Massage therapist how many years of school

This relaxing practice involves placing hot stones on the body to loosen tight muscles and restore balance. This involves digging deep into the muscles of athletes, clients with pain and those in rehabilitation centers. This focuses on the feet, using pressure points to relieve internal organs. This involves specific treatments, targeted to the medical issues the patient presents, administered after a thorough assessment. Admission to massage therapy school is straightforward.

Before you can enroll, you will need to apply and meet the following common requirements:. Diploma and Certificate Programs These types of programs are very focused on the basic knowledge and skills you need to become a practicing massage therapist.

In a diploma or certificate program you are likely to learn about different massage techniques, anatomy and physiology, and business courses that will help you understand the administrative side of the field. In addition to the types of courses you might find in a certificate program, you will also be required to take courses in English, psychology, and sociology, among other general electives.

There are currently no doctorate programs in massage therapy in the U. In addition to taking the core classes your school may require for graduation, you may also learn:.

You may also take elective courses such as business management, pregnancy massage or sports massage to help further your career. Some courses may even touch on holistic practices including herbalism, aromatherapy, meditation, homeopathy, yoga and tai chi. At every level, expect that most coursework requiring hands-on experience will be offered in-person or on-campus only. Clinical experience hours will teach you how to perform massage techniques and allow you to practice on real clients in public clinics, rehab centers and hospitals.

In many states, you must also complete continuing education hours as a condition of license renewal. Passing your exams—whether the MBLEx or another exam in the massage therapy field, including some for board certification—can be a source of anxiety for many prospective massage therapists. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help with test prep. For example, popular apps that help massage therapy students study for their required exams include:. The average length of time it takes to become a licensed massage therapist varies by location and education level.

Vocational schools offering certificate programs allow students to graduate in a shorter amount of time, while associate degree programs typically take two years. The amount of time you spend in school can depend on the type of education you seek and the state or city in which you take classes.

There are also a few states that, rather than hold state-wide requirements, vary based on municipality, or even by the type of job you seek. Some massage programs focus on certain types of therapies such as Thai, Shiatsu, Swedish or deep tissue massage techniques. Usually, massage schools require applicants to have earned at least a high school diploma to qualify for admission. Massage programs usually take eight to 12 months to complete, depending on hour requirements.

Some private massage schools provide financing options and many community colleges offer financial assistance programs. Most states require massage therapists to obtain a license before starting their practice. In some metropolitan areas, massage therapists must also comply with local regulations. Coursework required for licensing varies by state. For example, Arizona requires therapists to complete hours of massage school coursework and training, while Idaho requires just hours.

Some states also require licensed massage therapists to periodically take continuing education courses. To succeed as a massage therapist, you must possess certain personal and professional qualities. You must have exceptional physical stamina to stand on your feet for hours at a time, bend over repeatedly and use your upper body muscles for long periods. They must also express empathy with clients who suffer from painful or debilitating conditions. In order to enroll in AIAM, you can come to the school to receive a personal tour and interview with an admissions representative.

For more information on tuition costs and optional fees, check here. Massage therapists work in a variety of environments ranging from hospitals and health clinics to private practices. Most have a wide range of duties that include:. There are many options when it comes to working as a massage therapist and you could choose from one of the following:.

Spas a places where people go to have a soothing massage experience in a comfortable and relaxing space. The goal here is to make the client completely relaxed and create a pleasing experience. In a rehabilitation setting, you will be focused on injuries that need healing and pain relief. Massage techniques can help to relieve pain and restore mobility. This means you will have a wide variety of clients but rarely any long-term patients.

Health and wellness centers are becoming more and more popular and massage therapists play a big role in these.

They can help aid in anything from muscle injuries to headaches to stress and mental health issues. About 67 percent of all massage therapists work in private practice.