If you are thinking about following a career in massage therapy, let me congratulate you on your choice. Massage is one of the few remaining occupations which serves individuals in need, allows flexible hours, & allows a lucrative income. Like any great career change, there are some important questions which you must ask yourself before you jump in. A normal sized city will have at least 5 or more massage schools in the area. Research has shown that one massage school can be quite different from the next. Therefore, your first big decision should be which school to attend. I have furnished a list of 5 useful questions to ask yourself when examining the multitude of massage therapy schools out there.
# 1: How long will it take to graduate, from beginning to end? Massage schools have a broad range when it comes to how long it takes to finish. Therapeutic massage schools can range anywhere from 6 - 15 months, or longer. Keeping this information in mind, you have to ask yourself 2 crucial questions in regards to the amount of time you invest in your training. Remember, if you zip through a program, you have a better chance of missing on something (though occasionally you may come across a school which can provide an adequate education in 6 months). On the other hand, you have got to additionally count how much money you will lose if you have to spend 6 months to a year longer in school when you could be getting your income rolling.
# 2: Will it cost a lot? Education tuition might vary anywhere from $6.00 to $17.00 per hr of training! The average generally falls roughly to $9.00 or $10.00 per credit hour. Some schools include the cost of supplies. Sum up what is provided verses what you are required to purchase before you commit.
# 3: Will therapeutic massage school hours function with the rest of my schedule? Almost all massage schools are aware that the educatees who are attending their school have other commitments as well. Nearly all students have to hold down jobs while attending massage school, while others have children at home. If you are one of the many people with obligations outside of the classroom, don't dispair. Most schools offer a variety of schedules to choose from.
# 4: How am I going to pay for it? When you examine the cost of becoming a licensed massage therapist verses the cost of a bachelors degree, you would save approximately $60,000. Even so, most of us do not have $5,000 - $9,000 lying available to commit in an education. Consequently, financial aid is important to consider. Think about this: All federal loans and grants for education can be paid only to students attending federally accredited schools. Look for a reputable accreditation, such as the Integrative Massage & Somatic Therapies Accreditation Council, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency.
# 5: How far away is the therapeutic massage school? If you have narrowed it down to a couple of schools, choose the closer one! With the cost of gas rising, congestion getting worse all the time, road rage, and wear-and-tear on your vehicle, location should be a priority. Picture yourself making the same drive 5 days a week before you choose that nice little school across town.
Again let me congratulate you on your career choice. Massage school can be one of the smartest life-changing choices you will ever decide upon. I hope that these tips will prove timely for you as you lead off your pursuit into one of the greatest professions in the world.
Bio:
Mike Samuels is a independent writer and therapeutic massage buff. A suggested site which he likes is: enjoys is: http://www.nmsnt.org/massage_therapy.html- Massage School
