How to Choose a Massage School That Is Right for You

One of the more frequently asked question Massage Register is receiving from potential as well as determined students is ‘How do I choose a massage school’?

Choosing a massage school is and can be a daunting task, one which I remember well when I was at the beginning of my venture into the world of massage and I too was looking for the “right” school. There are many ways to go about finding a massage therapy school, and I used the approach of first contacting several schools in the city or state in which I wanted to study. I found that most admissions offices were able to provide many of the details I needed to make a decision, including the program or courses offered, the schedule, and the financial obligation. In most cases, the schools will provide a brochure which breaks down those details.

Be aware that most massage schools differ in their focus. There are massage therapy schools that have a strong focus on anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Others are dedicated to teaching pain management courses, while yet another group is more focused on relaxation techniques and spa treatments. Based upon these orientations, the hands-on component of some programs will include Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and sports massage. Other schools’ offerings have a more Eastern focus that may include but not be limited to Shiatsu, Reiki, Thai Massage, Yoga, and Cranio Sacral. Many massage schools will offer a combination of both Eastern and Western courses to provide the future massage therapist and/or bodyworker with a more comprehensive background.

For the novice, these explanations may sound a bit confusing. I do not believe that you will have a full understanding of any massage school’s offering until you actually interview the school - just like they will interview you. So go ahead and visit the schools! The first impressions you collect oftentimes tell you a lot about the school.

If possible attend a planned career day, sit in on a class, meet with current students and instructors and talk with graduates. Many of the massage schools have student clinics during which the general public is offered massage treatments by students at discounted prices. Schedule a massage! What a great way to check out the school and get an inside look at the same time, not to mention the benefits of getting a massage!!

Having been involved with a large massage therapy school for a number of years, I can tell you that the staff, students, and graduates love to talk about their school and they usually are willing to share the ins and outs with you. The admissions department is a valuable resource as you begin your search for the massage school that is “right” for you. They will know about the laws, the rules and regulations, the post graduation requirements needed to obtain local and/or national licenses as well as necessary certifications to be able to work. Also, the schools’ admissions personnel and placement office will know about the conditions of the local marketplace such as where the hot jobs are, who is hiring, and how much you can realistically expect to earn. There are massage therapy schools that have accreditations and those that offer college credits.

Aside from the curriculum, the class schedule, the locations at which the courses are taught, and the student/instructor ratio are of great importance.

Lastly, prices for programs can differ significantly.  Do not just look at the price alone, however, and consider what you are getting in return for the money you will spend. Many massage schools are offering financial assistance, scholarships or grants, an important point to most new students.

As you can tell there are many points to consider before making your final choice. However, when taking all the options I have mentioned in this article (and I am certain there are many more) into consideration it becomes very clear that choosing a massage school is a rather personal matter. No two students are alike and neither are their needs. Spending time up front to understand your needs and matching them to the massage therapy schools’ offerings will help you greatly with your decision and to get the most from your efforts and investment.

Massage Register can be of great help when you begin your research. Go to  www.MassageRegister.com, click Find A School and choose the state. Have fun, make a list of the questions you need answered and let the search begin. Please remember to tell the schools that you found them on Massage Register.

About the author:
Debbie Kilyk

Debbie Kilyk has been Nationally Certified and Licensed since 1995. In addition to being a partner in Massage Register, Debbie maintains a small practice in New Jersey.

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