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what school did you attend and how many hours was program?
I'm currently still researching schools and I have a few in mind now that are in various states mostly out west and in NW. It's tough to really find feedback on different schools so I thought it might be an interesting thread to know where people attended schools, how long their program was and what they thought the strengths (and weaknesses if you care to share) were of the program. Would you change anything if you were to do it all over again? ie. more hours, different type of program, different state etc.
I loved the thread about what everyone did before massage and I really think this could be an interesting thread for those of us finding the forum who have yet to commit to schools.
Thanks!!!
I loved the thread about what everyone did before massage and I really think this could be an interesting thread for those of us finding the forum who have yet to commit to schools.
Thanks!!!
Views: 238
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jodi Riddle on
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So, here's my two cents worth and yes, I'm biased...lol. Utah College of Massage Therapy (UCMT) Their name might be different now; they were bought out a few years ago. When I went to school 13 yrs ago... it was THE school to go to. (REMEMBER: this is just my opinion.) I was hired over the phone several times due to the fact that I attended that school. The key thing I looked for in school was the credentials and/ or accreditation. It paid off! At the time it was only a 6 month program. I know that it's longer now but well worth it. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
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Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on
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I attended Pensacola School of Massage Therapy and Health Careers in Pensacola, FL. It is an 8 month program M-F 9-1 PM or 5:30 - 9:30 PM 640 hours also accredited. Cost for me at the time was $4800 now it is close to $10000.00. Why because they can. Way too much if you ask me. I went there as it was suggested by a therapist who ended up mentoring me through school and beyond.
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Permalink Reply by laura z on
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Darcy Neibaur said:
One of teh schools I'm considering is the Boulder College of Massage and it's almost 17,000 for the 1000 hour program by teh time you factor in books, table etc...as compared to a 525 hour program in Port Townsend for 8000. It's kind of crazy, I didn't even spend 17,000 in my first three years of college!Cost for me at the time was $4800 now it is close to $10000.00. Why because they can. Way too much if you ask me.
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Permalink Reply by Kim Goral on
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One of my best friends went to BCMT after completing the 720 hour program where we met. She LOVED it and is certified in just about everything! She got an associate's degree, and for that I think 17k is worth it. Our 720 hour program (Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester MA, which we both loved) was about 14k. Well worth every penny. I beat out 20-something other applicants at my first job because of where I went to school- it has an outstanding reputation. She went on to BCMT because she wanted to learn more about medical massage, pre/post-natal massage, etc which we didn't cover as much in our initial training.
laura z said:Darcy Neibaur said:
One of teh schools I'm considering is the Boulder College of Massage and it's almost 17,000 for the 1000 hour program by teh time you factor in books, table etc...as compared to a 525 hour program in Port Townsend for 8000. It's kind of crazy, I didn't even spend 17,000 in my first three years of college!Cost for me at the time was $4800 now it is close to $10000.00. Why because they can. Way too much if you ask me.
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Thanks Kim! what is the best resource for finding the top schools - that has been a big challenge. I know BCMT is excellent and don't really bemoan the cost for the quality, but sometimes it's hard to know if the school really is a good school or if it's on a hard sell. So far my choices are Oregon School of Massage, East West College in Portland, BCMT, Port Townsend Massage School in Seattle - but I'm open to hearing what else is out there that has a great reputation. And, although I really don't want to move back to the NE, I love hearing what schools are up there that have outstanding programs :)
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I found this website article. Maybe it will give you some insight. http://www.massage-marketing-solutions.com/massage-therapy-schools....
