services does the school offer graduates (resume and/or business ad posting on school website)?
• Is there assistance in licensure/certification requirements of your state and others?
• What are the hours the department is available to students?

Financial Aid

The financial aid advisor will help you determine what payment options are available to you. They will assess your current financial situation and help you find the best plan of action. If the school is accredited they will explore your federal aid and grant eligibility.

• Regardless of the payment program, ask about the refund policy.

It is not important that you ask every single question, but it is important to have a basic understanding of the education you will receive and the commitment of the school staff. When you think back to compare the schools you visited, consider which school had staff you would feel comfortable reaching out to during the program should the need arise. Which school seemed to have the most staff members that were sincere and knowledgeable?  All of these answers relate to choosing a school with great educators and a supportive staff, and this is the ideal massage school.