What Makes a Great Massage Therapy School? Insights from IWC Instructors

Indiana Wellness College

August 27, 2024

Have you ever thought about becoming a massage therapist? It's a rewarding career that lets you help people feel better every day. But here's the thing: not all massage therapy schools are created equal. So, how do you pick the right one?

In this article, we're going to dig deeper into what makes a great massage therapy school. We'll share some insider tips from the instructors at Indiana Wellness College (IWC) to help you make the best choice for your future career.

Comprehensive Curriculum: More Than Just Rubbing Lotion

Students learning various massage techniques in a modern classroom at Indiana Wellness College

When you're looking at massage therapy schools, the first thing to check out is their curriculum. A top-notch program should offer way more than just basic massage techniques.

Sandra, an instructor at IWC with 20 years of experience, puts it this way: "When I graduated from my first massage school, I felt like I could give a really good spa massage. But I didn't feel ready to work in the medical industry or with clients who had different ailments."

So, what should you look for in a curriculum?

• A balance of theory and hands-on practice

• In-depth coverage of various massage techniques

• Strong focus on anatomy and physiology

• Exposure to different specializations (like sports massage or prenatal massage)

IWC takes pride in offering a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for various career paths. "We expose them to different modalities," Sandra explains. "Some come in wanting to work in a spa, but then they discover they can work with athletes, or in women's health, or even help people with autism through craniosacral therapy."

Qualified and Experienced Instructors: Learn from the Best

An instructor demonstrating massage techniques to attentive students at Indiana Wellness College

Would you rather learn from someone who's only read about massage or someone who's been doing it for years? The answer's pretty obvious, right?

When choosing a massage therapy school, pay close attention to the instructors' qualifications and experience. Here's what to look for:

• Real-world experience in various massage settings

• Continued education and specializations

• Teaching approach that makes learning fun and memorable

At IWC, educators are not only qualified but bring real-world experience to the classroom. This blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise enhances the learning experience, offering students insights into the massage therapy industry and preparing them for real-life scenarios.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Resources

A school's facilities can significantly impact the learning experience. Great massage therapy schools invest in top-notch facilities and resources.

At IWC, students get access to:

• Modern classrooms and practice spaces

• Up-to-date equipment and supplies

• A variety of learning resources (books, online materials, etc.)

Sandra mentions, "We expose them to a lot of medical equipment so they can see what they might work within a medical practice. We show them how to work with electric stimulation, scraping tools, and different self-care tools."

Hands-On Experience Opportunities: Real-World Practice

Book learning is great, but in massage therapy, hands-on experience is king. Look for schools that offer plenty of opportunities to practice your skills.

Great massage therapy schools should provide:

• In-school clinic practice

• Internship or externship programs

• Community outreach events

Sandra highlighted the importance of this at IWC: "We do have them come in and do a lot of hands-on. So when they're ready to go out, they have increased their ability or stamina and they can work on four or five people a day."

Close-up of student hands performing professional cupping therapy massage technique on a client

Licensing Exam Preparation: Set Up for Success

Passing your licensing exam is a big deal. A great massage therapy school will make sure you're well-prepared for this crucial step.

IWC's approach to exam prep includes:

• Practice quizzes with questions worded similarly to the actual exam

• Anxiety management techniques

• Advice from past students who've taken the exam

Sandra shares, "We help students get over that testing anxiety. We even bring in past students to share their experiences and give advice."

Career Support Services: Beyond the Classroom

A truly great massage therapy school doesn't just teach you massage – it prepares you for a successful career. Look for schools that offer:

• Job placement assistance

• Business skills training

• Networking opportunities with potential employers

IWC goes the extra mile here. Sandra shared: "We have them go out and interview at a spa, interview at a place that they feel they want to go into. We bring employers to them in a career fair, and they get to talk back and forth with employers."

Accreditation and Industry Recognition

Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a massage therapy school. Make sure the school you choose is accredited and recognized by the massage therapy industry. This ensures that your education meets high standards and will be respected by future employers.

Student Support and Learning Environment

IWC understands the importance of support outside the classroom. With small class sizes, students receive individual attention, and the college offers tutoring and flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse learning needs and lifestyles. The learning environment at IWC is designed to support students every step of the way.

Flexible Scheduling Options

Understanding that many students may be balancing school with other responsibilities, IWC has designed a program with a convenient schedule. Students attend classes on campus for only 1.5 days each week, complemented by weekly homework assignments. This structure provides a perfect blend of in-person learning and self-study. With four enrollment periods annually, you have the flexibility to start your massage therapy education when it suits you best.

Business Skills Training

Whether you plan to work for someone else or start your own practice, understanding the business side of massage therapy is helpful.

IWC incorporates this into their curriculum. Sandra explained: "Fourth quarter, we have them figure out what their demographic is, who they are going to be working on, and what location they want to work in. We teach them a little bit about self-marketing."

Wrapping It Up

Choosing the right massage therapy school is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By keeping these key factors in mind, you can find a school that will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in this rewarding field.

And if you're in Indiana, be sure to check out Indiana Wellness College. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, hands-on training, and unwavering student support, IWC is dedicated to helping you achieve your massage therapy dreams.

To book a tour click on the link below:

https://indianawellnesscollege.edu/request-more-info/