Top Things to Know About Accredited Massage Therapy School

Accredited massage therapy schools offer courses to those interested in pursuing a career as a massage therapist. Massage schools with the correct type of accreditation are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Attending a massage therapy school can give you an overview of how a massage therapist spends their day. Instructors also teach you about state laws relating to massage therapy.

• Some massage schools have the right type of accreditation and some don't. Schools with accreditation have solid reputations because they receive ongoing reviews that check everything from the institution's cleanliness to their educational standards. You can find out if a school has accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's website and scrolling through the site's extensive database.


• Massage schools may “round up” the potential salary you can earn. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that massage therapists earn an average of $16.00 an hour, including any tips. Massage schools may claim that therapists can earn a salary of up to $70,000 per year. While some do make this amount, you generally will see a lower, hourly wage advertised.


• Certain massage schools offer full time classes while others only offer part time training opportunities. Research the school before signing up and ask questions about the school's curriculum and the time that classes are available.


• One massage therapy school may not teach a certain massage therapy type that another one does. You can specialize in over 80 different types of massage therapies. Spend a bit of time learning about different massage techniques before making a final decision about which school you're going to attend.


• Your education doesn't end after you graduate from massage therapy school. States within the U.S. require that you pass an examination in order to work as a massage therapist. You may have to sign up for continuing education as new techniques and laws come about.