Do massage therapy colleges teach the actual hands on massage techniques?

Question

I looked at a degree for my college that I am planning to attend for arts. I have decided to do massage therapy then go back for arts. But the classes required for the degree do not seem like they would teach any hands on massage maneuvers (it is a community college). I think I might have to look for a different school. I live in Minnesota I can not find the regulations for class hours or if it even is regulated in this state but I am going to look for them again.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Check out ABMP.com and AMTA.org for information on massage and massage schools. These are the two trade associations in the US. A good program will usually be at least 500 hours and most states that do license require at least 500 hours of training (good to think about if you ever want to move). Some schools offer a certificate others an associates degree, if you are planning to continue your studies and pursue a degree in art it might be nice to get an associates and get some of your core classes out of the way at a community college.

Any Massage school should include hands on training, you will usually trade with your classmates, have a required number of outside massages you give to your friends and family and a clinic where you work on the public. You should also ask if you will be trained to give a whole body massage. Some schools (particularly those part of the state system) may not train in massage for the gluteals (buttocks), chest, breasts or muscle attachment sites near the genitals.

You should also find out what modalities you can be trained in and whether you will be able to get certified in them. Reflexology, hot stone, and prenatal are some very popular spa services and training can be expensive if you have to pick it up outside of school.

I would suggest scheduling a couple of massages and asking the therapists what school they went to and what they thought of their training. Ask at spa's which schools they respect and schedule an interview with the program coordinator to get your questions answered. A little work and dilgence now will help you get a better idea of where to go and what to do.

Also MN is not regulated at this time:http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php

Source(s):

ABMP.com, AMTA.org, http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php, Licensed massage therapist

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Asker's Comment:

Thanks for the input. I am a little timid with the idea of getting a massage cause of my skin but I guess I will have to try it.

Answer 2

I would talk to someone who works as a massage therapist and ask them where they went to school if they would recommend it, etc. Maybe just call a massage place, ask if they have a minute to ask an off the wall question and where the massage therapist learned. I bought some videos online and also read a lot of books and I learned how to give good massages but decided it wasn't for me after that.

And yes I've heard that you practice the techniques on the other students and then you have to give the teacher or someone a massage at the end of the semester as a final exam.

Answer 3

I don't believe Minnesota has any state laws regulating Massage Therapy. This doesn't mean that anyone can just start massaging. This just means that the state doesn't dictate the requirements in order to work. Although most massage establishments will have their own requirements.

You'll want to find a reputable school that teaches the basics of massage therapy such as business, ethics, pathology, anatomy and physiology. they will also teach you a varitey of techniques which you should get tons of practice time on each other and and most schools offer a student clinic where you will eventually work out of providing massages to the paying public. this will be key in your success as you will encounter a variety of people and learn to perfect you skills here. try visiting www.massagetherapy.com for a list of schools near you. when you see a few, go in for a visit and talk to them, maybe even get a massage to see if it's something you can see yourself doing. national average is about 500 hours so make sure that the school's program is at least that.

best of luck and i hope this helps!

Source(s):

Certified Massage Therapist