Everything You Need To Know About Massage School
Holistic healing, while commonplace in other parts of the world, is growing here in the United States. There are many opportunities available from massage therapy and Reiki healing to yogi and acupuncturist. If you are interested in helping people heal their body, mind, and spirit, but do not want to work in the traditional medical field, a holistic healing career may be for you.
How do I become a massage therapist?
Most states require that you attend an accredited massage school prior to practicing as a licensed massage therapist. The number of classroom and clinical hours varies from school to school and is often determined by the state.
What does a massage therapist need to know?
A massage therapist needs to understand basic anatomy and physiology in order to give a safe and comfortable massage. They learn this both in the classroom as well as in supervised practice on clients. Some massage schools might also offer business classes like customer service, marketing, and even accounting so you can be successful as a small business owner or independent contractor.
How long is massage therapy school?
The length of time you will need to spend in massage school depends on your state's requirements as well as your school's program. A community college may offer a longer program with additional classes while a private massage school may have a shorter program.
Can I become a massage therapist online?
While you may be able to find the classroom portion of your studies in an online format, you will still need to do the clinical portion of your education in person, with clients.
Are there any pre-requisites for massage therapy school?
Most massage schools do not have specific requirements for entry other than a desire to learn the trade. A program offered through a community college will typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is there a test for massage therapists?
The process that you will go through to obtain your state licensure or certification depends entirely on what state you live in. There is typically a written test and proof of clinical hours that needs to be submitted to the state before they will grant licensure.
Are there different modalities for massage?
If you would like to expand your work opportunities, the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) states that there are over 350 different types of massage techniques to learn. You could specialize in pregnancy massage, infant massage, or even sports massage.
If you are interested in helping people heal in a holistic manner, massage therapy is a satisfying career path. Contact a massage school near you today to get started.
