Massage School - Where to Attend

Reviewed By:
Daniel King

Are you considering a career in massage therapy? Becoming a licensed massage professional is a very simple process, and many people begin their career in massage therapy in less than a year.

Accredited massage schools across the country offer hands-on training and comprehensive in-class instruction on a variety of massage modalities. Attending massage school is the first step in launching your career and will help you gain the skills and experience you need to be successful. If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, here’s what you need to know about attending massage school:

Where Do I Attend Massage School?

Almost every technical college or trade school across the country offers an accredited massage therapy program, but there are a few key locations that train students in key techniques, modalities, and alternative therapies.

Most of the professional massage schools in Orange County, California offer intensive 48-week massage therapy study, hands-on training, and challenging curriculum to give you the key skills and knowledge you need to succeed. The Mesa Institute, Pacific College, and the American Institute of Massage in Costa Mesa are just a few of the leading accredited massage schools in Orange County.

Schools in and near Wichita, Kansas include the Kansas College of Chinese Medicine, the National American University in Overland Park, and the Kansas Massage Institute. These are just three of the leading massage therapy schools near Wichita, and incorporate a variety of techniques and unique training programs into their curriculum.

If you decide to receive massage therapy training in Dallas, Parker College School of Massage Therapy offers alternative medicine training with a 600-hour curriculum. The Texas Massage Institute in Dallas offers professional training with a focus on all types of treatments, techniques, and therapies, and the Sterling Health Center offers evening and weekend classes for those who need a flexible schedule.

Those are only three of the many counties and municipalities that house massage schools. Look on the Internet or in the Yellow Pages and you’ll be surprised at how many schools offer massage therapy in their curriculum.

What Are the Rules and Regulations to Become a Massage Therapist?

Government regulations are different for each state and region, but most states and cities require all massage professionals to obtain a license before practicing. Many require tests and background checks, including a TB Test, a check by the police, a hands on practical test along with a written exam. Others only charge a flat fee for the license. One other formality for many regions and cities is the massage therapist must have massage insurance.

One of the massage therapy license examinations is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and many accredited massage schools offer classes and training for this exam as part of the curriculum. This examination is written and certifies you are meeting standards.

Learning about massage government regulations in your state and city is important when you first begin your massage therapy career. Since it is illegal to practice without a certain level of education or licensure, you can avoid paying fines or having your license revoked when you do some basic research.

As more people turn to massage for stress relief, relaxation, improving their health, and managing injury, the demand for licensed massage professionals is on the rise. Accredited massage schools across the country now offer a variety of programs and classes to train massage therapists in the most in-demand techniques, and you can look forward to a rewarding and satisfying career immediately after graduation.

Daniel King is a Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist with more than 7 years experience in the massage and spa industry. To his credit, he has given over 5,000 massages in his lifetime.

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