Basic massage therapy school information

There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college programs, and training programs throughout the country. Massage therapy programs generally cover subjects such as anatomy; physiology, the study of organs and tissues; kinesiology, the study of motion and body mechanics; business; ethics; as well as hands-on practice of massage techniques. Most formal training programs require an application and some require an in-person interview. Training programs may concentrate on certain modalities of massage. Several programs also provide alumni services such as post-graduate job placement and continuing educational services. Both full- and part-time programs are available.

These programs vary in accreditation. Massage therapy training programs are generally accredited by a State board or other accrediting agency. Of the many massage therapy programs in the country, about 300 are accredited by a State board or department of education-certified accrediting agency. In States that regulate massage therapy, graduation from an approved school or training program is usually required in order to practice massage therapy.

After completion of a training program, many massage therapists opt to take the national certification examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork. This exam is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), which has eligibility requirements of its own. Several States require that a massage therapist pass this test in order to practice massage therapy. In States that require massage therapy program accreditation, an exam candidate must graduate from a State-licensed training institute with at least 500 hours of training or submit a portfolio of training experience for NCBTMB review; in locations that do not require accredited training programs, this is unnecessary. After the applicant is approved for testing, the applicant may schedule a test time at a local testing center. Tests are available six or seven days a week, depending on the test site, and are entirely computer based with multiple choice questions. The exam covers six areas of content: general knowledge of the body systems; detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology; pathology; therapeutic massage assessment; therapeutic massage application; and professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices.

When a therapist passes the national certification exam for therapeutic massage and bodywork, he or she can use the recognized national credential: Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB). The credential must be renewed every four years. In order to remain certified, a therapist must perform at least 200 hours of therapeutic massage during the four year period, and complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of continuing education. In 2005, the NCBTMB introduced a new national certification test and corresponding professional credential. These are the national certification exam for therapeutic massage and the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage (NCTM) credential. The new test covers the same topics as the traditional national certification exam, but covers fewer modalities of massage therapy. Recognition of this new national certification varies by State.

Many of the national, State, and local requirements coincide. States that require the national credential also require accredited training programs to comply with NCBTMB standards of training. Professional associations require that a professional member graduate from a training program that meets NCBTMB standards, have a State license, and/or have a national certification from the NCBTMB. Actual requirements differ on a State-by-State basis.

Are You Cut Out For Massage School?

by Susan Green

Over the past few years a definite trend has emerged regarding holistic and alternative medicines and therapies. People are becoming less eager to rely on prescribed medication and are looking for ways to maintain health and wellbeing in more alternative ways. For that reason, massage schools are becoming more common and there are many more prospective students. If you are considering attending a massage school for yourself it is worth reading the following information to help you make the right decision for your future.

Firstly, massage therapy is a form of holistic therapy and therefore an element of science is involved. An example of where this is required is regarding anatomical knowledge. While you do not need to know this prior to your course, it is important to remember that there is a degree of scientific learning to be done. However, this must be balanced by an artistic flair as this type of therapy is an art form in itself.

Training in massage does not give you the ability to perform treatments on any individual or area of the body. In fact, there are over 100 different types of massage currently being carried out, many of which require specific training or knowledge. For example, an Indian Head Massage is very different from a Swedish Body Massage, and an individual trained in one would not be bale to perform the other without further training. However, if you do not know the specific area of massage you would like to be trained in, undertaking a massage therapy course is possibly the best thing to do as it gives you a basic, and sound, understanding of the body and how massage works. In addition to this you will learn how to perform different massage techniques, and be given an insight into the more specific forms you may wish to go on to specialise in.

Individual massage schools require different qualifications and experience from their students before allowing them to enrol. However, generally you will require a high-school diploma, and any education undertaken after high school can be beneficial. Equally important though are the personal attributes of candidates. You will need to be calm, patient and personable in order to put your future clients at ease, and so these traits are very important to the massage schools.

