Study Massage Therapy: Why Formal Education is so Important
The benefits of massage have become widely known, and as more and more people tap into massage therapy for improved health and relaxation, the number of people seeking careers in massage therapy continues to grow, with the American Massage Therapy Association estimating that there are currently between 300,000 and 350,000 massage therapists (including students) in the U.S. today. If you aspire to be one of them, you may have wondered what the best way to get your training is.
Massage therapy training schools and courses abound, ranging from individual trainers who take on students out of a home office, to accredited schools that offer certificates or associates degrees. Online or hands-on programs of study are available. Training might range from a few weeks to a couple of years.
For some would-be massage therapists, the motivating factor behind the type of training they choose is getting it over with as quickly as possible so they can get to work. However, as with any career that involves health and the body, the more you know, the more helpful you will likely be to your clients.
In general, the better trained you are in any profession -- that is, the more credentials you have from accredited institutions -- the better salary you can command. Further, the more you know, the more satisfying your career is likely to be, as you develop your practice with greater confidence and more expertise.
Massage Training: What is Consistent in all of the Options?
You'll need somewhere between 500 to 1000 hours of training (depending on your state's requirements) and then you'll need to pass an exam to obtain a license. This may be a state board examination, or an exam administered by a professional organization such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination.
When you start considering what kind of training you want to undertake it’s important to remember that more thorough, in-depth training will enhance your skills and could help your massage business prosper in a way that might not be possible otherwise. Let's take a look at some of the best reasons to pursue formal training in massage therapy.
Five Reasons for Formal Massage Training
1. Increase your hire-ability.
It just makes sense that if you expand your knowledge of massage therapy, you'll improve your chances of getting hired. The more you know, the more adaptable you will be for working in one of the many settings open to massage therapists: hospitals, sports teams and events offices, cruise ships, hotels, nursing homes, spas, fitness centers, and many others.
Formal training will allow you to deepen and expand your knowledge so that you understand more about the body and the health benefits massage can provide. While you're studying, you may want to focus more on one area more than another -- say, sports massage or massage for the elderly or sick. A training program can help you develop you expertise in working with different types of bodies, different injuries, and a wide range of situations.
2. Improve your competency level.
Everyone wants to be competent at their job, but nowhere is that more important than in healthcare and allied practices such as massage. Top-level training in an accredited program helps the therapist become competent in techniques so there is less chance of injuring a client.
3. Enhance your networking ability.
By enrolling in a college program, you will learn more about opportunities for networking with other massage therapists, practices and organizations. The more persons you know who are allied with your field, the better you can keep abreast of developments. Networking also exposes you to more hiring and business opportunities. You may also become acquainted with professional organizations and opportunities that will help you stay in tune with business trends and legal issues.
4. Improve your professionalism.
Being a successful massage therapist doesn't just know about proper massage techniques. You may want to start your own business, in which case you may need formal education that will help you improve your professional demeanor, and thereby improve your chances for business success. If you plan to work for someone else, you will also gain valuable experience that will improve your communication skills -- skills that will help you successfully interact with your clients.
5. Boost your business acumen.
If you plan to have your own practice, you will need business skills. While you're polishing your massage techniques in massage therapy courses, you could also take business courses that will help you run your business professionally.
Are you interested in formal education for your massage therapy training? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy, consider ECPI University for the training you’ll need to start helping clients heal and relax. For more information on this accelerated degree program, connect with a helpful admissions representative today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Massage Therapy - Associate’s
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