Massage Schools – How to Choose a Massage School

Finding a Massage School

To get started on finding a school for your massage therapy training, search online or in the phone book for schools near you. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or the American Massage Therapy Association (which provides profiles of schools throughout the U.S. and Canada on its website).

After finding several programs that interest you, check out the course catalogues and make an appointment to tour the campus and meet with the admissions staff.

Getting Your Massage License

When selecting a massage school, it's very important to know the requirements to practice massage therapy in your state. In addition to ensuring that the program you're considering will meet your state's licensing requirements, you should verify that your potential school is accredited.

To learn your state's licensing requirements, contact your state's chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Massage Classes

To find the massage therapy school that's best for you, consider these questions about the courses offered:

What percentage of class work is devoted to hands-on training?

What kind of credentials and experience do the faculty members have?

Will you be able to work with a wide variety of teachers?

Does the school offer business-related courses (including classes on marketing)?

How large are the classes?

You should also study the curriculum to determine whether the school focuses on the massage modalities, techniques, and approaches that you'd most like to learn.

Massage School Cost

As you're working out your massage school budget, don't forget to factor in fees that may not be included in the tuition (such as the cost of books and supplies). You should also ask the school about the availability of financial aid.

Your Massage Therapy Career

When considering a massage therapy school, contact the placement staff and ask how long its services will be available after you graduate. You should also inquire about the percentage of school graduates currently working in the massage industry.

Choosing a Massage School

Finally, set up an appointment for a massage therapy session at the school's student clinic. In addition to helping you learn more about the quality of the school's training, a visit to the clinic will help you to experience the school's environment more intimately.