We are going to talk about the best online schools for massage therapy in our guide today. We shall also provide you with a comprehensive list of online schools to obtain massage therapy certificate. To get started let us briefly consider what massage therapy entails.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Earning a massage therapy degree is the first step towards a career in this relaxing and satisfying field. If you like helping people, especially when they are having health issues, earning your massage therapy degree could be an ideal way to begin a truly fulfilling career. This profession is growing in popularity and presents many opportunities for advancement. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), massage therapists earn between $16 and $24 per hour on average, with additional earnings potential through tips. And because so many different types of people are interested in finding ways to reduce pain and stress, it’s easy to see why this industry is continuing its upward trend.
For many students, the path to a massage therapy career begins at a trade school or vocational college.
Many schools use a combination of lectures and hands-on learning in a student clinic or similar setting.
In the U.S., massage therapy is recognized as a licensed profession in all 50 states, though the requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Students who graduate from an approved program after completing all required coursework and meeting other applicable requirements may apply for licensure through their home state’s board of massage therapy or other appropriate agency.
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However, there are now a few colleges and universities that offer accredited massage therapy programs leading to bachelor’s degrees.
If you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in massage therapy, read on to learn more about these programs, what to expect and how to get started.
A bachelor’s degree program in massage therapy usually provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions in the field. Students can also expect to gain hands-on experience working with clients under the supervision of licensed instructors. Some programs may be designed for students who already hold an associate degree or certificate from another school but wish to expand their career opportunities by earning a bachelor’s degree.
Although a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary for licensure, most employers prefer candidates who have earned a four-year diploma or bachelor’s degree as opposed to those who only hold a 1-year certificate or 2-year associate diploma. Some employers may also require that candidates earn their license, which is dependent upon passing an exam given by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
There are five core areas of study in most massage therapy programs: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology and ethics.
- Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body.
- Physiology is the study of how the human body functions – from breathing to digestion, from immune system to central nervous system.
- Kinesiology is the science of movement, including how muscles and bones work together so you can do everything from walk to jump to kick a ball.
- Pathology studies diseases and how they affect the mind and body.
- Ethics refers to professional standards and behavior that are expected in your chosen field.
Massage therapists frequently choose to specialize in particular areas, such as sports medicine or geriatric massage.
Many massage therapists specialize in particular areas, such as sports medicine or geriatric massage.
When choosing a specialization, you should take into consideration your personal interests and the level of education required to become certified. While most specializations do not require additional degrees, some do. If a specialization requires more schooling, you should be sure that it is something you are willing to commit yourself to before you pursue it further.
Several organizations offer continuing education classes and certification exams for massage therapists. For example, the Board of Certification in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (BCTMB) offers several certifications including Neuromuscular Therapy Certification through the Myotherapy Institute College of Massage in Utah and Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Certification through the International Academy of Lymphology (IAL).
Licensed massage therapists can perform their services almost anywhere they want. Many massage therapists work in chiropractic offices and medical clinics, while others choose to open their own businesses.
If you study massage therapy in a technical school or college, you will likely choose one of the following specialties:
- Swedish massage: The most common type of massage therapy. Swedish massages focus on moving muscles in the direction of blood returning to the heart. This encourages relaxation and circulation. Massage therapists use various techniques including tapping, kneading and deep circular motions during this type of massage.
- Shiatsu: A Japanese form of bodywork, Shiatsu is an ancient finger pressure technique based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory that uses rhythmic compression along energy channels to correct imbalances and promote health within the whole body.
- Deep tissue: Deep tissue massages are similar to Swedish massages; the only difference is that they use deeper pressure applied to specific areas of tension or pain.
- Sports massage: These types of massages help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training for an event.
A good massage therapist has a thorough knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Massage therapy is a broad field that requires an understanding of both physical and psychological aspects of human health. Therefore, massage therapists must have a basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, including the effects of these on massage therapy treatments. A good massage therapist has a thorough knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
To treat clients effectively, it’s important to understand how the different systems in your body work together to maintain your health. In addition to knowing about muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues, you will learn about the nervous system (which includes the brain), blood vessels and circulation, lymphatic vessels and lymphatic system, bones and joints. Your classes will also cover other important areas such as nutrition.
Online Schools For Massage Therapy
The University of New Mexico offers a new online certificate program in massage theory and practice
The University of New Mexico offers a new online certificate program in massage theory and practice. This is the first professional-level, university-based massage therapy program to be offered completely online. Students can complete the 18-credit hour certificate in less than a year, and courses cover topics such as the history of massage therapy, massage anatomy and physiology, ethics for bodywork professionals, and a variety of hands-on techniques for different types of massage. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for enrollment. The cost per credit hour is $330.
Central Arizona College offers an accredited online certificate program for massage therapists
If you want to become a massage therapist, Central Arizona College offers an accredited online certificate program that covers everything you need to know. The program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, business fundamentals, and hands-on massage techniques. Courses are taught by experienced instructors and include hands-on training in the student’s local area.
Indiana University offers an online continuing education program in massage therapy
Indiana University is a highly ranked public university in the city of Bloomington. It’s a very large school and it’s ranked as the #1 school in Indiana and #76 in the United States.
California State University, Fresno has an online certificate program in massage therapy
CSU Fresno has an online certificate program in massage therapy. This is the only program of its kind, as all other universities with programs in this field require in-person attendance.
The curriculum at CSU Fresno is intensive: you will complete 12 courses over the course of your studies, covering everything from basic anatomy to deep tissue massage. And by completing a certificate program at CSU Fresno, you are earning a degree from a respected university that’s well known for its outstanding academic programs and research initiatives.
Penn Foster is a widely respected online school that offers an affordable certificate in massage therapy
Penn Foster is a widely respected online school that offers an affordable certificate in massage therapy. Penn Foster’s online programs are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which means that its massage therapy program has met strict standards for quality. Penn Foster offers an online certificate in massage therapy and an online associate degree in massage therapy. The curriculum for both programs includes courses on topics such as Swedish massages, hydrotherapy, anatomy, physiology and pathology; however, the associate degree program also requires general education courses such as English composition, public speaking and psychology. Students who complete Penn Foster’s massage therapy programs should be prepared to start careers as professional massage therapists.
Penn Foster’s online massage therapy program is self-paced and can be completed in as little as six months if students are able to devote themselves to their studies full time. However, students may take up to one year to complete the coursework if they need more time or have other commitments that prevent them from studying full time. The cost of this program varies depending on how quickly a student finishes it; those who finish their studies faster will pay less than $2,000 overall for tuition and supplies.
Online schools can be a convenient and cost-effective ways to earn a degree or certification in the field of your choice
Online schools have come a long way in the past decade, and many have become accredited by organizations like the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). This is not to say that these schools are necessarily better than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, but at least they’re guaranteed to offer their students a degree or certificate from an accredited institution.
The biggest advantages of online programs are flexibility and cost. You can do what’s most convenient for you, whether it’s working at home or commuting to class, as you can with many programs that are based out of nearby campuses. If you decide to get your credentials elsewhere, maybe because you want a more traditional classroom experience, you may be able to transfer your credits back to an online school. Online classes can also save you money if they’re cheaper than attending a nearby university or college—but keep in mind that some online schools offer only part-time schedules.