If you feel that attending a massage school is right for you, you can find information about the different schools available on the internet. Massage can provide you with a great new career and a new challenge so I would like to wish you the best of luck for your future as a massage therapist!

About the Author
The author is a staff writer for The Massage Schools Advisor where more information about massage schools is freely available.

Massage Therapy Schools

By: C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot

Massage Therapy Schools are the fastest growing elements in healthcare training. There are nearly a thousand massage therapy schools and training courses in the US, alone. Beside massage therapy schools there are several community, technical and University Colleges that offer massage instruction courses as well.

With so many varieties of massage therapy schools and over 200 massage techniques, one should try different massages to see which s/he might be interested in learning. A trial apprenticeship with an established massage professional is a unique way to see if you really want to learn and practice massage. For training, you can expect to pay the regularly, hourly charge for massage therapy.

Massage Therapy Schools offer beneficial, healing techniques to potential practitioners. Because massage is the most natural of ways to heal, massage therapy schools expand our knowledge on our instinctual, nurturing human touch. Studies ultimately reveal that touch reduces stress and depression, alleviates pain and reinforces the immune system. Simply, massage therapy schools teach us to touch therapeutically. Massage Therapy Schools not only instruct us how to heal, but there are several massage associations that support and promote the benefits of each massage therapist.

Massage Therapy Schools teach massage therapies that increase muscle fiber lubrication; which enables the muscles to flow optimally. Because circulation and flexibility are dramatically increased through massage; our bodies respond with an overwhelming sense of well-being, energy and peacefulness.

From acupressure to Zero Balancing, massage therapy schools offer a smorgasbord of innovative and therapeutic instruction courses. Which one is best for you? Feel free to peruse our accredited Massage Therapy Schools at Holistic Junction. If not for training, try a massage just for your relaxtion today! Many of our listed massage therapy schools include a public massage therapy clinic.

©Massage Therapy Schools
by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot in conjunction with Holistic Junction

About The Author...
C. Bailey-Lloyd/aka. LadyCamelot Public Relations' Director & Writer Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Massage Therapy Schools
Provided By: Education

Massage Therapy

by Graeme Ramsey

Massage therapy was used extensively in ancient civilizations as a source of healing for the body and the mind.

Techniques are used for specific purposes that range from simple relaxation and stress relief, to muscle repair and even as an aid in the treatment of diseases.

Massage therapy has been well documented as an aid to lower blood pressure, alleviating headaches and helping to reduce the incidence of migraines.

Professional sports people use massage therapy extensively to aid in the recover of tissue damage from sports injuries and it has been proven to help bodybuilders gain muscle quicker by assisting in the rejuvenation of muscle cells that have been broken down by intensive weight training.

There are many good massage training schools throughout the country. These schools teach techniques that are suitable for anyone from the average person who is wanting to learn the basics, to those who intend to make massage therapy a profession.

If you are interested in making massage therapy a profession it is advisable to enroll at a registered massage school that is approved by a certified board.

This will ensure that you get a high standard of training and professional ethics are adhered to.

For the professional massage therapist there are the additional costs of massage beds. These massage beds are designed to allow the patient to lie in a comfortable position, without stress on their head and neck, while the masseuse can have good access to the body to allow correct manipulation.

Mobile beds can cost several hundred dollars.

An additional expense is the oil that is required for massage. While there are various different scented oils that are sold through body shops, most professional massage therapists will buy a standard oil in bulk only adding essences when required. For sports massage the standard oils serve the purpose and are more costs effective.

About the Author
Graeme Ramsey is a freelance writer on many different topics including sports and health. Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Schools

By Kristy Annely

Massage therapy is as ancient as medical treatment itself. But with modern medicine and its scientific and logical base, massage therapy also has come into its own as a distinct form of treatment. There are schools imparting the necessary knowledge and practice to thousands of health care professionals.

