Accredited massage schools have been independently reviewed by outside sources and have been found to meet quality standards for their curriculum, hours of training and the competence of their instructors. Each state's department of licensing can provide you with state-approved schools to choose from in order to receive licensing in that state. Just because a massage school's website or advertising materials claims it is accredited for your state, it does not mean that it is. Always check directly with the state to see which schools are actually approved and which ones are not.
Massage schools may teach only general body work or may specialize in Eastern massage, Western massage or sports medicine. Although the list is not all-inclusive, each type of massage therapy technique specializes in using either pressure points located in various places of the body or focuses on how the muscles interact with each other along with the tendons and ligaments. Some schools offer specialization in massage therapy that is the basis for physical therapy work, extensive foot massage or deep-tissue issues.
Proper training is required in the form of classwork and hands-on training before a massage therapist can perform more advanced massage techniques. Some more advanced types of massage training include hot rock therapy, craniosacrial work, Shiatsu or Rolfing techniques. Hot rock therapy focuses on massage movements in long strokes with the use of very hot rocks instead of the hands. Craniosacral work involves massaging around the neck and spine to balance out the fluid that surrounds the brain tissue and spinal ligaments. Rolfing involves manipulating the deeper muscles of the body to be in tune with gravity. Because rolfing is so involved, the coursework can take one to two years to complete in addition to regular massage school. Shiatsu massage focuses on increasing circulation similar to that of acupuncture. Finding a massage school in your area that offers courses that introduce or teach you these different forms of massage may be a consideration when comparing tuition prices.
Your state may require you to take additional, ongoing continuing education classes in order to keep your license as a massage therapist. Finding a school that offers classes for alumni in addition to regular schooling may help you in deciding which massage training school best fits your needs. If your state requires continuing education classes find out if there are any schools near you that offer classes and that will allow you to take them even if you did not originally graduate from the school.