Considerations When Choosing a Professional Massage Therapy School in Baltimore

Selecting the right massage school in Baltimore, can make all the difference in your career. While there are many great institutions to choose from, it’s hard to pick the one that best aligns with your learning goals. So, here are some factors to help you decide where to attend:

Accreditation

Accreditation is a quality assurance process that massage schools go through to determine if they meet the standards of excellence. It’s administered by private, non-government agencies that have their own service and operational requirements.

Accredited institutions provide quality programs approved on a national level. They’re also eligible to offer Title IV funding and help you get federal financial aid to pay for your schooling.

Here are some accrediting bodies that work with institutions to uphold the standards of massage schools:

1. Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)

2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

3. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Of all these non-profit groups, COMTA is the most focused on massage therapy. It’s been recognized by the Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency. So, if an institution is certified by this organization, its students are guaranteed to receive a top-notch education.

Curriculum

Different academies offer programs that vary in depth, focus, and length of teaching. Some are oriented toward a holistic approach to well-being, touching on subjects like anatomy, physiology, aromatherapy, and healthcare. Others only concentrate on the methods and techniques used in massage therapy, including Swedish, hot stone, and shiatsu. You may also see institutions that combine several courses to create a learning experience unique to their school.

Before choosing a massage school, determine what you want to learn about. Ask yourself if you wish to go for a broad focus or specialize in certain methods and techniques. Talking with the admissions representative can help you. And, get a copy of their brochure so you can research more about the programs they offer.

Career Services

A good institution aids students in finding internships and externships that let them develop their skills and techniques, build connections, and gain experience. Entry-level programs typically require 500 hours of training, while advanced ones expect you to complete 1,000 hours or more.

The best academies will also groom you to become a professional massage therapis. They’ll help you develop career skills that let you confidently write resumes, prepare for interviews, and negotiate your wages and benefits. You may be good at what you’re doing, but if you don’t have these proficiencies, you can’t get a head start.