If you want to become a massage therapist, you have to attend a training program so you can apply for a license. But, before you take the leap and enroll in your dream school, how sure are you that everything will be worth it? Studying can be challenging, let alone running a fruitful spa business. Do you have the grit required for success?
Healing people with your hands is a wonderful job, but it isn’t for everyone. To help you decide on your future, below are some things to think about when considering the best massage therapy school in Pompano Beach, FL.
Cost of Education
Finishing a course in massage therapy isn’t cheap. But, there are affordable schools and institutions that can lend you money to help pay for your tuition. Also, there are grants and scholarships to support students that can cover part of the tuition or all of it. These are gift-based financial assistance programs, so you don’t have to pay anyone back. However, grants compel you to serve a bond, which means you have to work for a particular employer after you graduate, for a certain period. Meanwhile, scholarships just require you to finish the selected courses with passing marks.
Time Management
Not all people who wish to attend massage therapy schools are fresh graduates from high school or individuals who have a General Education Diploma. Most prospective students are already leading different lives but still want additional knowledge or a change in career.
Fortunately, many institutions offer massage therapy training programs that allow you to study with little impact to your existing lifestyle. They can make reasonable adjustments for ongoing commitments like businesses, current jobs, or family. Some schools even provide housing options for those who live far away and don’t want the hassle of traveling for hours to get to the campus.
Physical Demands
If there’s one thing prospective students often fail to anticipate, it’s the physical demands of massage therapy. Classes can last anywhere from 5-8 hours, and most of the time, you have to stand to use your weight in applying pressure on different parts of the body. Also, the act of pressing, tapping, and kneading is very taxing on the arms and hands, particularly on your joints. For these reasons, the burn-out rate in the industry is quite high.
But, there’s a secret to overcoming this challenge: good body mechanics. It allows you to work smarter, not harder. Using the right stance, posture, and strokes reduces the pressure on your joints, keeping your hands, fingers, and wrists relaxed. Working at the proper table height also prevents you from bending too much and straining your lower back.
If you’re passionate enough to overcome the challenges of studying your craft, getting into a massage therapy school is worth it. It requires perseverance and hard work, but it’ll be a dream come true once you graduate from your course.
Get in touch with the Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy & Skin Care School if you’ve decided to study professional massage therapy in Pompano Beach, FL. They offer different courses and various specializations to help you with your career.