Massage Therapy Training Possibilities

Massage therapy is commonly used for its medical advantages and relaxation functions. Students that have an educational background can work with a variety of clients. Numerous holistic healing schools offer students training opportunities in massage therapy.

The training requirements are different than most majors because educational standards change from state to state. The overall requirements for a massage therapist is to have completed at least 500 hours of schooling and obtained a license to practice. Most states utilize one of the two national exams, which include the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination. Students have many training options to choose from when it comes to earning their 500 hours of completion. Most colleges offer students the chance to complete a certificate or associate's degree program.

Programs at both educational levels typically teach an overview of the field. Students interested in a specific technique can find some programs that concentrate on one area specifically. There are over eighty different techniques that are commonly referred to as modalities. Aromatherapy, shiatsu, relaxation, and deep tissue are some popular massage therapy styles. Educational training covers multiple areas because massage therapists usually provide several modalities at their place of work. Each technique is covered inside a training program. Students learn how to use long strokes and short percussion-like strokes on clients. Students will also learn certain massage therapy types that are only used on specific clients. For example, pregnant women often receive prenatal massage therapy to help them relax and relieve strain on muscles.

Students will learn about these techniques inside both available training programs. Certificate programs allow students to step into a career within six months to a year. Education focuses on different pressure points, massage styles, and business practices. The Eastern and Western forms of massage therapy are covered to give students a well-rounded education. Courses may include:

• Anatomy


• Physiology


• Sports Massage

Education prepares students for entry-level careers working for spas, chiropractic offices, and more. Courses prepare students to work with clients before, during, and after a session. Before a massage therapy session an interview is conducted to gain the individuals medical history. This knowledge helps the therapist know which techniques would be best for a particular client. During a session professionals adjust their approach to help specific areas that need to be addressed. After a session professionals often talk with clients to know what works best for future visits.

Education at the associate's degree level allows students to step into a wide range of careers because more training is earned. A broader knowledge base is gained as students work through courses that may include:

• Medical Terminology


• Pathology of Disease


• Swedish Massage


• Business Management

Within the two years of natural healing study students learn how to work inside hospitals, clinics, or their own businesses.

Both educational opportunities train students to obtain licensure and become working professionals. Enter an accredited massage therapy training program and start the process of entering a popular career field. Agencies like the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation ( http://www.comta.org/ ) accredited the best quality training programs.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on HolisticJunction.com.
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