laura z said:Thanks Kim! what is the best resource for finding the top schools - that has been a big challenge. I know BCMT is excellent and don't really bemoan the cost for the quality, but sometimes it's hard to know if the school really is a good school or if it's on a hard sell. So far my choices are Oregon School of Massage, East West College in Portland, BCMT, Port Townsend Massage School in Seattle - but I'm open to hearing what else is out there that has a great reputation. And, although I really don't want to move back to the NE, I love hearing what schools are up there that have outstanding programs :)
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Laura, if you're interested I'd be happy to put you in touch with my friend who went to BCMT so you can talk to someone who's actually completed the program. I'm sure she'd be happy to answer any questions you have about it. Just let me know! :)
laura z said:Thanks Kim! what is the best resource for finding the top schools - that has been a big challenge. I know BCMT is excellent and don't really bemoan the cost for the quality, but sometimes it's hard to know if the school really is a good school or if it's on a hard sell. So far my choices are Oregon School of Massage, East West College in Portland, BCMT, Port Townsend Massage School in Seattle - but I'm open to hearing what else is out there that has a great reputation. And, although I really don't want to move back to the NE, I love hearing what schools are up there that have outstanding programs :)
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Permalink Reply by Gloria Coppola on
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Laura
The school I attended almost 25 years ago was in NJ . At the time there was no politics involved in governing massage programs etc. The owners/teachers of the school had passion and commitment. They loved what they did and they approached the training as a healing profession and not a way to make a lot of money fast. Unfortunately, they just went out of business this year because of all the 6 month trainings popping up everywhere. Sadly.
I have also taught in many schools across the US and helped re-write curriculum for several schools. I also owned a massage school for 12 years and assisted two openings in Hawaii and now in No. Carolina.
Here's what I would say and feel:
Personally, I don't like the 6 month programs. Too much is crammed in a short period of time. Students express being overwhelmed and they don't feel as confident as those that I have witnessed taking longer trainings. You don't have enough time to fine tune your skills.
Also, if they provide a clinic setting, I would prefer to see the teacher "observing" and assisting. Many schools have students practicing on the public and the room/doors are closed. It is even a better idea if you are also required to work on some professional massage therapists who will provide better feedback for you.
The other thing I have seen in schools is the lack of experience from the instructors. This is more important to me than the content. You can have an awesome curriculum, but if you don't have instructors who know how to teach and inspire it is worth nothing.
When looking for a school ask questions. A school may be in existence for years, but are the students happy and successful. Are the instructors motivational. Talk to students if you can. Find out what their philosophy is about massage?
I might also add: Where do you see yourself practicing? This is important in order to choose the correct school. So many schools don't provide enough training in any modality. You come out unprepared to get a job. Two years ago I was speaking to a woman who trained spa employees. She told me she can't find a qualified therapist right out of school. She needed to spend 3 months re-training every person that ever applied.
Very Important: Do they train you to be successful? Some schools go over making a business card and brochure and that is about it. Find a school that really teaches you about the service industry, how to create and understand a business plan (even if you don't plan on opening your own). This is crucial.
Do you go with a school that has been in existence for a long time or a new school? Again, this depends on what you are seeking.
For example, the curriculum I just wrote for a new school in an area where there are several other schools offers something different than the others. Just because it is new does not mean it won't be outstanding. I also know that the instructors go through a rigorous interview process and I know many schools don't even have instructors perform a formal presentation to see if they really can conduct and manage a classroom.
I also hear people say to look for the credentials. Well, that may be good and may mean nothing.
Why? Well, most states require you to submit all your curriculum etc for a board approval. They wouldn't approve it, if it didn't fit the criteria. While having a COMTA approval is impressive perhaps for some, it does not mean another school without that isn't good. I personally worked at a couple of COMTA approved schools. One of them was interested and committed to raising the standards for their students and hired me to teach and eventually to improve curriculum and evaluate instructors. The other, hired me sight un seen, without an interview, threw me in a class (on a topic I never taught before) and no one in administration ever knew anything about my teaching skills. I said you must be desperate, they said 'yes, our instructor is leaving, like yesterday. I agreed to substitute until they found another instructor.
The school I went to 25 years ago was better than most schools out there today. My school also did not have COMTA approval (because the expense is huge $$$) and I still have people calling me to this day, asking me to come back to that state and open a school again. Why? Because they say "the students coming out of these tech schools are awful. They don't even know how to give a massage or know anything about healing".
