Massage Education

When it comes to massage therapy courses, the most important factor is QUALITY.

Ask yourself these questions when looking at a massage college:

2. Does the facility look clean and cared for? Are the floors clean? Does the equipment look relatively new and in good shape?

3. Do you like the people? (Specifically other students... After all, these people will be putting their hands on you when you are in class!)

4. Do you like the "vibe"? This is really important, especially if you are doing a long program, like 500 or +1000 hours. You will be spending a lot of time there, and receiving massage (as you will be in class) is a very personal activity. Be sure you feel comfortable in the space to relax and be present with whatever you are doing.

5. How many hours of training do they offer in their massage certification programs? How many hours do you wish to attain?

For example, California has no state requirement for massage education to qualify for licensing, but many cities in California do. Pasadena, where I am based, only required 150 hours. So when I started my massage therapy education, signed up for the 150 hour course. But I deliberately chose a school that had a comprehensive long program (550 hours) in case I wanted to go further with my education, which I did.

I chose my school (more info on IPSB below) over another school that only had 150 hour option. That school had lots of electives, but not a comprehensive long course which is important if you eventually want to become nationally certified, because you need to fulfill certain course requirements before signing up for the test.

The other good reason to take all your hours in one school is because it can become quite a hassle requesting transcripts from 20 different schools when applying for a license or job.



6. Do you agree with the mission & philosophy of the school in relation to healing?

I met a woman a couple years ago who wanted to a chair massage trade with me. I didn't want to give a massage at the time, and she was quite insistent that I get a massage from her. The problem was that she had just had a car accident and was in a really bad mood. Obviously, her school never taught her the energetic aspects of healing, and anyone with even the slightest empathic senses (I am quite empathic) would be adversely affected by her touch while she was in a bad mood.

I would have been very frustrated at her school for not acknowledging the energetic/psychic body during healing work. On the other hand, some healers would consider learning about the energetic body too "airy-fairy" and a waste of time.

So know what your preferences are and then stick to them when looking for your massage education.



7. Does the school have an orientation?

I prefer orientation to an interview (actually both is the best). The way they teach you about the school is the way they teach, in general. Are you interested in what they are saying? Did you enjoy the presentation?

I went to a couple orientations that were just OK, and then I was amazed at the orientation of the school I eventually chose. It was the first time in my life that I had been presented with a philosophy that matched my own intuitive knowledge and previous experience about healing. And I had an awesome time and met group of wonderful, grounded, caring, supportive, powerful healers.



8. Finally, of all the massage schools you have looked at, will this one provide you with the most comprehensive, balanced education possible?

Obviously you won't know for sure until you start your massage education, but use the other questions you have asked to answer this last one.

Before making your final choice...

Most schools have business cards or contact information of recent grads on file. Others have inexpensive clinics you can visit for a massage.

This is probably the most important step because this will tell you how will be massaging when you finish your coursework at that particular school.

Granted, each therapist has his/her own style, but each school molds that style into its own form, and each school has its own way of communicating how touch should be and feel.