Choosing the Right Massage School
Do you enjoy helping others? Massage therapy can be a rewarding career that improves your life and the lives of your clients. Massage therapists may work in spas, medical settings, wellness centers, private practice, sports environments, and many other professional settings.
Before you begin training, choosing the right massage school is one of the most important decisions you will make. The school you select should prepare you for licensing, hands-on client care, professional practice, and long-term success as a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Massage Therapy School Career Guide
Choosing the right massage therapy school is an important decision. Download Irene’s free guide to the credentials, educational standards, student services, licensing preparation, clinical experience, and career support you should compare before enrolling.
Considerations in Selecting a Massage School
Choosing the right massage therapy training program is one of the most important decisions you will make as you prepare for your new career. There are many factors to consider when comparing schools. The questions below can help you evaluate your options and make an informed decision when visiting a massage school.
School Credentials and Approval
Does the massage school have valid credentials?
- Is the school Nationally Accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?
- The school must be approved by the State Massage Therapy Board.
- The school must be licensed by the State.
- Certified by a professional association indicates a level of quality.
- Membership in various professional massage associations shows an allegiance to the profession and industry standards. Massage associations to look for are the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF), Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE) and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
Does the massage program hours meet the State requirement? Michigan requires a minimum of 625 supervised hours of training in order to get a massage license.
How long has the school been teaching a massage program? There is a lot to be said for experience. Make sure the massage school you consider has been State Licensed to teach massage for at least five years.
Cost, Financial Aid, and Scheduling
Does the school qualify to provide financial aid?
Does the school offer in-house scholarships?
Does the school schedule fit into your busy life? Are both daytime and evening classes available?
Licensing Preparation and Outcomes
Will the massage therapy school assist you in applying for and scheduling the massage licensing exam?
Will the massage school guide you through completing the application and submitting required documentation for the state licensing process?
What are the massage school’s Completion and Placement Statistics? What percentage of students actually graduate and how many graduates secure jobs in massage?
What is the school’s massage licensing exam pass rate? You must be able to pass the massage board licensing exam to begin your career.
Student Support and Career Services
Does the massage school have an advisor on staff to guide you through school?
Do students graduate fully prepared to begin their new massage career?
Does the school have career services and someone on staff to help you find a job?
Instruction, Curriculum, and Hands-On Experience
What are the massage instructors qualifications and how long have they been teaching? At the very least, a massage instructor should have several years of professional massage experience and adequate teacher training.
Does the school have a professionally run student massage clinic? The state requires students to work on the public under faculty supervision.
Can you customize your massage education with a variety of elective subjects?
Campus Environment
Consider the appearance and feel of the campus. Look at the student massage clinic, cleanliness, professional environment, number of classrooms and general upkeep. How do you feel when you visit? Does the staff make you feel welcome?
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Massage Therapy Program
What should I look for when choosing a massage school?
Look for proper accreditation, state approval, enough program hours for licensing, experienced instructors, hands-on clinical training, licensing exam support, student services, career support, and schedules that fit your life.
How many massage school hours are required in Michigan?
Michigan requires massage therapy applicants to complete at least 625 supervised hours of massage education from a state approved school.
Why does accreditation matter when choosing a massage school?
Accreditation helps show that a school meets recognized educational standards. It may also affect financial aid eligibility, licensing preparation, and the overall quality of the student experience.
Should a massage school help with licensing?
Yes. A good massage school should help students understand the MBLEx licensing exam, the state licensing application, required documentation, and the steps needed to become licensed.
Why should I tour a massage school before enrolling?
A campus tour helps you evaluate the classrooms, student clinic, cleanliness, staff support, learning environment, and overall feeling of the school before making a decision. You may wish to visit more than one school to provide a meaning basis for comparison.