CHOOSING YOUR MASSAGE SCHOOL

If you are seriously interested in the field of therapeutic massage, we welcome your exploration of this career field and our school. During the past twenty-five years, the profession of massage therapy has made significant strides in terms of public acceptance and an explosion in public demand. The number of licenses issued to Texas massage therapists in the last ten years has more than doubled the number of therapists looking for jobs and/or starting their new business. As the market becomes more competitive, the quality of training becomes more important to the success of those who choose this profession. As a consumer and a student, you are faced with a decision regarding your future: Does this career suit you and your needs? Where should you be trained? Who will teach you how to find success?

Deciding which school is best for you is a process which can be confusing and complex, partly because so much is new or unknown to you. Some students base their decision solely on a school’s location, others on the appearance of the catalog, others on the recommendation of a friend or practicing massage therapist, and others on the cost and financing options of the program. We strongly recommend that you take the time to make an informed decision based on careful examination of your options. Your choice will greatly influence your career success.

We believe that nothing is more important than the qualifications and experience of those who will teach you. Your professional success will probably reflect the professional success of your instructors. It is virtually impossible for them to teach what they don’t know. It should also be important to you that the people who will teach you have been involved in their profession through their association in professional activities and leadership, demonstrating their commitment to your future and the future of the massage therapy profession.

As a consumer, how can you make an informed decision? We recommend that you begin by obtaining a list of “Approved Schools” from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Massage Therapy Licensing Program. You can obtain this information by visiting the DSHS Massage Program’s website . You can also use a browser such as Google for an internet search of “massage schools Houston” or even check with www.yellowpages.com for the listings of Houston area massage schools.

Once you have developed your list of interesting massage schools, we urge you to take the time to visit the schools you are considering. Arrange to tour their facility, talk with the staff, and observe the quantity and quality of the equipment available for your education. Ask about teacher-student ratios, the instructor's teaching experience, and whether the practical skills instructors are currently practicing and recently successful (your definition of success) in their practice. Schools also have different philosophies about massage therapy - some reflecting very spiritual concepts, some very esthetically/spa oriented, and others with a very clinical and
healthcare oriented.

In every case, it is best to choose a school more aligned with your personal attitudes about massage therapy.

One of the more important issues which will impact learning a new skill is the amount of hours spent each week in the classroom, and specifically how many continuous hours are spent in a single subject area. Many studies show a dramatic decline in student’s attention and retention after only 1-1/2 hours in a single subject area, especially in those subjects introducing new or unfamiliar concepts. Many schools offer intensive or fast-track programs which require sixteen or more hours per week in class, exceeding what is a normal college class-hour schedule, and many schools also offer three hours or more in a single subject class period. For many students, anatomy, physiology, hydrotherapy, and even business operation and marketing skills are new concepts and require more study time than normal. You should be realistic about your ability to learn in a fast-paced environment.

On the issue of cost, ask what all is included in a school’s fees. How many and what type of books, the clothing and linen requirements, what school supplies are needed, liability insurance requirements, and the charge for any make-up classes you might need if you get sick or your life gets a little crazy. Be sure to check on how long internship takes to complete and what you might be required to do in order to obtain internship clients. One of the best things you can do is to talk to practicing therapists, ask them what they think about the schools you are considering, and especially about any of the teachers.

Being an informed consumer can make a significant difference in the kind, quality, and extent of the education you obtain. It can also make the difference in attaining the level of success you desire.