Be Wary of A Massage Schools’ Salary Claims

Massage schools are in the business of attracting new students. They’re selling themselves! Take it with a grain of salt if they say you’re going to earn good money a year right out of school. It’s not easy to get good jobs, even with the experience, and it can be highly seasonal work. Building your own practice takes time and isn’t realistic for the new grad. You’re better off believing what other massage therapists and spa doctors say about starting salaries in your area. Do your own research.

Ask Massage Schools about Their Philosophy

All massage schools teach you what you need to know to pass the state licensing exam. But ask about their philosophy and approach. Do they combine theory and practice from the beginning? How long have their teachers worked there? Do they have classes in Eastern modalities like Shiastu? What is their continuing education program?

Talk to The Massage School’s Graduates

Ask the massage schools for names and phone numbers of graduates. Call them to get a candid assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of that school. Ask about the job market, starting salaries and what it’s like in the real world.

Visit the Massage School

It’s also very important to make an on-site visit to the massage school. Do you like the atmosphere? Do the teachers impress you? Talk to students while you’re there and ask what they think (away from teachers or admissions counselors). Some schools have an open house or free workshops so you can get a free for massage therapy in general and the atmosphere at the school.

Call the Massage Schools

Once you narrow down your list, call the school for an initial phone interview. Massage schools have an admissions department that can answer your questions and send you an information packet. Ask staff about licensing requirements, the curriculum, how much it costs, full and part-time programs and financial aid.

Locate Massage Schools in the State you Want to Work

Look for massage schools in the state where you want to work. Each state has its own licensing practices and the massage schools can give you more information on the licensing requirements in your state.

Research the Realities of Being A Massage Therapist

This is a physically demanding career with a big burn-out rate. There is a bigger demand as spas for massage therapists but many massage therapists stop working after two years. Ask other massage therapists about the realities of the workplace – starting salaries, what they love and hate about being a massage therapist, and what makes a massage therapist successful in the long run.

Talk to People About Massage Schools

Talk to people you know who are in the spa business and ask them to recommend massage schools in your area. Massage therapists are especially helpful. Call the spa owners or directors at spas where you would like to work and ask which massage school they like to hire from. That will give you a good idea which massage schools have the best reputations.

Things You Have to Consider for Massage School

• Talk to People About Massage Schools
• Research the Realities of Being A Massage Therapist
• Locate Massage Schools in the State you Want to Work
• Call the Massage Schools
• Visit the Massage School
• Talk to the Massage School’s Graduates
• Ask Massage Schools about their Philosophy
•  Be Wary of A Massage School’s Salary Claims