How to get required education for your massage_therapy Career?
Massage therapy careers have numerous degree options for students. Find out more about the education requirements of various degree programs in massage therapy.
Massage Therapy Career: Education Requirements
Massage therapist careers are growing quickly due to the spread of massage as both a way to relax and a part of health and wellness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in massage therapy are projected to grow by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018. There are also many massage franchises that are growing in popularity because they offer less expensive massages for clients. In order to work as a massage therapist it is essential to have the proper education and training.
Degree Programs For Massage Therapy
Most states require that massage therapists receive formal training from an accredited educational institute where students can learn the elements of massage therapy. In the states that require a formal education, they also require new graduates to obtain a license before practicing massage therapy.
Certificate Programs
Students who are interested in studying massage therapy have many options. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) states that there are more than 300 accredited massage schools in the United States. Many students begin with a entry-level certificate program that requires a specific number of hours of training to complete the program. The average number of hours of training for students is 624, according to the AMTA. Students can take coursework that includes but is not limited to:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Motion and body mechanics
Students spend their studies in a classroom setting as well as real life settings where practical massage hours are obtained. The practical massage hours can teach students a variety of massage techniques such as basic massage, chair massage, and sports massage. The average costs of entry level programs can range from $5,000 to $9,000.
Associate's Degrees
Students can also obtain an associates degree in massage therapy. The associate's degree program typically lasts two years. The program allows students to obtain a more specialized training in massage than an entry-level certificate program can offer. Students can also learn advanced techniques in massage which can help students become more marketable after graduation.
Some of the coursework for an associate's degree includes:
- Medical massage
- Trauma and the body
- Prenatal massage
- Orthopedic and sports massage
- Spa elements
Students that choose to attend an associates degree program are showing future employers that they have the dedication and drive to learn as much as possible in massage therapy. The cost of the program can vary depending on where you choose to attend school. The cost can range from $5,000 to $9,000. If students need financial assistance for their schooling, they can also pursue financial aid for an associate's degree program.
What to Look For in a Massage Therapy School
Before choosing a massage therapy school to attend, it is essential that you check on the school's accreditation. An accredited institution has followed specific educational guidelines in order to ensure that students receive the highest quality of education in massage therapy. Students should also check out requirements for massage therapy. Each state may have different requirements for massage students, and you want to make sure your program meets the requirements of the state(s) you want to practice in.
Get the Right Education for your Massage Therapy Career
The right education is important for your career. Massage Therapy Education always depends on learning & going to school.
You should consider that except for financial considerations, the public or private nature of a university should not be a factor in selecting a graduate program.
High quality programs exist in both types of institutions.
Of more importance is the institution's commitment to the graduate program. This commitment is found in its willingness to maintain a first-class faculty and to provide excellent facilities for advanced study, including libraries, laboratories, computers, and other equipment.
Another important factor to consider in many disciplines is the presence of strong departments in other fields relevant to your interests so that you can have access to scholars and courses in disciplines related to your own.
Selecting the right school that offers the required degree for your education is a large investment of time, money, and effort. A consequent & careful evaluation of campus-based or online schools is important.
Find schools that meet your interests
Go to the Massage Therapy School Directory and select the appropriate category, country or state. You will then find a list of Massage Therapy Schools matching your interests.
Gather information from all schools
Upon request every Massage Therapy School listed in the directory will provide you with information and details.
In the directory just click on the link for each school or on the button "Request Information" to request more information about its educational programs, finacial aid, admission requirement, etc.
Contact all Massage Therapy schools that meet your interests: the more information you receive from schools, the better a decision you will make about your education!
Kathryn Vercillo
Kathryn Vercillo is a full time freelance writer / blogger with nearly ten years of writing experience. She has authored two books and contributed to many other print publications. Previously Kathryn worked as the editor-in-chief of a small literary arts magazine and as the manager of a writing company that linked businesses with freelancers. Areas she has researched extensively include personal finance, real estate, travel, life-work balance and health and fitness.
Massage Therapists - Dec 17, 2009 • Bureau of Labor Statistics
2010 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet - Feb 12, 2010 • American Massage Therapy Association
Massage Therapy Program • Ralston School of Massage
Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Massage Therapy • Boulder College of Massage Therapy
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