How to Choose the Right MT School

Here at Concorde, we think we have an excellent Massage Therapy program, filled with hands-on, real-world training and experience that gets you prepared for your career quickly and effectively.

But we thought we'd look into what it is that makes a good Massage Therapy program anyway. What qualities should you be looking for in a good MT school or program? We're confident that Concorde possesses the qualities everyone should be on the lookout for, but let's see what some of those qualities are.

What to look for in a quality Massage Therapy program

Sunethra Guy, Academic Dean at Concordes campus in Southaven, MS, listed six things she believes every good Massage Therapy program should have.

• Appropriate accreditation. The MT program at Concorde - Southaven has been granted a temporary license by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy.
• Is the program accredited by the state in which the student wants to practice?
• The type of skills taught in the program needs to match the technique or massage practice he/she would like to practice once he or she graduates.
• Because all state requirements are different, the student should research whether the school fulfills the needed requirements to practice in the desired state.
• Who pays for the license fees?
• What type of licensure does the program prepare for?

Guy suggested also looking closely at the credentials of instructors in the program as well as any job-placement assistance offered.

Choosing the right Massage Therapy program

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) also has a set of criteria one should undertake when deciding upon an MT school to fit his or her needs.

• Collect information about several programs. Attend an open house or orientation, interview former students, read catalogs or audit a class.
• Consider career intentions. Determine which program most closely matches those intentions, personality, schedule, and budget. Review the curriculum to make sure that the style(s) of massage taught match what you want to learn.
• Be aware of time requirements for a particular program. Make sure your other obligations allow enough time to study and practice outside of class.
• Take time to get to know the credentials and experience of the faculty. Request information about student services, post-graduate job placement, tutoring, continuing education, and financial aid, to name a few.
• Consider tuition, fees, any other costs, the availability of financial aid and the quality of the program. Remember to budget for additional necessities such as massage table, books, and supplies.

As previously mentioned, we believe Concorde's Massage Therapy programs in Southaven and Massage Therapy programs in Memphis, TN meet all these criteria and will meet yours. However, you can check it out yourself by visiting AMTAs Find a Massage School locator service for up-to-date information on AMTA member schools throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Happy hunting and we hope you'll find everything you're looking for in an MT program and more at Concorde.