A quality education can all but guarantee that you’ll be able to earn your massage therapy certification in Baltimore, MD. Of course, this doesn’t mean it won’t require quite a bit of effort on your part. Unfortunately, the advertised price tag of attending a massage school often doesn’t reflect the real expenses you’ll be facing. It’s worth considering the total cost before you agree to anything or dedicate yourself to becoming a massage therapist.
Standard Costs
Many of the expenses are straightforward. Room and board, credit hours, text books, or other educational costs are pretty obvious and established. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Obviously, if you choose to buy a massage table and practice on your friends, roommates, or relatives, that’s another added expense. Granted, something like that it perhaps optional. However, you should be aware that certain upfront costs are part of the process. Massage oils may not seem like a big deal at first, but even incidentals such as oils tend to add up over time.
Hidden Costs
This is what surprises most massage school students. Hidden expenses can seemingly come out of nowhere, and they can be quite substantial in some instances. For instance, if you use your credit card to cover tuition, the interest payments on your credit card tend to add up rapidly. This is an expense that isn’t listed in any brochure, but it’s something to keep in mind. By the end of your training, this could be an extra semester or more in added spending.
Your massage school may include other fees for perks or services offered. These fees might be charged at the gym, health center, for parking, or even for other student activities. Graduation fees could apply as well. Obviously, gas for travel, living in a dormitory, or meals on campus contribute additional costs. You may not think about these initially, but they can increase the price of massage school considerably.
Saving Money
The easiest way to save money on massage school is to go to a local program. This is an easy way to save money on gas, avoid needing to find a dorm, and you may be able to eat at home. Saving money on food, travel, and laundry services adds up significantly over time. Incidentals might not seem like much individually, but they accumulate more quickly than you may think.
When it comes to books or media, see if you can rent or buy used. New textbooks tend to be pretty costly. If your laptop is in good shape, you won’t need to purchase a new one. Don’t think that starting a new class means you have to have the latest electronics. Be sure to keep your student ID and take advantage of any student discounts. Even businesses nowhere near your campus could offer student discounts. It never hurts to ask!
Evaluation
When evaluating the cost of massage school, take all the above. Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons and attempt to be frugal with your money as well. Contact Cortiva Institute Massage Therapy & Skin Care School, the massage therapy institute Baltimore, MD., at (410) 636-7929, if you have any questions or would like to learn more.