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Trade Schools & Colleges > Massage Therapy Schools: FAQs and Answers
Massage Therapy Schools: FAQs and Answers
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a health care technique that involves a massage therapist using his or her hands to manipulate muscle layers in order to relieve stress and pain, and promote relaxation and general wellness. This ancient practice dates back thousands of years, and has recently grown in popularity as a mainstream form of therapy in North America.
Are massage therapy schools necessary for massage therapy careers?
In order to become a massage therapist, post-secondary education in massage therapy is usually required. Once you have received a massage therapy degree or diploma, some states also require that you pass a massage therapy industry certification exam before you can legally begin your massage therapy career.
What will I learn at a massage therapy school?
Most massage therapy programs will start off by providing you with a strong background in anatomy and physiology, as well as a solid theoretical knowledge of massage therapy. You can also receive hands-on training, which can cover general massage therapy techniques or specialized modalities—depending on the type of massage therapy program you choose. Many massage therapy schools also include an externship as part of the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. Some massage therapy schools may even have an on-site massage therapy clinic where you can work with actual clients while under the supervision of your instructors.
What types of massage therapy program options are available?
Massage therapy schools can offer a wide range of programs. Many different massage techniques and modalities exist, and you can find general massage therapy programs that cover a wide range of the most popular massage techniques. There are also specialized massage therapy programs that focus on a specific area of massage therapy, such as therapeutic massage, sports massage, clinical massage therapy, Asian bodywork, spa techniques, and many more.
How long does it take to get a massage therapy degree or certificate? Will it take longer to obtain a massage therapy degree?
The length of massage therapy programs can vary from school to school. It also depends on the type of massage therapy program you choose. Massage therapy certificate and diploma programs are generally one to two years in length, while a massage therapy degree program can take four or more years to complete.
Do massage therapy schools require a high school diploma?
The majority of massage therapy schools will require that you have a high school diploma or hold a General Equivalency Degree (GED). It is best to check with the massage therapy schools you are considering since the entrance requirements can vary.
Where can I find massage therapy schools?
Massage therapy schools can be found across the country. For a convenient list of massage therapy schools, organized by state, check out this directory of massage therapy schools.
Can I pursue a massage therapy program online?
Some massage therapy schools do offer online massage therapy programs.
What career options are available after graduating from a massage therapy school?
After graduating from a massage therapy school, you should be prepared to pursue entry-level positions within a wide range of settings. This includes health care facilities, spas, cruise ships, resorts, health clubs, and many more. Specialized massage therapy positions can also exist within professional sports teams, specific areas of the health care field (such as nursing homes or chiropractors' offices), and corporate wellness programs. In addition, you could even pursue the opening of your own massage therapy business.
What is the average salary for a massage therapy career?
Annual wages for massage therapy careers can vary by state, and are also affected by the specific industry of employment. However, the most recent statistics (from May of 2009) found that the national mean annual wage for massage therapists was $39,780.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed on Jan. 31, 2011.
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