Massage Therapy Training Courses

Massage therapy is a specialized field that requires formal training, passage of an exam and a license to conduct on a professional level in 38 states. Massage therapy training course requirements differ from state to state. There are approximately 1,500 massage therapy training schools that provide formal training.

Each school varies on it's curriculum and will also vary in the types of massage therapy it specializes in it's training courses and program. There are over 80 different types of massage therapies from reflexology to Swedish massage to shiatsu massage and beyond. These training schools will specialize in one of many of these areas.

A training school may offer massage courses in one or more of these types of massage therapies as well as massage courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, as well as in business marketing and ethics. Once the massage therapy training and massage courses are completed, many training schools also offer job placement opportunities for the massage therapist graduates.

State Requirements for Massage Therapy Training

There are differing state requirements for accreditation of training schools, so make sure the massage therapy training school you are considering is up to speed on all it's license requirements. In order to get paid as a professional massage therapist, you must not only complete massage therapy training courses, but you must also fulfill all the legal requirements in your state. Without this, you cannot and should not practice, especially for money. Training courses are not difficult to find. There are many great training courses around, probably in your area. Many training schools are reasonably priced.

It is very likely that you will be able to find a training school or training courses near where you live. Although most massage therapy training courses and schools are located in metropolitan areas, you might be able to find one in a smaller, but growing city as well. In terms of job placement and employment opportunities once you have completed your training courses, metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, New York City and Los Angeles will be the best places to find massage therapist jobs.

Because of the rapidly rising interest in holistic and alternative healing and medicines, as well as natural therapies replacing traditionally medical treatments, massage therapy is going to be a rapidly growing industry that will require massage therapists to go through training courses. Also with the growing demand, training schools should begin to grow as well and choice of schools as well as training courses will become abundant. Training courses should also be looked at critically, making sure they have the techniques you are looking for and have the types of training courses you want.

Continuing Education for Massage Therapy Training

Many graduates of training programs take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Many states require massage therapists to pass this exam in order to get a license to practice. When a massage therapist passes the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), they are nationally recognized and need to renew their status every 4 years. Just like in most health related professions, massage therapists are required to do 200 hours of massage therapy work in addition to fulfilling continuing education massage courses.

Beyond this nationally recognized designation, each state has it's own regulations and laws, and anyone interested in becoming a massage therapist or attending a training program or desiring to take courses, should look into his or her own state regulations regarding practicing as a massage therapist.

Massage Therapy Business

Massage therapy is a business indeed and it's a way to make money for many people. Some work for hospitals, clinics and sports facilities, but most are self-employed and owners of their own business. This requires business skills that most businesses have to deal with like marketing, sales, billing and accounting, on top of doing the work. Training is just the beginning step to a rewarding career or business in this field.