In the course of comparing all of the different options when it comes to massage therapy schools, I have rendered five significant questions to ask yourself when analyzing the huge amount of massage therapy schools you can attend. Like any great career change, certain data must be debated before you jump in. A regular sized city will have at least 5 or more massage therapy schools in the area. Research has shown that one program can be quite unique from the next. So therefore , your first momentous decision should be which school to attend. Hopefully, the following questions will help you decide.
# 1: Can I afford it? When you study the cost of becoming a licensed massage therapist verses the cost of a bachelors degree, you would save approximately $60,000. Even so, most of us do not have $5,000 – $9,000 sitting about to place in an education. Thus, financial aid is important to consider. Keep the following in mind: All federal loans and grants for education can be paid only to students attending federally accredited schools. Look for a reputable accreditation, such as the Integrative Massage & Somatic Therapies Accreditation Council, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency.
# 2: How can therapeutic massage school hours operate with the rest of my duties? Just about all schools are aware that the students who are attending their curriculum have lives outside of the classroom. Just about all students have to hold down jobs while attending massage school, while others have children at home. Many schools offer programs designed to cater to the working adult. Check to make sure that the school you like offers a variety of schedules to meet your needs.
# 3: What will it cost me? School tuition might vary anywhere from $6.00 to $17.00 per hour of school! The average typically falls close to $9.00 or $10.00 per credit hour. If you are in an unlicensed state and want to join a quick program, you may actually be able to get the necessary 100-hour training for under $1,000. In licensed states, which require 500 hours, tuition usually ranges from $5,000.00 to $9,000.00.. Some schools include the cost of everything you need. Work out what is provided verses what you are expected to acquire before you commit. For example, if one school costs $1400 and includes your table, it will end up being cheaper than the school which costs $1000, but requires you to purchase a table. Tables run an average of around $500.
# 4: How long will it take from beginning to end? Massage therapy schools have a broad range when it comes how much investment is required to graduate. Therapeutic massage schools can range anywhere from 6 – 15 months, or longer. Bearing this in mind, you must ask yourself two significant questions in regards to the time you place in your training. Remember, if you are sped through a program you have a greater chance of missing out on something. On the other side of the coin, you must likewise consider how much money you may lose if you are learning rather than working.
# 5: How far away is the massage school? Isnt technology wonderful? Today, many degrees can be earned by taking on-line courses. From the comfort of your living room you can do everything but get handed your diploma. Unfortunately, due to the nature of massage therapy, progress hasnt quite caught up. Therefore, you will most likely have to earn your credits the old fashioned way, driving the car or taking the bus to school. If you have narrowed it down to a couple of schools, choose the closer one! With the cost of gas rising, congestion getting worse all the time, road rage, and wear-and-tear on your vehicle, location should be a priority. Picture yourself making the same drive 5 days a week before you choose that nice little school across town.
Again let me congratulate you on your career choice. Massage Therapy School can be one of the smartest life-changing options you might ever allow yourself to make. I hope that these words of advice will become applicable for you as you start your journey into a wonderful profession.
