About
Massage therapy is a timeless medical practice that has for centuries provided calm and stress relief for mankind. It involves acting on the body with structured, stationary, and unstructured pressure in order to target knots in muscles, tendons, connective tissues, and lymphatic vessels. Improving the human condition through massage is a process that has advanced to include many professional tendrils over time, but there are still mysteries precluding a sound and principled medical understanding of why it works. At Massage Therapy Schools, we seek to provide information about the discipline: why is it important? Where do I learn? And most importantly, where do I get started if I want to pursue it?
Guide to Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the art of reducing stress and improving circulation by the application of certain hands-on techniques and methods. In the last 5-10 years, massage therapy has become a highly visible and much sought after career by a great number of individuals.
What should I look for in an online massage therapy school?
The best online massage therapy schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition, you can often recognize top online massage therapy schools based on:
- The school’s name and status
- The school’s history
- Teacher credentials
- Alumni network
In choosing the best online massage therapy School for you, you should consider the following factors:
- Admission requirements
- Residency requirements
- Class and teaching style
- Testing methods used
- Course content and presentation
- Program length
- Class size
- Student-teacher interaction
- Technology use
- Tuition and financial aid
- Transferability of credits
- Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources
What levels of online massage therapy programs are available?
The following levels of massage therapy degree online programs are available:
- Online Associates in Massage Therapy
- Online Bachelor in Massage Therapy
- Online Masters in Massage Therapy
- Online PhD in Massage Therapy
How long does it take to get an online massage therapy degree?
The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online massage therapy degree depends on the level of massage therapy degree being pursued and the pace of the student.
Typically, the breakdown is as follows:
- Online Massage Therapy Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
- Online Massage Therapy Associates Degree – 2 years
- Online Massage Therapy Bachelor Degree – 4 years
- Online Massage Therapy Masters – 2 years
- Online Massage Therapy PhD – 2 to 5 years
What are some examples of online massage therapy courses?
Although massage therapy is a ‘hands-on’ and ‘in-person’ kind of activity, there are many online courses that do a great job of preparing students for future careers. Some courses students should expect include:
- Physiology
Because massage can have an effect on patients’ internal organs, it is necessary to learn as much as possible about the body and its systems.
- Massage History and Theory
An introduction to the history of massage in the east and west, with a section devoted to the theory of massage and what it was created to do.
- Massage Techniques and Practice
What you need to know in order to be able to perform a job as a career massage therapist.
- Assessment
Part of successfully treating a patient is being able to accurately assess a condition/ailment, this course gives you that knowledge.
- Ethics
Because individuals seeking medical treatment are often times put in compromising and susceptible situations it is important for all medical health professionals to be taught proper ethical values.
What areas of massage therapy specialization are available?
The potential for specialization within the field of massage therapy is great. The more specialized you are within this field, the more unique career opportunities you will be ready for.
- Medical
- Infant
- Expectant Mother
- Sports Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
What can I do with a massage therapy degree?
There are a great number of massage therapy jobs out there for applicants to choose from:
- Massage Therapist (private practice)
- Massage Therapist (employee)
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Massage Instructor
- Sports-Related Massage
What is a massage therapist?
A massage therapist is an individual that uses their expert knowledge of musculature to help soothe, invigorate and recuperate afflicted individuals.
What does a massage therapist do?
A massage therapist routinely treats patients (with a variety of ailments) with deep tissue massage, which not only improves circulation but also produces positive effects throughout the body. A great massage therapist can not only cure stress, but also relieve some physical problems as well.
How much does a massage therapist earn?
A career massage therapist can expect to earn close to $32,000 per year or above. Job growth in this field is expected to be much faster than average, allowing it to be the optimal time to pursue this line of work. The growth can be attributed to the popularity of massage as a medical treatment.
How do I become a massage therapist?
A potential massage therapist should have a strong interest in learning the methods and techniques of relieving physical ailments through physical contact. The road to becoming a massage therapist are varied, but many choose to receive certification through an accredited program. As part of a program, many students will be required to partake in an internship at a practice, to gain valuable experience. Graduates often find work as part of a practice, or as individual consultants, or open up private practices.
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