12 Hints for Choosing the Right Massage Training Program

Taken from an AMTA Massage Therapy article--Summer 2005:

1. Learn about the profession of massage therapy, e.g., different methods of therapy and the particular requirements to practice in your state.

2. Collect information about several programs—attend an open house or orientation, interview former students, read catalogs, audit a class, or call the Better Business Bureau and/or vocational school office in your state.

3. Consider your career intentions—some programs focus on relaxation massage applications, while others target remedial or medical ones.

4. Review the curriculum to make sure that the style(s) of massage taught matches what you want to learn.

5. Check for the school’s accreditation, e.g., COMTA.

6. Be aware of time requirements for a particular program. Make sure your other obligations will allow enough time to study and practice outside of class.

7. Examine the credentials and experience of the faculty.

8. Find out whether the educational philosophy of the program and the faculty agree with your own views about health, healing and the purpose and use of massage therapy.

9. Receive massage therapy sessions from the faculty, graduates and/or student clinic.

10. Request information about student services—postgraduate job placement, tutoring, continuing education, financial aid, etc.

11. Consider tuition, fees, any other costs, the availability of financial aid and the quality of the program. Remember to budget in additional funds for a massage table, books and supplies.

12. Determine which program most closely matches your career intentions, personality, schedule and budget.