2.21.2012

Massage Therapy School Curriculum

The massage therapy school curriculum varies from one school to the next and from one state to the next. Only 38 states require that massage therapists are licensed, but most massage therapists still get formal training even when they are not required to carry a license in their state, because it would be ethically irresponsible to work as a massage therapist without training. Even though the coursework varies somewhat, there are a few aspects of the massage therapy school curriculum that all students can expect to see when they complete their formal training.

The massage therapy school curriculum varies from one school to the next and from one state to the next. Only 38 states require that massage therapists are licensed, but most massage therapists still get formal training even when they are not required to carry a license in their state, because it would be ethically irresponsible to work as a massage therapist without training. Even though the coursework varies somewhat, there are a few aspects of the massage therapy school curriculum that all students can expect to see when they complete their formal training.

There are as many as 150 styles of massage according to some experts; others might classify the styles into as few as 80 categories. The massage therapy school curriculum for a particular institution might focus more on certain styles of massage, but all types of massage deal with the treatment of soft tissues like the muscles, ligaments and tendons. During the course of the curriculum, students will learn the proper application of pressure on these tissues through kneading, strokes and tapping movements using fingers, palms, elbows and even feet. Massage therapists also learn how to differ the treatment based on the specific needs of the patient and the type of pain they are in.

It is usually necessary to complete the massage therapy school curriculum before practicing in this field, and in states where licensing is required the students must also pass an exam in order to obtain their license before setting up shop or beginning employment through an agency. Massage therapy patients often suffer from serious ailments for which he or she is seeking relief or cure, so massage therapists must be able to identify the correct techniques based on their issues. Oriental massage styles in particular require very specific training.

Massage therapy school curriculum should only be taken at an accredited institution, medical school or private therapist. There is also number of massage courses available online. In addition to coursework, massage therapists must also complete a certain number of practice hours to become certified in most states. Once the coursework and licensing requirements are completed, the road to a successful and rewarding career can begin.

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