Not many people know that there are two main types of massage schools.
There are non-profit massage schools which charge a small fee and then there are for-profit institutions which charge a much higher fee.
It is to be noted that for-profit schools tend to be more renowned than others for the most part however.
There are many things to consider when you are deciding whether to study in a profit or non-profit school.
The main factor to account for is your financial situation.
There are quite a few differences between the two kinds of schools which extend beyond the fee structure as well.
Let’s look at the difference between non-profit and for-profit massage schools in a bit more detail:
What Is A For-Profit Massage School?
Massage schools that are formed to turn a profit are run like a business.
The main aim of such schools is to make sure that more students are brought in to earn more money.
A for-profit massage school is not usually formed or run by an individual.
In most cases, such schools have a group of investors; they are large companies.
These investors are the ones who put the money required to build the school.
If any maintenance is required, or if any new facilities have to be built, the investors are responsible for providing the funds to the organization.
At times, new investors are brought in to ensure that the school has sufficient funds.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions regarding for-profit schools. Most people think that they do not care about students and that their aim is only to make money.
The Business Model of A for Profit School
There is a lot of bad publicity regarding for-profit schools.
This is because there are some schools which made a few mistakes and earned a bad reputation to sour the reputation of the rest of them as well.
But not all for-profit schools are like this. In fact, massage therapy education from a for-profit massage school is preferred over other options by many.
There are quite a few reasons for this.
Standard of Education
For-profit massage therapy schools have a standard to maintain.
They have to attract more students to make more money.
If they do not offer a good standard of education, they may not get students.
This, in turn, could mean suffering a financial loss which the investors wouldn’t be so pleased with.
This is why for-profit schools should, in theory, maintain the highest standards of education.
They make every effort to improve their standards so that more students are inclined to study massage therapy there.
It is very much like a business making an effort to provide reliable products.
The more they develop a trust with customers, the better market share they will be able to capture.
This is why one should consider studying in a for-profit massage school.
This could guarantee that the education that you are provided will be of the highest standard; in most cases, we feel.
The probability of Getting a Job After School
Since for-profit massage therapy schools may resort to unfair means to make money they are closely monitored.
The monitoring is to ensure that they are not misleading students in any way.
To maintain their reputation, they also make an effort to help students get jobs.
Moreover, many massage therapy facilities keep an eye on the students at such massage schools.
Many renowned massage facilities and chains also offer jobs to a few exceptional massage therapy students.
This ensures that almost all students have sufficient opportunities for getting reliable jobs.
Use our extensive database to search for massage jobs near you.
Teacher and Student Interaction
One of the best aspects of a for-profit massage school is the teachers. To maintain a good reputation, such massage schools hire the best teachers.
To ensure that these teachers have an opportunity to teach students properly, the classrooms are often made smaller.
This way, there are fewer students per class.
Since the number of students is less, the teacher should be able to provide individual attention to each one.
One-on-one sessions are also encouraged in such massage schools.
In the event the students have any confusion, they can easily get a hold of the teacher and discuss the issue.
In fact, many teachers encourage this practice.
They welcome students to ask questions to make sure they understand everything that is being taught.
Provisions for Learning
Another great aspect which makes for-profit schools a good option is the provisions.
Such schools have fully equipped facilities for teachers to teach about massage.
Similarly, there are facilities for students to practice the techniques they have learned.
The school uses a variety of teaching aids to help students learn effectively.
In some for-profit massage schools, students do not even have to purchase massage supplies.
The school provides all the necessary equipment and products for the students to practice massage.
Fee Structures
The fee structure for such massage schools can be steep. When compared to a non-profit massage school, a for-profit school charges a hefty amount in fees. However, the high fee is charged to maintain the high standard of the school, and of course turn a profit for the investors.
They keep the facilities maintained, hire the best teachers and even help students to get jobs. These facilities do cost the school quite a bit of money. This is why they charge the students a higher fee than non-profit schools.
What Is A Non-Profit Massage School?
The most perceptible difference between a non-profit and a for-profit school is the fee structure.
Non-profit schools are mostly run by the government or various NGOs.
They charge the lowest possible fee so that all students are able to afford it.
The main aim of a non-profit school is to make sure that massage therapy education is accessible to everyone.
Such schools are mostly operated and maintained with the help of donations.
The profits they earn are utilized to improve the facilities in the school.
Such schools tend to have a good educational standard.
However, due to budget constraints, many are not able to provide the same equipment and products like for-profit schools.
The classrooms are made much bigger to accommodate more students and there may not be much one on one student-teacher interaction.
Massage Therapy
In addition to this, many non-profit schools do not help in providing jobs to the students.
