Massage Therapist Course

General Course Overview

Courses in massage therapy are designed to teach students the history, techniques, and communication skills that the job requires.  Of course, each program is designed differently, but students will learn how massage began and the theories behind natural healing techniques.  He/she will then learn different techniques and how to apply them in a professional setting.  Many programs also incorporate business courses such as entrepreneurship which shows how a massage therapy business can be started.  Communication courses will teach students how to connect with clients professionally and establish a comfort level prior to the massage.  After classroom work is completed, students will have a chance to practice what they have learned in hands-on training.  During training they will practice techniques on fellow students or volunteers under the supervision of an instructor.  

Hands-On Training

Training varies school to school, but generally, hands-on training gives students the opportunities to practice what they have learned in the classroom on clients with different issues.  Some schools will host training and allow volunteers from outside the program to participate under the supervision of an instructor.  Other programs will send students to a massage therapy establishment where they will work outside of the school as an intern.  It just depends on the program and it is important for the student to choose a school that fits his/her needs.  Before becoming a massage therapist, the student must complete a certain number of training hours and all classroom courses to practice