Knowledge about the instructors’ education and work
ties while you’re still in school gives
you an opportunity to determine you
experience gives you an idea of how seriously they take want to pursue further education in the
their teaching. The licensure exam, in Ohio at least, is
long run.
not to be taken lightly. Tip: In order to determine whether
further education would benefit you,
it’s helpful to have an idea what kind of
supportive of massage students
time and are very accommodating
work atmosphere and massage tech-
by offering student membership
to the schedules of work and home
niques you’re going to prefer for your
programs. For more information on
life. Keep in mind that although fin-
professional massage career. The envi-
these organizations, visit their Web
ishing quickly with an intensive pro-
ronment you may want to work in may
sites at www.amtamassage.org and
gram may sound like a good idea,
not allow you to practice techniques
www.abmp.com
the amount of work may very well
other than Swedish massage in order to
be too much for you. Check with
maintain continuity among clientele.
What kind of credentials and ex-
the school to see what their pass
If you want a more versatile massage
perience do your instructors have?
rate is for such a program, and then
career, consider employment with a ho-
Knowledge about the instructors’
determine whether the demands
listic clinic or renting space with a col-
education and work experience
of studying will realistically fit into
lective of bodywork practitioners; when
gives you an idea of how seriously
your other life responsibilities.
you’re evaluating schools, check with
they take their teaching. The licen-
the prospective schools to see whether
sure exam, in Ohio at least, is not
How will I pay for the program?
they provide additional instruction in
to be taken lightly. Your instructors
Check with each specific school
other hands-on modalities. This op-
are there to guide you, so the more
about financial aid options. Many
portunity provides you with a more
knowledge they have, the better off
schools now have aid program
well-rounded educational experience
you’ll be. Make sure that your in-
agreements set up through private
and better prepares you for the work
structors are thoroughly knowledge-
banks that make funding massage
environment that you desire most.
able in not only massage, but also in
school much easier. You can also ask
anatomy, physiology and pathology;
whether the school has flexible pay-
as such, it’s best if you can meet the
ment options.
Shannon McKnight is an Ohio licensed
instructors personally. Instructors massage therapist and is nationally
are also very helpful when they can
Local massage schools teach the
certified. She is a graduate of SHI
answer questions about the format
techniques of Swedish massage as
Medical Massage School in Lebanon,
of the respective examinations.
required for licensure. After graduation,
OH, and specializes in massage, cran-
any licensee can obtain instruction on
How long is your program? Length
iosacral therapy, Reiki/Healing Touch,
other modalities such as craniosacral
of massage programs vary from
and is also a Certified Infant Massage
therapy, acupressure massage, and
12-month intensives to 20 or more
Instructor. For more information visit
reflexology (to name only a few), but
months. Most programs are part-
www.iahp.com/shannonmcknight
having an introduction to other special-
L

eap
at the
Chance!
For more information on how to
jump-start your business
and advertise in
email: Sales@nacincin.com
May 2009
15
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