Some people don't realize that licensed massage therapists are often well-educated individuals with massage therapy degrees from some of the best massage schools in North America. Sure, it is possible to enter this field of natural healing without a degree, but certified massage therapists with degrees in massage therapy are finding better positions and more rewarding careers in massage.
Many massage schools will offer good massage courses leading to professional certificates or diplomas. However, the typical massage therapy degree program can take from 500-800 hours to complete, and will include comprehensive and thorough training in the various massage therapies, as well as human anatomy, physiology, and much more. Education leading to a massage degree will begin in the classroom. Before any hands-on massage training begins, students will learn about the fascinating history, philosophy, and ethics of massage practices.
The path to obtaining massage therapy degrees usually requires the student to complete CPR and First Aid Certification and finish the massage course with a GPA of at least 2.0. In about two years, you can obtain an entry-level degree, such as an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Massage Therapy. Once you have completed your massage degree from one of the accredited massage therapy schools, you can take an exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB ) to become professionally certified to practice massage. Do keep in mind, the practice of massage is highly regulated in many areas, and other prerequisites for practicing massage may apply, such as licensure and continuing education.
Some massage students will opt to continue their massage education, often at a massage college or natural healing school to obtain a Bachelor degree or even a Master degree, which can take two to four more years of study. And, once you have achieved a massage therapy degree, you will be wise to update your massage education periodically to keep up with the latest advancements in the field. Many of the best massage schools will allow their graduates to audit massage continuing education classes at no charge.
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