Choosing a Massage School

As a former owner of a massage school I would like to share some thoughts on choosing a massage school.

Back in the day when classes were intimate, programs were more than 6 months and individuals were not only in the profession for money but came because of a calling and a passion....those were the days.

Massage Schools have been popping up all over the country. It has become a huge industry and I caution you on choosing our program wisely.

Ask yourself? Why do I want to be a massage therapist?
If your answer is only to make a lot of money. You can stop reading now.

Seriously, if you have the calling to help others, to live a life of service and passion and enjoy what you do not only for the money then you want to make sure you choose a program that will give you the quality in the healing arts that you are seeking.

First and foremost I am personally against 6 month programs that crank out students promising them that they will make $50 or $60/hr.

I want to make sure a program that I would choose offers a solid foundation in the healing arts. I would be concerned not only with the content of the curriculum, which is very important, I want to know who is qualified to teach the topics.

Many schools across the U.S. literally hire people because they are desperate for instructors. Many will take a student right from a graduating class and throw them in a classroom teach. This is NOT the type of school you want to attend.

How do I know this? I have taught in these school systems. It is no joke. I was a program director in one school where I had to fire half the staff. I was hired at another school out of their desperation for an instructor. I did not feel I was qualified for the topic and agreed to only substitute until they found someone. This happens often believe it or not.

Ask questions. Who teaches your anatomy and physiology? How long have your instructors been teaching in a massage program. I specify massage program because it requires a special type of instructor to teach and be able to integrate knowledge, motivation, inspiration and healing in these classes.

How many hours is the program?

Do not take any class less than 500 hrs. Quite honestly the more hours the better in my opinion. There is so much to learn. Massage training is way more than giving a back massage. You have to know and understand the physiology of the body, the pathologies that a client may have and how they interact with the techniques you will apply.

Visit the school. Don't choose a school just because it might be convenient. Make sure it will provide you with the best education you deserve. You are making an investment into your future. You want to be prepared well. Make sure they offer a solid business class as well. Two reasons massage therapists fail.

1. NO BUSINESS SENSE. They think it will be so easy to get clients. It takes marketing knowledge. It takes time and creativity. Whether you think you know how to run a business or whether you think you don't need to know - YOU DO NEED TO KNOW how to run a Massage Business!

2. BURNOUT! Many massage therapists get excited about doing 7-10 massages a day and making loads of money. They are on a high for a while and then they crash and burn. Make sure the program you choose encourages self care. Teaches you ways to take care of yourself and encourages proper body mechanics and pacing.

What is COMTA approved? Comta is an organization set up to approve massage programs specifically.

Does it mean if a school is not COMTA approved it is no good? Absolutely not.

There are several accrediting agencies that can approve courses. Also your states might approve them through a governing board or the department of education.

When I owned my school in New Jersey, it was not a licensed state. The Department of Education approved the program. I did not choose Comta for personal and political reasons. This did not create any difficulties for students obtaining licensing in other states, as some schools might lead you to believe. Just be sure that a reputable agency has approved the program.

In the state of North Carolina the Massage Therapy Board scrutinizes curriculum carefully. They are very detailed and organized. They do site inspections, interviews, etc. Their process is intense. If a school has received an approval from a massage governing agency, then they have passed the basic entry level status.

Some schools offer programs that include more intense curriculum as an option to prepare their students for the work field. These are the type of programs I would suggest.

While we all need to continue our education, we still want to come out of our training employable. You would be surprised how often I hear students are having difficulty getting hired because they just can't perform a thorough massage and be able to explain what they are doing.

Do you have a question about a career in massage? Contact me at massageproce@gmail.com

Visit my website www.MassageProCE.com
I also offer approved continuing education courses
Provider # 336538-00

Thank you
Gloria Coppola, LMBT #6902
Lead Massage Instructor
Privai Academy
Continuing Education Provider