Massage Therapy Schools

Massage therapy schools offer training and programs where individuals can take the hours needed to become certified at their state level and to pass the National Certification Exam.

Not all states have a state certification, so you'll need to do some research. States like Virginia, for example, require that you pass the National exam offered by the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork). Then you send in those results to the Virginia Nursing Board, then you still have to get a city license, which requires proof of training. It's becoming much more regulated.

So for Virginia it's a 3 step process. And you can't take the test unless you have enough hours from a massage therapy school. I would NOT recommend just massaging people professionally without proper training. There is a lot to learn.

If you are thinking about going to a massage therapy school, then recognize that not all massage schools are created equally. Some are probably better than others. In general, you might want to check with those schools who are COMTA certified or are in the process of being COMTA certified (Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation).

This is a good rule of thumb, but not critical at this point, mostly because there are some on-going discussions about certification and licensing of massage therapists.

The really important thing about picking a massage school is...

• Does it allow you to take whatever tests or exams needed to practice in your region?
  
  
• And does it prepare you to pass those exams?

Other factors to consider include cost, location, reputation, duration of the training, experience, job placement for graduating students, and how long have they been around. Some massage schools even offer financial aid.

For example, the Cayce/Reilly School in Virginia Beach has great credentials.

• COMTA certified
• A 700 & 1000 hour program
• High success rate of certifying their therapists
• Offer financial aid
• It takes about 8 months full time (longer part time) to graduate
• They have been around for 17 years
• Located across the street from the beach
• Plenty of housing options for students to rent a place for the duration
• Lots of continuing education offered

Other factors to consider are the attitude and the feel of the massage school. Some are more medically oriented, while others are more spiritually oriented, and yet others offer a nice blend of the two.

If possible, take a tour of the massage therapy school you are thinking about Some even have virtual tours.

Another good thing to do is to get a massage from the school. Massages vary greatly from school to school. And the style of massage and the quality of massage is very important for your health, but for your carreer future.

Email or call the school, get a catalog and ask questions. If they are responsive and friendly, that's always a good sign too.

Massage therapy school is a truly life changing experience. I do recommend it for everyone interested. Just make sure that for your city & state that your massage therapy school of choice will hep you meet the requirements needed to practice massage.

Good Luck!

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