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| Category: Massage Therapy Schools |
Date published: September 9, 2008 |
Training Today at Massage Therapy Schools
by CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
 Massage therapy schools are more than just your path toward achieving your holistic health education; many are accredited at National levels and recognized by large organizations like COMTA (Commission on Massage Therapy Association), AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), and the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for therapeutic Massage and Bodywork), and additional State boards and regulatory agencies. In fact, accredited somatic institutes typically offer massage programs that include a standard \ 600 hours* of in-depth training which result in a diploma, certificate, or degree in massage therapy. (*Various massage therapy schools exceed this amount of time.)
There are various massage therapy schools that offer foundational training that can be completed in more condensed 300- to 500-hour courses. General education in these bodywork studies include anatomy, massage therapy history/philosophy, and therapeutic modalities (i.e., deep tissue, Swedish massage, and sports massage).
A number of advanced somatic programs result in a degree. But whatever the training may be, graduates of massage therapy schools and colleges are typically required to be licensed in order to begin practicing in the field. Some of the qualifications to attain licensure include certification, diploma, or National certification through the NCBTMB; plus a set amount of training hours.
What exactly do typical massage therapy schools offer the aspiring therapist? Certified massage therapists (CMT) have excellent career prospects in the allied health industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth potential is very positive in this particular discipline. What's more, experienced massage therapists can earn a substantial income.
Depending on individual interest, there are natural health courses at massage therapy schools that offer a strong foundation in therapeutic massage, as well as supplementary training in holistic health modalities like Reiki, energy healing, aromatherapy, colon hydrotherapy, and other alternative healthcare specializations.
One of the aspects of attending one of the more than 1,300 massage therapy schools and other bodywork training programs is the fact that while all teach fundamentals of the healing art, each offers a unique curriculum to meet the educational needs of future massage therapists. In addition to basic instruction in anatomy and physiology, first aid, massage history and philosophies, business/ethics, and kinesiology; massage therapy schools provide hands-on training in a wide assortment of somatic modalities including Bowen Technique (gentle, light touch therapy), craniosacral therapy (manual cyclic treatment), deep tissue therapy (muscle stretching/squeezing technique), kinesiology (muscle testing method), and Swedish massage (deep musculoskeletal pressure procedure), among others.
Some distinctive natural health colleges and massage therapy schools focus their teachings on hands-on healing techniques founded on Eastern medicine traditions. Therapeutics taught in these educational programs include acupressure (a cross between pressure points and needle-less acupuncture), Ayurveda massage (traditional Indian massage), Chinese medical massage (Tuina -- similar to meridian therapy), Shiatsu, Thai massage, and meridian therapy. Additional education in Indian and Oriental medicine philosophies, as well as studies of the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology are included in these comprehensive programs.
Several massage therapy schools and natural health colleges provide extracurricular edification in holistic healing. These elective or continuing education courses include spa/beauty, esthetics, myofascial release, hot stone therapy, neuromuscular therapy, infant/prenatal massage, craniosacral therapy, Indian head massage, aromatherapy, flower essences, holistic nutrition, ear candling, geriatric massage, iridology, Feng Shui, herbal medicine, lymphatic drainage, osteopathy, among other therapies.
Moreover, quality massage therapy schools and training programs teach students the value and healing benefits of the various bodywork modalities. While many of us are aware of the relaxing effects of healing touch, massage therapy is also known to help relieve musculoskeletal aches and pains, headaches, and joint stiffness. Furthermore, a few massage techniques can help to release toxins in the body, as well as improving the flow of lymph.
What makes a quality massage therapist? Beyond the massage therapy schools, and beyond the hands-on training in various therapies, communication skills are extremely imperative. A licensed massage therapist (LMT) must have the knowledge and skills to provide a therapeutic session. In other words, she will be able to effectively communicate with her patients to understand what health issues they may be experiencing, and which modality will best suit their healthcare needs.
What about credentials? In addition to LMTs, successful graduates of therapeutic massage therapy schools may carry the title of CMT (certified massage therapist) or LMP (licensed massage practitioner), NCTM (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) or NCTMB. These are important qualifications of a professional bodyworker.
Sources:
HolisticJunction.com
BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association)
NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork)
NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Training Today at Massage Therapy Schools
©Copyright 2009
Media Positive Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Former staff writer for HolisticJunction.com, Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Natural Healing Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.
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