Use your intuition as well. Does it feel right for you? Does it offer everything you are seeking? Do they teach you how to take care of yourself to avoid burnout?
I have been amazed at the pricing of schools lately. WOW! On the low end of about $5000 to $25,000 for a 6 month program. $25,000!!! That is absurd!
A 1,000 hour program would be fabulous !
Often students hear about a program from a former student who was pleased! That is a great resource when available.
Good Luck and Much Success!
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Permalink Reply by Lisa on
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i agree with everything Rick has said. My school was CCMT (Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy) and was 720 hours. i felt the school was great and what/how they taught us was perfect. The only thing I was ever dissatisfied with was the business side of operations.
We learned Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, a little Energy, a little chair and a few classes on personal development, professional development and business.
One thing I think made my education top was the business stuff. So many schools that are under 720 hours don't have an indepth business class (if at all). You can have all the skills taught in the world, but if you don't know how to market yourself, you're still gonna struggle outside of school. So keep that in mind.
Rick Britton said:I have looked at a whole bunch of US massage schools to see what they teach and I am astounded at the amount of modalities that are claimed to be taught in a 700-1000 hour program. I have even seem some therapists listing a dozen or modalities when they have only recently become licensed (to be clear I am in the UK). My own first training was over 1200 hours and pretty much covered only Swedish, Sports and Deep Tissue.. and I think I needed all that focussed training to get good. We had 250+ hours of supervised clinic time mainly seeing sports injuries. So I don't see how any useful training program can include Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, Lomi Lomi, Myofascial release, Amma, Ayurvedic, Shiatsu etc etc that I have seen advertised... surely you are only getting a taster of each? My advice would be to find a school that teaches you to do a couple of modalities really well.
I would say it takes time to really master the feel for tissue and this is key to becoming skilled. So I would look for a school that emphasises palpation skills, determining the different types and conditions of tissues by touch and that teaches more about the healing effects of touch therapies. Get those basics, and some excellent A&P teaching, and you will be well on your way to becoming an excellent therapist.
From there you will want to take further courses in the methods, modalities and approaches that seem to be appropriate. With that in mind, think about the type of work you wish to end up doing and then find a program that will lead you there.
ps Apologies if this post offends anyone - as I say I am only commenting from my perspective from outside the USA.. so peace ok
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Lisa, when did you go to school there? my friend Corey Tucker graduated from that school back around 1997...
Lisa said:i agree with everything Rick has said. My school was CCMT (Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy) and was 720 hours. i felt the school was great and what/how they taught us was perfect. The only thing I was ever dissatisfied with was the business side of operations.
We learned Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, a little Energy, a little chair and a few classes on personal development, professional development and business.
One thing I think made my education top was the business stuff. So many schools that are under 720 hours don't have an indepth business class (if at all). You can have all the skills taught in the world, but if you don't know how to market yourself, you're still gonna struggle outside of school. So keep that in mind.
Rick Britton said:I have looked at a whole bunch of US massage schools to see what they teach and I am astounded at the amount of modalities that are claimed to be taught in a 700-1000 hour program. I have even seem some therapists listing a dozen or modalities when they have only recently become licensed (to be clear I am in the UK). My own first training was over 1200 hours and pretty much covered only Swedish, Sports and Deep Tissue.. and I think I needed all that focussed training to get good. We had 250+ hours of supervised clinic time mainly seeing sports injuries. So I don't see how any useful training program can include Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, Lomi Lomi, Myofascial release, Amma, Ayurvedic, Shiatsu etc etc that I have seen advertised... surely you are only getting a taster of each? My advice would be to find a school that teaches you to do a couple of modalities really well.
I would say it takes time to really master the feel for tissue and this is key to becoming skilled. So I would look for a school that emphasises palpation skills, determining the different types and conditions of tissues by touch and that teaches more about the healing effects of touch therapies. Get those basics, and some excellent A&P teaching, and you will be well on your way to becoming an excellent therapist.
