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 examining the large number of therapeutic massage schools available. Like any great career change, certain information must be weighed before you change your life. A regular sized city will have at least 5 or more massage schools in the area. Research has shown that one massage school can be quite unique from the next. Thus, your first great decision should be which school to attend. Hopefully, the following questions will help you move in the right direction.
Question 1: How am I going to pay for it? When you compare the cost of becoming a licensed massage therapist with 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 available to put forth in an education. So therefore , financial aid or payment plans are important considerations. Consider this: 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.
Question 2: Can therapeutic massage school hours work with the rest of my commitments? Just about all therapy schools are aware that the educatees who are attending their program have other things to do as well. Many students have to hold down jobs while attending school, while others have children at home. If you are one of the many people with obligations outside of the classroom, don't dispair. Most schools offer a variety of schedules to choose from.
Question 3: Will it be very expensive? Massage school tuition can vary anywhere from $6.00 to $17.00 per hr of training! The average generally falls around $9.00 or $10.00 per credit hour. Some schools include the cost of what you need. Figure out what is included verses what you are called upon to acquire before you commit.
Question 4: How long will it take from start to finish? Massage therapy schools have a broad variety when it comes to the time it takes to graduate. Schools can vary anywhere from 6 - 15 months, or longer. Keeping that data in mind, you have to ask yourself two important questions in regards to how long you put forth in your education. 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 had better also weigh how much money you might lose if you are learning rather than working.
Question 5: Where is the location of the 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 choices you can allow yourself to make. I hope that these words of advice will be beneficial for you as you set out on your adventure into a wonderful profession.
