Massage Therapy School: College-caliber Training for a Strong Career

February 22, 2005
by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@hqpublications.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist

As the costs of quality medical care and prescription drugs continue to rise in this country, more people are looking for preventative measures to reduce their stress and stay healthy. When you complete your massage therapy training in an accredited college or school, you will play a major role in relieving the stress that makes people unhealthy. And you will have your choice of working environments.

Massage Therapy Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists will enjoy a better-than-average employment outlook in the coming years. A general decline in health combined with the growing population will mean that more professionals will be needed to fill the demand. Massage therapists with advanced training are needed in hospitals and independent care facilities in an increasing number.

Currently, there are between 120,000 and 150,000 massage therapists in the United States, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. Many of those massage therapists work on a part-time basis. Of those who work at least 6 hours a week, their median annual earnings are between $20,000 and $29,000 and report an average charge of $48 per hour.

What Will I Learn in Massage Therapy Training?

Body Anatomy. Your massage therapy school will teach you the basic and advanced concepts of body anatomy. You will need to know all of the pressure points of the body in order to get to your patient's deepest pains.
Massage Techniques. Upon your completion of massage therapy college, you will be an expert in the techniques that bring relief to thousands of people each year. Massage techniques improve over time, so it's important that you stay abreast of the latest advancements.
Bedside Manner. Your massage therapy training will also teach you how to interact with your patients in a way that places them at ease from the very beginning of your sessions together. Patients will return to a therapist they know and trust.
Combination Treatment. Your massage therapy school will help you understand how your mode of treatment fits into a holistic approach to healing. This will bring you more clients who still rely on traditional medical means of healing.

Finding the Right Massage Therapy School?

But which massage therapy school is right for you? There is a variety of trade and technical schools that offer massage therapy training and credentialing. You should weigh several factors including school reputation, class fees, and class schedules when making your decision. Also check to see if there are financial aid options of which you can take advantage when financing your education.

Another important feature in a massage therapy school is their ability to find you a position when you graduate. A solid training program will have extensive contacts in the industry that are looking for certified professionals to fill their openings.

Massage Therapy Classes on the College Campus?

Believe it or not, massage therapy training is slowly creeping in to the traditional campus environment. In the past, college has been restricted to academic subjects. But the surge in the positive uses of massage therapy has prompted many colleges and universities to incorporate massage therapy training into their curriculums.

Take a minute to contact your state college or university to see if they have a massage therapy training program. Many students find it easier to study in this traditional campus environment. Some quick Internet research should give you a list of massage therapy training programs at area colleges and schools.

Information compiled from the Bureau of Labor Statistic website at http://www.bls.gov/

About the Author

A freelance writer, researcher and teacher, Kelly Richardson has over 15 years of creative and technical writing experience. He teaches secondary Honors-level English and writes for a variety of clients in specialized industries such as medicine, technology and education. Kelly holds Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in English and Education from Georgia State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Policy & Leadership.

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