In massage therapy, the therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body by stroking, kneading, squeezing and pressing. There are over 100 different types of massages, some general and some targeting specific problems. The therapy relaxes the soft tissues like muscles, skin, joints, tendons and ligament. It improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system and calms the nerves. The main benefit of the therapy is the easing of tension and stress in the body and mind.

To become a massage therapist the basic entry-level qualification is a high-school diploma. About 34 states have a licensing system for therapists. Some Counties and Cities set their own standards. Most states accept NCE (National Certification Examination) as a sufficient qualification for a therapist. Some states accept only COMTA (Commission on massage therapy Accreditation) certificates. There are five federally sanctioned accrediting boards: COMTA, ACCSCT, ACCET, ABHES and NACCAS.

The accredited schools prepare the students for the board examinations. Most schools have set a minimum attendance standard of about 500 hours of supervised classroom and hands-on instructions. The candidates with NCE, COMTA or other valid certificates are registered with the relevant professional association and get their registration numbers. They are then ready to join any organization or start their own practice.

There are three massage therapist associations who set a very high standard of ethics and competency. They are NCTMB (Nationally Certified Board for Therapeutic Massage and Boardwork), AMTA (American massage therapy Associations), and AMBP (Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals).

The tuition fee is about $10 per hour. You need about $5,000 to complete a certificate in an average school. There are loans and grants available for the students who enroll in federally accredited schools. There are other forms of financial assistance, as well. Veterans and disabled persons have their federally funded administration to help them.

Massage Therapy provides detailed information on Massage Therapy, Massage Therapy Schools, Massage Therapy Jobs, Massage Therapy Training and more. Massage Therapy is affiliated with Massage Therapy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely

Take Time To Choose The Right Massage School

by Rory H. Hawkins

Taking a course on massage education involves the same procedure like any other education programs. But, prior to getting admitted you have to know what you exactly want to learn and what are your plans after the training session is over. Do you want to be a private professional helping your clients feel relaxed or soothe their pain? Do you want to be a part of a massage experts' team for sports persons etc? Or do you want to attach yourself with hospitals and nursing homes?

There are different types of massage techniques offered by different schools. These include Swedish, Deep Muscle, Acupressure, Reiki, Sports Massage, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, etc. The different types of massages have different benefits; therefore you have to do quite a bit of homework before getting admitted to a particular massage school.

Once you know the type of school that is best suited to you, you have to evaluate the massage schools in your area and study their offer programs intensely. You have to take your decision now. It is great if you personally contact each school to study the environment, their courses, costs, scholarships etc and then make up your mind. Do a detailed study and if possible, talk to the massage school students that you have short listed. Ask for an appointment with the admissions staff and discuss your plans and study their level of professionalism. Are they able to answer all of your questions convincingly? Do you feel you can depend or rely on them?

Enquire about the licensing requirements and gather specific information on the exams schedules and class hours. Make a tour round the school and examine the classroom and training facilities. Does the school offer a comfortable atmosphere for learning?

Find out whether the schools have been awarded with any accreditation. You can even apply for financial aids to begin your massage therapy education. Federal loans and grants are generally available for accredited massage schools. With the help of the massage school you can also apply for low interest education loans to meet up with the training costs.

You have to de a bit of research at the initial stage. Once you get all the questions answered you know which school is suitable for you. Then you can happily get admitted to the massage school to pursue your career in massage education and ensure a better future in the long run.

About the Author
Rory H. Hawkins writes about educational courses, including massage courses. For more info on massage therapy schools visit today.

Schools for Massage Therapy

If you are looking to find the best schools for massage therapy then we hope to be your number one resource. Massage therapy schools can help you to get started on a career as a massage therapist. There are many great reasons to get started in massage therapy as a career, the great pay, the ability to work for yourself, to run your own massage therapy business, etc.

No matter why you are looking for massage therapy schools, you are sure to find the right one that will give you the best chance at a rewarding massage therapy career.