Check with prospective schools to be certain they teach a wide variety of bodywork courses. A qualified massage therapy school offers courses in anatomy, physiology, Swedish massage, sports massage, lymphatic drainage and other massage techniques.
Earn a certificate or diploma by studying at least 300 hours or as many as 500. In addition to massage therapy, many trade schools teach courses in other alternative disciplines like holistic medicine, nutrition and communication skills. Some schools do offer a full degree in massage therapy and require more course work. Look online at the American Massage Therapy Association to find these schools.
Learn how to utilize different massage techniques. Cranio-sacral massage corrects cerebral and spinal problems that cause motor dysfunction. The friction stroke, used in Swedish massage, promotes blood flow by causing deep layers of tissues to rub against each other, increasing circulation. After learning these methods, you may find one you want to specialize in or combine all of them for a future practice.
Find out about state certification for massage therapists and businesses from your instructors at your massage therapy trade school. They'll help prepare you for going out into the workforce with the proper certification.
Join massage therapy associations and network with other therapists to find out about new techniques or the best places in your area for schools and where to open a practice. Go to the Massage Register online to locate massage associations in your state or region.