Massage therapy is different from many other professions and vocations. This is a field where you must build a relationship of trust with your clients, be knowledgeable in a wide variety of modalities and have a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology. The day of the “fluff and buff” one hour Swedish massage are a thing of the past. Due to the Internet clients are now more familiar with their own health situations, are knowledgeable about the many choices available to them and have taken the reins of the who, what and why of their own health.
“Top massage therapy schools across the country offer training specifically designed for individuals interested in health and medicine. Most massage therapist employers require formal training, experience, and/or massage therapy certification. As of 2008, 42 states and the District of Columbia regulate massage therapists. In these states, massage training schools may be required to provide a minimum number of hours and a curriculum sufficient to prepare graduates for professional certification. Top massage therapy schools will fulfill such state requirements and focus exclusively on providing the best holistic curriculum for massage therapy student success.” COMTA
Choose an accredited school—many states will not accept your training unless you receive it from an accredited school. Make sure the school you choose is accredited by one of the National Accrediting organizing (ABHES, ACCSCT, COMTA). Renaissance College is accredited through ABHES.
- Quality – Choose a school that will give you a high quality education and provide you with training in a variety of modalities, business and ethics practices, marketing and assist you to master the various modalities to a level of comfort that you are able to utilize them upon graduation and licensing
- Solid Foundation – Choose a school that gives you a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. You need to understand the effects of touch and its effects on each client’s body.
- Student Teacher Ratio – Choose a school where the teacher to student ratio meets your needs. Generally classes of 8 to 16 students is ideal for learning allowing you enough time to practice the modality and to receive feedback.
- Self Care for You – Choose a school that teaches you to take care of your own body and spirit. Massage can be a challenging profession and schools need to teach you to take care of yourself.
- Meets State Licensure Requirements – Choose a school that gives you enough hours to allow you to practice in other states. Requirements vary by state and you will want to research the requirements in the state where you will be practicing before you register. (www.massagetherapyprograms.net) lists each state and its requirements for licensing.
- Curriculum & Instruction – Choose a school that has a well developed curriculum and instructors who are thoroughly familiar with the material they will be teaching. Techniques instructors need to have expertise in the bodywork they are teaching.
- “I Can Do This” Assistance – Choose a school where the instructors are your mentors and work with you to enable you to reach proficiency and feel “I can do this” when you are finished with their class. Someof the best instructors will have you practice on them experiencing your timing and your touch to provide you with the kind of feedback that will assist you in refining your skills.
- Exam Preparation – Choose a school that provides a preparatory class for taking national exams (MBLEX, NCBTMB or other state exams). Ask what their success rate is on these tests. This is evidence of the school’s ability to provide the knowledge and skills needed to be a success in your profession.
- Hands On Clinic – Choose a school that provides clinic work with the public as well as opportunities to volunteer outside the school. The best way to learn massage is to do massage “again and again”. There need to be specific classes in massage lab as well as clinic instruction in which you can refine your skils and get answers to questions that may come up during clinic practice.
- Business of Massage – Choose a school that emphasizes the business aspects and the financial reality of Massage Therapy. It is critical to understand both the pitfalls and advantages of your massage therapy practice and how to build a sound practice of returning clients.
- Your Needs and Goals – Choose a school that meets your needs and goals—Massage schools vary widely in the training they offer. If you are interested in a massage school that focuses only upon techniques and the physical massage your choice will be different than if you are interested in a school that offers modalities that employ what is known as “energy work” and a less technical more intuitive approach.
- Graduates & Alumni – Choose a school that has an active support system for graduates and alumni. Check out how they communicate with graduates and the opportunities they provide. It is beneficial if the school offers recertification classes, notifies graduates of changes in licensing and offers advanced certifications.
- Community – Choose a school where you feel like you belong. Look over the facility—how do you feel when you are at the school? Talk to other students and graduates if possible. Look at testimonials on their web site. Trust what you feel!
This is your career and your life. The footwork you do before choosing a school can ensure a rewarding experience in this rapidly growing profession. We invite you to check out Renaissance College through our website or calling the school to schedule an appointment today. 801-292-8515