Wednesday 30 May 2012

Online Massage Therapy Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Massage therapy programs are at times available in hybrid formats, though rarely if ever in a purely-online form. Topics covered may include many different forms of massage, human anatomy and some forms of therapy that can be administered through massage.

How to Choose an Online Massage Therapy School

Depth of Training

Massage therapy programs offer training that varies in depth and in content type depending on the program and the institution that offers it. Some are oriented to a holistic health system that involves kinesiology, anatomy, aromatherapy and other similar types of health care. Others may focus on other systems, such as Swedish massage, sports massage, soft tissue and trigger-point therapy, spa treatment or chair massage. Most programs combine a number of these different systems to create an educational experience that is unique to each institution. Students should be sure in selecting a massage therapy program that the institution they choose provides the type of education program they want.

Degree Program Type

Because of the hands-on nature of massage therapy, there are very few purely-online programs for massage therapy. Hybrid programs, though still rare, are more common, allowing students to fulfill general education requirements remotely then attend on-campus classes for the hands-on portions of their massage therapy training. Some programs may fit students' time requirements while others do not, and students must be sure that they are able to handle any strictly-scheduled portions of a program before they enroll.

Online Program Options for Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Certificate

A massage therapy certificate is designed for students who wish to enter massage therapy professionally with as little time spent studying as possible. A certificate program teaches students the methods and knowledge necessary for a massage professional, including various types of massage, human anatomy and massage ethics. Lessons are usually delivered via textbooks and other course materials, which are shipped to students, while communication is normally exchanged over the Internet, via e-mail.

Associate of Occupational Science in Massage Therapy

Normally, associate programs in massage are hybrid programs offered by community colleges or technical schools. Students complete general education requirements via online distance learning, using education software that integrates forums, e-mail, online testing and assignments. Massage classes are normally held on-campus so that students can practice massage in a supervised setting with instructors present.

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