Choosing a massage school may be the most important step you take on your journey to become a massage therapist. It is imperative that you find a good quality program that matches with your philosophy and approach to massage. The first step you can take is to find what massage schools are in your area. The next thing you can do is determine what type of accreditation the schools have. The U.S. Department of Education offers a search for accredited schools under any of their approved agencies such as Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. You can also see if the school is on a Continuing Education provider list with a national organization such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork where all the courses must meet high standards.

The next aspect you should examine is the techniques and philosophy the massage school teaches. Some schools teach from a relaxation and spa-oriented perspective while others may teach from a more anatomical and physiological approach, and still others may incorporate techniques from an Eastern tradition including shiatsu, yoga, and Reiki. You may want to find a school that offers a sampling of many approaches so that you are trained with a well-rounded education in massage. Some schools also offer practical help for being in business on your own. If you plan to hang out your own shingle, then you may want to attend a school that provides information on how to market yourself and maintain a business.

Once you have narrowed down your possibilities for massage schools, you should check them out in person. Ask for a tour and see if you can sit in on a class. Some schools offer career days so prospective students can see the school and ask questions. Another excellent way to evaluate the school is to sign up for one of the student massages that most schools offer. Not only will you get to see the quality of the instruction first-hand, but you will also get a massage. While investigating your possibilities, ask plenty of questions. Ask questions such about the class size, the experience levels of the instructors, if you receive hands-on training, and how many of the graduates receive national certification. Find out the number of graduates who are employed as massage therapists. Talking to graduates is also a great way to get a feel for the quality of the education. Additionally, find out about the reputation of the school.

Other aspects about a massage school that you may want to consider include such things as whether they offer part-time studies or if it is only a full-time program, if the location is convenient for you, and student-teacher ratios. Another important factor may be the cost of the school and whether or not they offer financial aid. Some schools have payment plans, scholarships, and loans available to their students to make paying the tuition possible. Be sure to consider if the school will help you after graduation. Some massage schools offer placement services to help their students find employment after graduation.