What are the Different Types of Massage Schools You Can Attend?

Different Types of Massage Schools, are you looking to take up massage therapy as a career?

The great news is that there is considerable potential in this field for you.

The number of jobs is increasing and the demand for massage therapy has also been growing over the years.

Salaries are also on their way up.

This means that now is the best time than any other to get started with building a career as a massage therapist.

For that to happen, you have to first attend massage school and complete an accredited massage program before you can apply for licensing required to work professionally.

There is no shortage of accredited massage schools and thus you shouldn’t opt for the first one that you come across.

The issue here is that there are different types of massage schools you can attend.

Each of which specializes in a different core competency.

When it comes to accreditation, you shouldn’t compromise at all.

MIST – Different Types of Massage Schools

It is best that you attend a massage school that is accredited whereby you can get a license after you graduate.

It is a requirement that you complete a program that has been accredited by the state or local massage therapy regulatory body.

Otherwise, you may find it hard to get the license required to work professionally.

As well as any other certification you are aiming for.

If you want your license, you should not opt for a massage school that isn’t accredited.

You may receive the necessary education and training at any massage school.

However, if the institution isn’t recognized by the state’s governing body for massage therapy.

It won’t help you obtain the credentials you need to practice.

Since you will spend several thousand dollars on going to massage school.

It is a must that the education and training you receive actually benefit you in the future.

When it comes to different types of massage schools, the first decision you have to make is between accredited and non-accredited massage schools.

The argument there has already been decided, and it has been established.

That you should simply disregard any massage therapy program that is not accredited if licensing is your goal.

But even after that, there are several other factors you have to consider as well.

Let’s visit a few of the most important ones below:

The Different Massage Modalities That are Offered – Different Types of Massage Schools

There are over 80 different types of massages you can learn about at massage schools.

There are few massage schools that teach and train you in all of these modalities.

Any school that claims to do so is probably not good enough.

When you do everything, you really do nothing.

The leading massage schools are the ones that focus on a select few modalities and ensure that they provide the necessary education and training to their students so that they can master them.

The massage schools are further divided by the type of the message they specialize in.

For instance, there are many massage programs where you are only taught about the Swedish massage.

Then there are some massage schools which focus on sports massage.

Sports massage is one of the most lucrative niches in the massage therapy industry.

And this is also why there are many students who aspire to become sports massage therapists.

If you want to specialize in a specific modality, it is best that you select a massage school where you can adequately learn about the niche you want to work in.

You can then be rest assured that you will receive the necessary training and education for that niche.

You have to know your interest in massage therapy and also understand that the prospects for your career in massage therapy improve when you specialize in a particular type of massage.

For this, you have to select a massage school which teaches you about the modality which you want to specialize in.

Only then will you be able to receive the training you need to become an expert in the type of message you want to perform professionally.

Types of Courses Offered in Massage School – Different Types of Massage Schools

The other important factor that you have to consider when it comes to choosing a type of massage school you have to attend is the range of courses on offer.

You have to understand the fact that simply learning how to perform a message is not enough.

If you want to become a professional massage therapist.

You have to know how to deal with people.

Unless you are able to satisfy your clients and make them your regulars.

There is no way you can be successful at what you do.

This is why you need to go over the curriculum of the massage schools that you come across.

You have to find one that covers all the important courses.

This is one of the factors by which massage schools can be categorized.

For instance, there are some massage schools that teach you everything you need to know about the massage business.

Including what you need to do to set up your own establishment.

On the other hand, there are those massage schools that focus on preparing you to become a massage therapist by only teaching you the right techniques for performing massages.

While they do provide some tips on how you can be successful in your field.

Massage Business – Different Types of Massage Schools

You may not receive the knowledge you need to start your own massage business.

If you want to run your own massage therapy business instead of working for any other business.

It is important that you know what it takes to set up and run a business.

There are many massage schools that won’t provide you with this knowledge and thus you have to choose wisely.

On a side note, if starting a massage business is your goal, ensure that the school you select offers courses like business ethics.

The technology used in massage therapy and best business practices.

So when searching for schools, look for the schools to offer these courses in addition to the accredited status so that you can get your massage license later on.

These are two specific examples of the different types of massage schools you can attend.

There are others as well, for example, those that specialize in alternative healing methods.

As you’ve likely already realized, each school offers something different with regards to the modalities taught and the range of courses you can opt for.

It is important that you keep your long-term goals and aspirations in mind when selecting a massage school to attend to ensure the school’s offering aligns with your personal needs.

And that your education and career objectives are met in the end.

Neal Lyons is a founding member and volunteer contributor at the MTSI Institute, an information based portal dedicated to guiding and assisting aspiring massage therapists establish a successful career in massage. Neal is a published author and has collaborated on several mobile applications that serve the massage profession. You can view his published work on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Sony and Kobo. You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and on Google+

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*