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Course: Massage Therapy
There’s more to massage than just rubbing someone’s shoulders. As a massage therapy major, you’ll study the parts of the body and the way it works. You’ll also learn a wide variety of massage styles, such as Western (Swedish) massage, sports massage, and deep-tissue massage.
Of course, you’ll get plenty of opportunity to try your hand at these techniques by working on fellow students and actual massage clients. And since many massage therapists work for themselves, you’ll probably learn a thing or two about business, like how to keep the books and market your services.
Massage therapy majors learn the skills necessary to provide therapeutic massage to clients in a variety of settings, from health clubs to hospitals to private practice.
Are You Ready To...?
- Complete an internship
- Work in the on-campus clinic
- Learn first aid and CPR
- Practice choosing the best massage style for each client
- Practice healthful postures for giving massages
- Learn how massage affects the body
- Take tough science classes
- Study the history and ethics of massage
It Helps To Be...
Good at science and physically strong -- you'll spend many hours on your feet. A desire to heal others is key.
College Checklist
- Will the program prepare you to take the exam offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
- Will the program help you qualify for a license in the state where you’d like to practice?
- Does the program focus on one style of massage, or does it teach a variety of styles?
- Is course work offered in your areas of special interest, such as maternity or sport massage?
- What opportunities will you have for hands-on experience?
- Are the labs and clinics well-equipped, comfortable, and professional?
- Will the program help you find work after graduation?
- What are recent grads doing now?
Course Spotlight
You’ll probably begin with an introductory course in massage. After lectures on the history of massage therapy, you’ll jump into hands-on training. That’s when you’ll learn how to use the basic tools of the trade: massage table, drape, and stroke technique. By semester’s end, you may even be tested on your ability to provide a one-hour full-body massage.