Are you LMT-curious? Maybe people tell you that you’re great with your hands. Plus, you love helping people, and dream of getting paid to do so. If so, you may be thinking about taking massage therapy classes. Selecting a school is your first step in the journey toward becoming a professional massage therapist. In today’s post, we suggest three basic questions you can ask to figure out the best massage school for you.

3 Questions to Ask to find the Best Massage School for You

Where do I want to practice massage? Depending on your state, you’ll need to earn a massage certificate or license to operate legally. To become an LMT in Oregon, you must complete 625 educational hours in massage and pass a written exam. Every quality massage school, Philadelphia to Pasadena, prepares students according to state massage requirements. Before selecting a school, choose where you want to set up shop as a massage therapist. Or, select a massage school with rigorous programs that will transfer to the states you’re considering. The bottom line is that you must research state massage licensure/certification requirements, and select a school that will help you meet or exceed those requirements.

Which massage modalities do I want to practice? Different schools prepare students with different types of massage work. Here at East West College, we’re dedicated to the idea that a well-rounded massage therapist will deliver superior treatment, so we train students in eastern and western modalities in our massage classes. Our students also select several electives to specialize in the style(s) of their choice. While shopping for a massage school, research whether prospective institutions offer classes in multiple massage modalities. If you graduate with several modalities under your belt, you’ll have more ways to use your body, and less chance of burning out due to repetitive movements.

Does the institution’s approach match my own? Every massage school has its own culture, and its own way of training therapists. In general, we can say that there are two types of massage institutions: technical schools, and holistic schools. A technically oriented massage school will show you techniques for effectively moving muscles. In contrast, a holistic massage school will also consider mind, body, and spirit when teaching how to perform massage. Mindfulness will typically be included in holistic massage instruction as well.

While researching massage institutions, you can ask each admission advisor whether their school offers a holistic approach, if that’s what you’re looking for. Consider whether each school’s philosophy aligns with your own regarding healing, health, and the purpose of massage therapy.

By the way, the more massages that you receive, the better you’ll be able to identify what you’re looking for in training. If possible, sign up for several student massages at each school’s clinic. This will teach you a lot about how students are trained, whether they have opportunities to hone their craft, and how graduates of that institution are likely to perform as therapists after graduation.

Of course, there are also plenty of logistical considerations when choosing a massage school. You’ll need to plan how to finance your massage education, for one thing. Your research should also include questions about graduation rates, placement rates after graduation, and faculty qualifications. The three questions listed above are a good starting point for your massage therapy journey.

For more help on selecting the ideal school for you, get in touch with our admissions advisors. They can help you identify key priorities and understand whether East West College would be a good fit for you.

Sources:

How to Choose a Massage School, Massage School Notes

3 Powerful Questions You Need to Ask to Find The Best Massage School for Yourself!, IPSB

Hints for Choosing the Right Massage Training Program, American Massage Therapy Association