Massage Therapy Training: What to Expect

Those interested in working in natural health care services will find that massage therapy training is a great way to help in healing. In addition, massage therapy training programs introduce candidates to productively working in health and wellness clubs, chiropractic clinics, cruise ships, spas and salons, hospitals and other health-related facilities.

While no two massage therapy training courses are identical, typical instruction entails basic studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology – where it goes from there is entirely dependent upon the healing arts school in which one enrolls. For example, if you would like a foundational course in bodywork, then common techniques taught in most massage therapy training programs encompass Swedish massage, sports massage and deep tissue massage. However, if you would like to take more advanced massage therapy training, then a large number of alternative health schools may provide in-depth, practical training a wider assortment of massage modalities.

Some of these massage therapy training programs include fascinating techniques that are steadily gaining in popularity. For instance, reflexology is a unique massage therapy that involves the hands, feet and ears. Other fine examples of stand-alone massage therapy training programs may include practical instruction in Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Shiatsu (a form of acupressure), meridian therapy, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, trigger point therapy, Indian head massage, among others.

Typically, most massage therapy training programs start at 300 hours and go above 1,000 training hours. Depending on the specific healing arts school or vocational college, students can elect to participate in an associate of applied science degree in massage therapy course as well.

In general, students engaged in one of several massage therapy training programs will learn that the majority of States regulate the practice; therefore, future massage therapists must complete some level of education and instruction in order to pass national certification exams and/or State examinations. Also, it is important for prospective students to carefully review potential massage therapy training programs to determine if the course has been accredited, types of massage modalities offered, course curriculum and whether classes meet all standards and requirements in order to become practicing massage therapists.

Because massage therapy is ever-growing in popularity, more and more individuals are turning to this non-invasive, relaxing method of health maintenance. So for students, who are seeking a promising, personally and professionally rewarding career, a massage therapy training course may be the route to take. Today, students who have successfully completed all educational requirements and certification through a massage therapy training program can anticipate earnings averaging about $31/hour.

Overall, massage therapy training programs are excellent for those who desire to provide natural healthcare services to patients and clients, alike. As a worthwhile means of employment, the field of massage therapy is expected to increase faster than average* over the next several years. (*Citation: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy training, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.Massage Therapy Training: What to Expect

© Copyright 2007. The CollegeBound Network. All Rights Reserved.

What You Should Know About Acupuncture Training

If you’re thinking about a career in acupuncture you’ll want to learn how and where you can earn a certificate or degree in acupuncture. Perhaps you’re already familiar with the field of acupuncture but if not you’ll want to find out all you can both online and offline. It’s thought that acupuncture has been practiced in China for at least 2,000 years and some think it’s probably been practiced at least 3,000 years or so.

First of all you’ll want to choose an acupuncture school that offers consultation services for its graduates. The schools that do, allow graduates after graduation, to consult with instructors regarding care of their patients. You’ll also want to check to see if your state is on the national list of about 49 acupuncture schools with accredited programs and you’ll want to find an acupuncture school that offers smaller classes.

Acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include related training or courses in traditional medicine, such as anatomy and physiology, body therapy, massage therapy, and other sciences. For naturopathy schools that offer acupuncture programs there is a list called the: List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America. Check with the school you’re considering making sure they have a wide selection of study resources available so you can have all the essential acupuncture materials for a broad learning experience.

You’ll also want to find out what the acupuncture training, school and program options are in your home area. Try to find a school whose program emphasizes courses in traditional Chinese medicine because acupuncture is just one element of traditional Chinese medicine. There are a few acupuncture schools that teach acupuncture practitioners the five-element Oriental medicine approach to acupuncture, which is often used in conjunction with the traditional Western medical practices.

Acupuncture is used for: arthritis, headaches, migraines, to quit smoking, to lose weight , fertility, fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, face lifts as in facial acupuncture, back pain, high blood pressure, pregnancy, cosmetic purposes, anxiety, panic attacks, Crohn’s disease, asthma and on dogs and other pets or animals as in veterinary acupuncture.

If you haven’t experienced acupuncture make to visit an acupuncture clinic to learn more about acupuncture. You might want to talk to an acupuncture specialist or naturopath about a possible acupuncture career also. Talk to the financial aid counselors at the acupuncture school or college you’re considering to see if they have any ideas or suggestions for scholarships, grants or education loans if you need to finance your training.

Before you commit to any acupuncture school or to any acupuncture training you can check out the “Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture” by Ellis, Wiseman, and Bosson. This excellent textbook is used in many acupuncture schools and acupuncture training programs and will give you a better idea if you’d like to pursue acupuncture as a career.

If you haven’t checked already may sure to check and see if you need a license to practice acupuncture in your state. You may not need a license. Get the facts first on which states require licensing. Note that each state and each discipline has its own criteria about how alternative medicine practitioners are to be professionally licensed, if at all.

Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools can be expensive and usually require three years or so of classes and sometimes up to five years. If you have a naturopathic school in your area, email or give them a call to find out the licensing requirements in your state. If you do get financing help or aid in the form of federal assistance be sure to have selected a school that’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

An acupuncture career has great career growth potential. Just be sure to find out the length of the coursework and the expense upfront and know how you plan to handle it. Many have done it before you. If possible, intern in an acupuncture clinic in your neighborhood to get first hand experience before you decide. But make sure to learn about the licensing requirements for acupuncturists for your state before you do anything else.