Massage Therapy programs can be broken down into different phases of instruction, including basic, advanced, continuing education, and even distance learning. Today, students may choose to enroll in one of several Massage Therapy programs, or may opt to attend massage school on a full or part-time basis to achieve certification or to attain a diploma in massage therapy.
Fundamental Massage Therapy programs usually integrate a great deal of practical knowledge in anatomy and physiology, health and hygiene, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, and frequently used business practices into their massage therapy curriculum, as well as Swedish or Sports massage training. These types of Massage Therapy programs typically run between 300-500 hours of study and practice.
More advanced Massage Therapy programs delve into a broadened assortment of bodywork modalities that may include trigger point therapy, Thai massage; medical massage, Tuina, myofascial release, animal massage (equine or canine), prenatal and infant massage, geriatric massage, lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular massage, spa and aromatherapy massage, and many others.
Continuing education (CE) Massage Therapy programs may involve coursework in advanced chair massage, head massage, orthopedic massage, sports massage, reflexology, and more. Most of these CE Massage Therapy programs will enable students to gain certificates of completion or certification in respective modalities.
Distance learning Massage Therapy programs focus on basic massage training, which often includes learning aides such as video tapes, computer software, text books, audio tapes, and/or other instruction that may be provided online or via mail-order.
Overall, students who successfully complete one of many Massage Therapy programs can go onto attaining lucrative employment in the field of bodywork. According to the US Dept of Labor statistics, the anticipated rate of growth for massage-therapy related careers is expected to be better than the rate of average jobs. Because Massage Therapy programs offer continuing education online, alumni can always maintain their profession by easily going to their computer station to learn the newest skills and academics via simple strokes of a keyboard.