There is a wide range of career options available when looking into the field of massage therapy. With an accredited education from hundreds of Massage Therapy Schools and Colleges in North America, students can prepare for a variety of careers in areas like Chinese medical massage, Myofascial release, aromatherapy massage, cranial sacral therapy, shiatsu, Myotherapy, sports massage, and much more.
Massage therapy is a form of natural healing that provides a number of therapeutic techniques for dealing with issues like physical and emotion conditions, illness and stress, diseases, injuries, circulation, and other ailments. With an accredited education in massage therapy you can prepare for a career in alternative healing that will allow you to start you own business, or work for a variety of institutions such as spas, healthcare facilities, salons, private homes, hospitals, clinics, sports facilities, and much more.
MORE ABOUT ACCREDITED MASSAGE THERAPY COURSES and DEGREE PROGRAMS
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is a form of massage therapy that involves the use of essential oils, which are highly concentrated in order to provide a variety of healing properties to the client. With an accredited education in aromatherapy massage students can learn to improve a variety of physical and emotion conditions. Aromatherapy massage is used in spas, clinics, private homes, salons, and other facilities, as well as by
reflexology, acupuncture, and other natural healing professionals.
Chinese Medical Massage
Chinese medical massage is also known as
acupressure and is used to block illness and stress by applying pressure to certain pressure points on the body. There are a number of accredited schools that offer coursework in anatomy, meridian pathways, physiology, circulatory systems, pressure application, chakra stimulation, and other related courses. With an education in Chinese medical massage you can train for a career in spas, healthcare facilities, salons, private homes, hospitals, and more.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
There are a number of educational programs that offer training in cranial sacral therapy; which is a form of massage used to manipulate the spinal column, scalp, and sacrum for a variety of reasons. Cranial sacral therapy is used by some
natural healing professionals including osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and more. Areas of study can include physiology, anatomy, symptomatology, meditation, psychology, perception training, and many other courses.
Massage Therapy Certification
Massage therapy certification can be obtained from a variety of educational programs allowing graduates to work in spas, clinics, sports facilities, hospitals, and other organizations. With an education available from various schools and colleges students can study anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, massage techniques, nutrition, and much more. There are a wide range of massage therapy techniques including Shiatsu, Swedish massage, prenatal massage, deep tissue, reflexology, and many other forms. Professionals in other areas of healing may choose to obtain certification in massage therapy such as reflexologists, chiropractors, and
holistic nurses. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) provides national certification to those who are licensed.
Medical Massage
Medical massage is used to treat a variety of conditions that have been diagnosed by physicians. With an accredited education you can learn to become a medical massage therapist and provide massage therapy in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, doctor's offices, and more. Certified medical massage programs will teach students to provide an assortment of massage therapies in order to alleviate symptoms due to illnesses, diseases, injuries, and other ailments.
Myofascial Release
There are various types of educational programs that offer students the opportunity to obtain the skills needed for a career in Myofascial release. Myofascial release is a type of massage therapy that increases circulation, relaxes and stimulates the muscles, and increases lymphatic drainage. Students can obtain certification by training in stretching techniques, neurology, kinesiology, physiology, and other relevant coursework.
Myotherapy
Myotherapy is a type of therapy that focuses on treating, managing, and diagnosing musculoskeletal problems, relaxing muscles, alleviating pain, and improving circulation. The International Myotherapy Association (IMA) offers a membership to graduates of Myotherapy programs. With an accredited education students can train in subjects like cupping, massage, dry needling, joint mobilization, stretching,
chiropractics, and much more to become a Clinical Myotherapist.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of hands on massage therapy that incorporates acupressure to stimulate energy channels which promotes self healing and relieves pain and stress. Students can obtain an accredited education from a number of schools and other educational facilities allowing them to work with a variety of people and ailments. Shiatsu massage therapists have the skills and knowledge to improve symptoms caused by headaches, muscle tension, chronic fatigue, insomnia, arthritis, depression, and many other physical and mental issues.
Somatic Education
Somatic education is an approach that reduces stress, and improves the muscular system and physiological functioning. With an education in this area students will learn a variety of techniques including body-mind centering, eutony, continuum movement, sensory awareness, and other techniques. Somatic education is related to massage therapy but deals with more than the bones and muscles in the body. With a career in the massage therapy field you can obtain an education that teaches bodywork exercises, posture, proper movement, breathing, and other somatic training.
Sports Massage
The purpose of sports massage is to flush toxins and waste from the body while calming the nervous system. Sports massage classes teach student ways to improve and speed up the healing process due to sports related injuries.
Fitness instructors and athletic coaches can obtain an education in sports massage in order to help them improve the athletic performance of their clients. Coursework may include physical therapy, range of motion, massage techniques, strength training, hydrotherapy, and more depending on your career goals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCREDITED MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOLS and COLLEGES
When looking to obtain the necessary training for your career of choice from any type of educational program, it is important to make sure they carry full accreditation. With agencies like the
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and others that are approved to accredit schools and colleges you can find the program for you.
DISCOVER THE TOP MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOLS and COLLEGES LOCATED AT PETAP.org
Choose a program from the above drop down menu to learn more about a career in massage therapy. Contact several schools and colleges to request more information about the program that interests you.
