Massage Therapy Education

Massage therapy education involves a formal course of study.  Generally speaking, one cannot become a professional massage therapist without special training in the art and practice of massage (see also, Massage Therapy Career). 

Individuals who wish to pursue a massage therapy career, typically attend special massage therapy schools. Entrance requirements for such schools vary considerably.  Most massage therapy schools require a high school diploma. In addition, some schools want prospective students to have some prior knowledge of the topics which make up the curriculum for massage therapy education (see below).   Other massage therapy schools have no such course-related requirements but do require a pre-enrollment interview to assess various personal qualities, along with basic communication skills.   (See also our Articles Pages for more information on massage therapy school information.)

Massage Therapy Course of Study

Massage Therapy schools generally require students to study a range of courses dealing with the structure and function of the body.  Although the a massage therapy course of study will vary somewhat from school to school, most require students to study the following:

• Anatomy - the structure of the body, both its internal and external structures, and how the structures of the body are related to one another.

• Physiology - the biological and mechanical functions of the various body parts and systems.

• Kinesiology - the motions and movements of the body and its parts.

• Nutritional Considerations - overview of nutritional factors and how they interact with lifestyle to enhance or retard healing.

• History and theory of massage - the origins of massage therapy and current theories on how it works.

• Massage Techniques - various massage therapy courses on the actual techniques of massage therapy; how to perform specific types of massage. Includes hands on practice and feedback.

• Massage Therapy Ethics - principles and procedures to maintain an ethical practice.

• Business Considerations -  information and guidance to help the individual understand business practices as they apply to a massage therapy.

Massage therapy is being integrated into more and more traditional healthcare settings. This is due in part to the training requirements for massage therapists, as well as the proven effectiveness of the therapy they provide.

Note: You may wish to read Peter Faber's article: What to Look for in a Massage Therapy School for questions to ask your self when you evaluate potential schools.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12