From there you will want to take further courses in the methods, modalities and approaches that seem to be appropriate. With that in mind, think about the type of work you wish to end up doing and then find a program that will lead you there.
ps Apologies if this post offends anyone - as I say I am only commenting from my perspective from outside the USA.. so peace ok
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i graduated in 2007.
laura z said:Lisa, when did you go to school there? my friend Corey Tucker graduated from that school back around 1997...
Lisa said:i agree with everything Rick has said. My school was CCMT (Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy) and was 720 hours. i felt the school was great and what/how they taught us was perfect. The only thing I was ever dissatisfied with was the business side of operations.
We learned Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, a little Energy, a little chair and a few classes on personal development, professional development and business.
One thing I think made my education top was the business stuff. So many schools that are under 720 hours don't have an indepth business class (if at all). You can have all the skills taught in the world, but if you don't know how to market yourself, you're still gonna struggle outside of school. So keep that in mind.
Rick Britton said:I have looked at a whole bunch of US massage schools to see what they teach and I am astounded at the amount of modalities that are claimed to be taught in a 700-1000 hour program. I have even seem some therapists listing a dozen or modalities when they have only recently become licensed (to be clear I am in the UK). My own first training was over 1200 hours and pretty much covered only Swedish, Sports and Deep Tissue.. and I think I needed all that focussed training to get good. We had 250+ hours of supervised clinic time mainly seeing sports injuries. So I don't see how any useful training program can include Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, Lomi Lomi, Myofascial release, Amma, Ayurvedic, Shiatsu etc etc that I have seen advertised... surely you are only getting a taster of each? My advice would be to find a school that teaches you to do a couple of modalities really well.
I would say it takes time to really master the feel for tissue and this is key to becoming skilled. So I would look for a school that emphasises palpation skills, determining the different types and conditions of tissues by touch and that teaches more about the healing effects of touch therapies. Get those basics, and some excellent A&P teaching, and you will be well on your way to becoming an excellent therapist.
From there you will want to take further courses in the methods, modalities and approaches that seem to be appropriate. With that in mind, think about the type of work you wish to end up doing and then find a program that will lead you there.
ps Apologies if this post offends anyone - as I say I am only commenting from my perspective from outside the USA.. so peace ok
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Permalink Reply by Kelly Lindsay on
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Kudos to that Rick! I attended the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado, located in Denver. Best choice I ever made. 1000 hour program and we covered swedish deep tissue and neuromuscular in the first year. I couldn't imagine learning another 321 modalities badly on top of that!
Rick Britton said:I have looked at a whole bunch of US massage schools to see what they teach and I am astounded at the amount of modalities that are claimed to be taught in a 700-1000 hour program. I have even seem some therapists listing a dozen or modalities when they have only recently become licensed (to be clear I am in the UK). My own first training was over 1200 hours and pretty much covered only Swedish, Sports and Deep Tissue.. and I think I needed all that focussed training to get good. We had 250+ hours of supervised clinic time mainly seeing sports injuries. So I don't see how any useful training program can include Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, Lomi Lomi, Myofascial release, Amma, Ayurvedic, Shiatsu etc etc that I have seen advertised... surely you are only getting a taster of each? My advice would be to find a school that teaches you to do a couple of modalities really well.
I would say it takes time to really master the feel for tissue and this is key to becoming skilled. So I would look for a school that emphasises palpation skills, determining the different types and conditions of tissues by touch and that teaches more about the healing effects of touch therapies. Get those basics, and some excellent A&P teaching, and you will be well on your way to becoming an excellent therapist.
From there you will want to take further courses in the methods, modalities and approaches that seem to be appropriate. With that in mind, think about the type of work you wish to end up doing and then find a program that will lead you there.
ps Apologies if this post offends anyone - as I say I am only commenting from my perspective from outside the USA.. so peace ok
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