Massage Therapy-Therapist Training, Certification, Program, Degree

The vast majority of individuals entering the field now complete an educational training program. Prior to 1989, when the massage therapy profession was smaller and there were fewer schools, some people prepared by taking a number of workshops from different independent instructors or studying with a practitioner in an apprenticeship. Now it is important for those who want to work as massage therapists to complete effectively-designed training programs that offer a well-rounded curriculum that prepares them for the work environment they are seeking. Visiting campuses, calling graduates and employers about the schools that interest you will help you select a school most appropriate for your career goals. It also is important to prepare during your initial massage therapy training to pass the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork after you graduate.

Regulation and licensing requirements vary from state to state. Currently 33 states and the District of Columbia regulate massage therapy. In states without statewide regulation of massage, municipalities tend to have requirements for a business license. Potential massage therapy students need to become familiar with the regulatory requirements in cities and states where they may wish to practice. Eligibility requirements range from 300 to 1,000 hours of in-class training. Frequently, states require a specified number of hours training in specific subjects. Some states also require training from an accredited massage training program or school. While most states require a minimum of 500 or more hours of massage training, there is a trend toward increasing the number of hours required.

Training programs in massage therapy generally require a high school diploma, though postsecondary education is useful. Previous studies in broad subjects such as science (especially anatomy and physiology), psychology, humanities, and business are helpful because of massage therapy’s nature as both a science and an art. Many schools also require a personal interview. Personal qualities and characteristics, such as excellent communication skills and a capacity for empathy, are important due to the high degree of personal interaction involved in massage therapy. Selectivity at schools varies widely, with the better schools, not surprisingly, being moderately selective. When being selective, schools usually are basing admission on whether an individual has the potential to succeed in studies and as a massage therapist.

It is recommended to enroll in a training program that is accredited or approved by a credible, national accreditation agency. One such agency is the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). Currently, approximately 70 training programs and institutions are accredited by COMTA.

It is important to select an accredited training program because that tells you the program has gone through a rigorous process of objective inspection by outside experts in massage therapy and education, demonstrated that it meets high standards, and can adequately prepare a student to perform massage therapy. Also, a growing number of states require graduation from a training program that meets accreditation standards. If you live in or will work in a state that has such requirements, this can be a critical consideration. It can be quite frustrating to invest time and money in training only to find out that the training isn’t recognized when you need it to be, so it is important to be sure your training will qualify you to practice.

It is emphasized that the accreditation agency be credible, because some schools may be affiliated with groups that have the appearance of being accrediting agencies, but are actually controlled by private, for-profit businesses and do not have the strict requirements that credible agencies have. As a result, the assurances one relies on through accreditation may not exist.

The training program curriculum should cover such subjects as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, theory and practice of massage therapy, hands-on practice under faculty supervision, ethics and business practices. Many schools offer a supervised student clinic that is open to the public and gives students the opportunity to work with a variety of people. Training programs may emphasize certain styles of massage, so it is useful to find out if a school teaches a style you feel comfortable with. Schools often offer both full and part time programs.

Be sure to read the catalog for a training program carefully. Feel free to ask a school about its accreditation, along with its philosophy regarding teaching and massage therapy. Many schools offer an open house or a short introductory course, which can be a useful way to find out what the school is like.

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