Do your research

I often tell future students to do your research!!! This is important.

Talk to administrators, instructors and students, if you can.

Visit the property and make sure the school provides what you need.

Read the curriculum and ask who teaches it. What are their qualifications? How long have they been teaching?

Anyone can write a great curriculum, it's the presenters that make it work!

Pricing? It's relevant for your budget obviously, but don't put everything on the pricing. Look for the school that will provide the best education.

How many hours? The minimum 500. I feel more is better personally.

What are they teaching? 
Make sure the actual curriculum provides you with an education in massage. All the 'frills' don't necessarily train you and are merely introductions. Keep that in mind.

You want to come out of school prepared well, confident and marketable/employable.

New schools vs. established?
It depends again on what they are offering, how qualified their staff is, what it can provide you.

6 months or more?

A 6 month program will give you a basic foundation.  Be prepared to learn more when  you get out of school so you can offer a competitive edge and have tools to provide your clients with the services they request.

Most states that are licensed require schools to be governed under a board. These boards are required to view the course content, the property, instructor qualifications etc. These boards will then approve a school.

Other accreditation: There are several organizations that provide accreditation as well. Some schools may have it and some may not. Some organizations charge a huge amount of money and so smaller privately owned schools may not be in a position to afford those fees. It does not mean they aren't providing you a quality program. While some schools that do have this advantage, may not have the best program or instructors.   This is why it is important to do your research.

Why is there a difference in each state?  Massage is not currently regulated state wide. Each state sets their own parameters.  While there are governing boards working on establishing nationwide criteria this is not currently in effect.  A few states are not currently licensed as well.

 Where do you see yourself practicing? This is an important question.  If you see yourself in a particular setting requiring certain skills, make sure that your "basic foundation" can provide what you need to set you up.  Now, many of us have lots of ideas about our future practice and you must remember some of those styles/techniques might require future education.

You want a solid and well organized basic foundation.

Business Skills:  THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!  From my experience working across the US and Hawaii, most massage schools lack a good business training. Learning how to make a business card and brochure is not sufficient. You really need to understand the whole aspect of running a service oriented business and how to retain your clients with great customer service.  Ask the schools you are looking at what they include.

So many students graduate and email me and say they can't get their business going? They can't retain a job or clients?  Many do not realize it is crucial to know how to run a business "EVEN" if you work for someone.  Your clients will always be your "business".

Student Support: Does the school provide any student support? Is there a coordinator or assistant that can help you with questions, provide emotional support when things get overwhelming, lead you in the right direction, etc. 

Job Assistance: No one can guarantee you a job!  Some schools provide assistance services and others may have opportunities for you at facilities that request their graduates, others may be involved in owning places that can place their graduates.

This should get you started!
Have more questions - ask the professionals here!