Your choice of massage therapy colleges should be influenced by the following factors: your location, your personal philosophy, and whether you would be able to study full time or only part time. If you are based in the US you will need to find out what your state requirements are before commencing study. If you hope to practice internationally, the massage therapy colleges you consider should be internationally accredited.
The requirements placed on massage therapists differ greatly from one country to the next. In the US, for example, there are different requirements based on the state you wish to practice in. The US Department of Education maintains a list of all accredited schools, and if you would like to work abroad, you should choose one of the massage therapy colleges that are accredited by an international examination council, such as the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). ITEC operates in over 38 countries and offers both theoretical and practical assessment.
Next, consider whether you would like to learn massage therapy from a relaxation perspective, a medical perspective or from an eastern approach. Massage therapy colleges teach different techniques and philosophies, so finding a college that matches your approach is vital. If you are interested in eastern philosophy it is recommended that you attend a college that offers training in Shiatsu, Reiki, or Thai massage. If you prefer a medical or science-based approach check the curriculum for massage techniques such as neuromuscular therapy, and sports massage.
The length of study should also be considered. Some massage therapy colleges offer full time programs that can take two years or more to complete, but there is also the option of taking a certificate course which can be completed in a much shorter time frame. Modular or part time studies are offered by some colleges for students who cannot study full time.
Once you have narrowed down your list of colleges, it is time to visit the colleges in person. A visit to the college will give you an idea of what to expect. Asking if you can sit in on a class is another good way to determine if you'll be comfortable studying there.
Other considerations include class sizes, the experience level of the instructors and whether hands-on training is offered. Some massage therapy colleges offer placement programs to ease graduates into a working environment, and it may be wise to enquire about financial assistance and if the college you have in mind offers this to students who need it.
