Choosing massage therapy courses sounds simple enough until you actually start looking. A quick search on Google, even with the location included, brings up hundreds of options that include online certifications, diploma programmes, speciality add-ons, and weekend intensives.
Suddenly, what should have been a straightforward, effortless search makes you feel like you aren’t doing something right. And you sure aren’t, which is why these tips should come in handy.
1. Start With Licensing and Accreditation
The first filter you should apply is non-negotiable: make sure the program meets your state’s licensing requirements. That’s in consideration that each state has varying rules for hours, curriculum, and examinations.
Alternatively, you can make your work easier by taking renowned online massage therapy courses from a reputable education provider like RocketCert. In such a case, your search will be more focused on the best massage therapy course providers in your region, and then you can check whether they offer courses meant for cosmetology in your state.
Either way, checking whether a course is accredited by the board’s licensing board is important because it ensures your education meets recognised professional standards. Also, a course that’s recognised by the state makes licensing easier, since it qualifies you for the exam.
2. Pay Attention to the Curriculum Depth and Balance
The best pre-licensing and continuing education courses go beyond just teaching techniques. They go deeper and explain why those techniques work, and if you are serious about excelling in this field, you definitely want to understand this information. So, make sure you choose courses that cover deeper topics in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
In addition to this, there should be some information on ethics, hygiene, and client communication. Remember, these are elements you need to turn technical skill into professional practice. Where possible, choose a course that incorporates hands-on training, so you will understand how to apply what you have learned.
3. Consider the Career Focus
Massage therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all field, and so you must think about what you want to specialise in or focus on in your career. Such decisions are determined by your passion, skills, service demand, and other factors. Depending on these factors, you will typically find yourself focusing on one of the following areas: sports, prenatal, or deep tissue massage.
Also, try to find out whether the courses being offered have any electives or certifications that align with your career goals. Even when continuing your education, choosing a course that matches your intended niche ensures your skills remain relevant continually.
4. Check the Logistics, Flexibility, and Support
Before signing up for a course, you should understand that practical considerations can make or break your success. So, don’t take a course that you can’t realistically attend scheduled classes or in-person training sessions. The best way to determine if a course is a good fit is to evaluate your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.
A course that you can’t integrate seamlessly isn’t worth your time and effort, since it only makes it harder to achieve your education goals. Where possible, go for online courses since these are more flexible and easier to complete whenever you find the time.
5. Check Reviews and Trust Your Gut
Finally, don’t forget to check reviews from massage therapists who have taken the courses you are interested in. These reviews give you solid ideas of what to expect once you start taking your course, and are, in most cases, enough guidance on whether you need to take that course or not.
Also, make sure you listen to your gut. Even after getting views from others, you still want to evaluate whether a course is inspiring and supportive based on your situation and goals. So, don’t just go for a course that looks good on paper.
Take Your Career to the Next Level With RocketCert
So, now you know. Choosing the best massage therapy course requires a systematic approach. Take the time to evaluate the best courses so you can invest in your future as a competent, confident, and actively licensed professional.
But if you want to make your work easier, we can confidently recommend trying RocketCert’s courses. These courses are not only written but also fully narrated by experts, which means they not only have helpful information but are also easier and fun to complete.
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