Many people are turning to massage therapy as a natural way of dealing with pain and stress rather than using harsh medications. Those who pursue advanced knowledge in massage can open their private practices.

A vocational school offers invaluable hands-on practical experience through a student clinic and externship program. In addition to learning anatomy and physiology, students will gain valuable client skills in the clinic.

You’ll Be More Confident

A good massage therapist needs to be confident in their abilities. Attending a massage course & training program allows students to gain confidence in their work, practice, and skills. Many schools offer massage therapy externships or on-site clinics in spa settings that help students feel confident and prepared for their future careers. Additionally, massage school often includes exam preparation resources and study habits that prepare students for state licensure exams. The key to having a positive experience in massage school is to optimize studying and minimize stress. This includes getting adequate sleep, eating healthy foods, and ensuring personal needs are met (i.e., exercising, socializing, meditation, and whatever else fills you up). You can’t give what you don’t have. The more you care for yourself, the better you can give to your clients.

You’ll Learn More

The instructors at vocational schools are experienced professionals who have seen the industry evolve and can provide thorough instruction on delivering quality massage techniques. This will help you build a clientele and excel in the field. The program offers a flexible schedule to maintain your career, family, and other obligations while attending school. The program includes both online theory classes and in-person classroom instruction, hands-on massage labs, and supervised clinical externships at local spas and wellness centers. The program also teaches you the basics of anatomy and physiology. A strong foundation of these fundamentals will allow you to effectively identify the root causes of a client’s pain and provide effective treatment. You will also learn massage contraindications and charting, as well as the primary business practices for a massage therapist.

You’ll Be More Prepared

In a massage program, you will learn more than just how to do bodywork. You will also learn anatomy and physiology. This is important to understand because this is what helps you to know where the pain is coming from. It is also what makes the difference between good and excellent massage work. A thorough knowledge of medical terminology will also help you to communicate with clients about their pain or injury. Many programs include this in their curriculum. If you are worried about having the time to enroll in a full-time program, look for a school that offers hybrid options so that you can continue to work and have family responsibilities while you attend class. Ensure the program includes hands-on clinical experience with real clients at a local spa/massage clinic via student externships.

You’ll Have More Experience

In addition to classroom learning, massage school offers students a wealth of experience in the form of supervised clinical externships. This is essential for turning knowledge into proven skills that can be used on clients. There is a lot to learn, and it can be overwhelming at times. Throughout the program, be mindful of your study style and utilize resources that help you retain the information (coloring books, self-sketching, etc.). You will learn new things about the human body and how it works; it may challenge your current beliefs or philosophies. Stay open to these experiences and take what resonates with you while releasing the rest. This includes learning to listen to your breath, as tense muscles and nervous body language can transfer to the client during treatment.

You’ll Have More Networking Opportunities

A career as a massage therapist can be gratifying. Not only is it a fun and uplifting job, but it also pays well. Many people choose to open their private practice once they’ve mastered the art of massage. Vocational schools typically have classes in business and success techniques that will prepare students to manage their practice. Networking with fellow professionals is a great way to keep up with current trends in the industry. There are countless opportunities to attend workshops, certification courses, and conferences to help you build your skillset and expand your client base. It’s also a good idea to join professional associations and groups to make valuable contacts and stay on top of new research. They can also connect you with job opportunities.