Nevertheless, non-profit schools are a great place to learn about massage therapy if you are on a limited budget.
The facilities may not be high-tech, but you will be provided with the necessary education.
Many choose for-profit institutions providing that finances are not an issue.
Of course, there is always financial aid that you can apply for.
That said, a non-profit school should provide you with the same knowledge if your budget precludes you from attending a for-profit institution.
Surely there will be some things more accessible to you by attending a for-profit versus a not for profit massage school.
But don’t let this get in the way of your success.
Your career success will depend on you and the actions you take.
Nothing or no one can stop you from achieving your career goals.
What gets me is that some people don’t even have the imagination to think that some people DON’T want help placing a job, and that all those extra rescources (and the occuring expenses) become unnecessary and burdensome, based on some person’s assumptions, and having no other option. Good thing there *are* options, like going to an entirely different school. People like me just want to cultivate and practice this skill, and perhaps turn it into an independant business IF they so chose. Not everyone dreams of working in a Salon. For some people, like me, that dream would appear to be the antithesis of my own dream. Some people just want to know how to do it right, and have the certification to prove their time and effort. The option to turn it for profit is nice. And, to me, that’s all it is, a bonus. For me, what’s important right now is that the techniques work. That I am not doing further damage, But actually assisting in their bodily healing, by not furthering any damage.
Massage didn’t start out in colleges. It started long ago with our ancestors. There certainly traditions around the world that utilize touch for ACTUAL healing. Such as Curranderos/Curanderas. (Who don’t only utilize deep tissue massage, but even light touch to stimulate the nerves, which results in a different kind of healing and it is another kind of massage I don’t see being taught, but has been traditional for thousands of years (Probably. Not an anthropologist))
I am interested in true efficacy, but I am also interested in getting paid fairly in my work of choice. By my analysis, getting “Placed” in a salon massage Job would be a nightmare seeing that the ratio of blood sweat & tears v.s. actual pay & compensation in career salon-ists masseurs is GROSSLY out of proportion. There seems to be an evident lack of self respect, or even respect for the work being done. At least from what I’ve been hearing studying and reading, and I find it dissappointing.
It’s the school’s job to tend to the spirit of massage as well (and this is where I see non-profits really being of value), so that it receives the respect it deserves, or at least gives more reason for that respect. Not just its’ profitablility. It’s the schools’/teachers’ job to help people understand why it’s so important, stories of legendary masseurs and masseuses, what is truly possible with massage, and all the variety of techniques, and the actual excitement that comes from it in how it can make the world a better place. I don’t see many people passionate about this work, or using their own imagination. People treat it like garbage. At the same time, however, I do see that all that passion can go to waste, if the person is not taught how to use it and get paid fairly, to set boundries, and respect themselves, or if the teachers themselves aren’t getting paid enough, or weren’t taught how to have boundries or imagination. Massage just simply not supported in our culture, despite how many people have dedicated themselves to that path, at least, that’s how it appears from my limited-view perspective. I’m not sure who is to blame, but I think we need to start taking massage “out of the box” so to speak, and really begin to value it for what it truly does for people, and what it has done for people for thousands and thousands of years, that way, others are properly compensated, everyone heals a bit faster, and there is actual excitement and passion in the process, not to mention the respect and sacred-ness good massage-work deserves and can result in, while not just merely constantly worrying about the check-book. Again, this would be my personal reasoning as to choose a non-prof.
I chose to look at massage-career as a definite possibility (out of a huge list), because, as a possible independant masseur, I know I will get paid for my efforts while doing actual good work for people. But not if I’m constantly paying out the bum for services I didn’t even ask for. But if I don’t persue this as a career, that’s ok, my life is still better for the skills gained, and I don’t have to worry that I wasted my entire life on 1 school and its’ expenses because its’ main priority was profit. At least that would be the story if I were to enroll in a nonprofit.
I’m still not even sure I want to go through with this decision to get training as a masseur. I have talked to an ADMIN @ Milan Institute where I live, and I’m clarifying my options by reading about other types schools, and their reviews, and etc. That is why I am here reading your article.
This article is very well balanced and well written compared to some of the articles I’ve been reading. Thank You your thorough work in creating this article. My name is Thomas and I am 25 years old.
Thomas
Really appreciate a well thought out response. Tell us more about what your goals and objectives are?
I would like to find a Not-for-profit massage school in NJ or PA. Thanks in advance for your time and effort….
Brian – not sure we understand. why would there be a non profit school? what are your objectives with this search?
Having been an educator at a massage therapy school for 17 years, I accumulated a fairly large number of books relevant to our profession that I would like to donate to an organization that could put them to good use. Any suggestions? Thanks…..