Massage therapy schools offer one of the very popular vocational courses; and open up a well-paid career in healthcare. Use of massage to ease a large number of ailments and pains of the body, has been systematized and considerable scientific theory has been adapted to the therapy. Now days, a trained therapist can handle a variety of conditions such as degenerative disc disease, flat feet, Rheumatoid Arthritis, accident injuries; and may even ease Parkinson’s Disease or Osteoarthritis.
As such, a person who undergoes a course at any recognized massage therapy school; and gets certified by the state board can find a niche employment quickly.
Course Profile:
Massage therapy schools offer courses that require training for over 600 hours; including specialization or the state, the study duration may touch 800 hours. The courses are fast-paced and can be taken either as part-time or full-time program. All most every part of the world has its own ‘pet’ kind of massage therapy. Thai massage, hydrotherapy, Indian Ayurvedic massage techniques, Chinese variants are some of the popular systems practiced in the States. Usually, the curriculum at a Massage school focuses on one or two systems.
Going forward, you can choose from over 80 modalities (techniques) and healing options. More the number of techniques you learn more will be the types of ailments that you can heal. Find out the techniques offered by the massage therapist school.
The tuition and other costs will depend on the therapy system, facilities, and number of techniques you opt for and of course, the reputation of the massage therapy school.
Caution Flag:
As with most good things in life, more than a little caution is necessary while choosing a massage therapy school, for two reasons. The therapy offers a quicker entry into the employed world. According to Labor bureau statistics, over 145,000 massage therapists would be required by 2018; this could be a conservative estimate, because, massage as a therapy is fast recovering its due recognition. On the other hand, the curriculum and massage schools are not yet regulated as rigorously as some other courses.
The increasing demand and easy regulation have led to a few self-styled massage therapy institutes. The irony is that these may even charge higher tuition than a real good one. Before joining a massage therapist school, check whether you will be eligible to receive the necessary license after completing the course there.
Info Guides:
There are nearly 1500 massage therapy schools in the States. To find the massage therapy system offered, the number of techniques taught and the facilities available at these schools, websites dedicated to massage schools would be a starting point. Choice will naturally depend on your final goal; are you intending to be a sports-therapist, specialize in helping pregnant women; you would like to work at seniors’ home or teach massage therapy at a school.
Massage therapy school can be a gateway to a satisfying career, find the right one.