5 Things to Expect From Massage Therapy School

Massage therapy is growing in popularity. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, it will grow by 22 percent between 2012 and 2022. Every massage therapist is required to earn a postsecondary non-degree award before they can legally practice. If you want to become a massage therapist, there are five things you should expect from a massage therapy school:

1. You Will Need to Take Science Courses
   There is a lot of science involved in the field of massage therapy. Kinesiology, which is the study of body movement, is one of the courses that you will be required to take. You will also be required to take anatomy and physiology, which focus on how the body’s organ’s, tissues, and systems work.
2. The Cost Can Vary
   There are several factors that determine how much money you will spend on massage therapy school. Your school, program length, and location are some of the key factors that will determine the final cost. Additionally, whether you attend school full or part-time will affect the cost. 
   
   You should expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 for massage therapy school. Keep in mind that most schools offer financial aid, and this can offset the educational costs.
3. How Do Massage Therapy Schools Operate
   Every massage therapy school has its own format. However, all massage therapy schools have a classroom and a hands-on portion. Some schools allow you to complete a few courses online, but you will not be able to complete the clinical portion that way. Additionally, most programs require that you complete at least 500 hours of training, and some programs require you to complete 1,000 or more hours.
4. Minimum Requirements for Admission
   The admission requirements can vary from school to school. However, every massage therapy program in the United States requires students to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You may also be required to take an admission test before you enter a program. Furthermore, some schools require you to be certified in CPR and first aid. It is important to check the prerequisites before you apply to any massage therapy program.
5. Business Courses Are Typically Required
   You will most likely be required to take business courses while you are in massage therapy school, such as business ethics and management. Many massage therapists start their own practice, so these courses are extremely helpful.