Those who are interested in building a career in health care service will find that massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to help in the healing process. This is why those who have a passion for helping others are advised to get the massage therapy education that they need at one of the many massage therapy schools in Chicago. Apart from providing students with the knowledge and the skills that they need, these schools also introduce its top candidates to great working opportunities in its affiliated spas, salons, hospitals, cruise ships and chiropractic clinics. So you do not only get educated, but there is a big chance that you will find a job after graduating.

While it is quite rare to find two identical curriculums, but the basics are the same and they cover almost the same topics. These topics include kinesiology, pathology, physiology and anatomy. All of these topics are important because before a massage therapist can use his hands in order to relieve stress, he will have to understand how the body works, and how will the muscles react. These topics are usually common at any massage school Chicago has, but after that, the courses will differ to a great extent. For instance, if you are looking forward for a foundational course in body work, then the common techniques that are taught at most programs will be good for you as they encompass sports massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage among others. As for others who would like to take on more advanced therapy techniques, there are a lot of schools that offer an in depth practical training that covers a wider selection of massage modalities.

These schools include training programs that include fascinating techniques that are gaining a lot of popularity. For example, reflexology, which is a unique massage technique that involves the ears, hands and feet. Other interesting and unique technique include Shiatsu, which is a form of acupressure, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Tuina ( a Chinese technique in massage), trigger point therapy, Indian head Massage and Feldenkrais among others. A massage school Chicago education will usually have training programs that start at 300 hours per program, up to 1,000 hours.  Students can choose to apply for more than one program so they can learn more.

Apart from the theoretical part of the education, most massage schools will allow students to practice massage on each other, so they can see how it feels to get a massage, and to put themselves in the position of the client. Also, the schools that are affiliated with spas, clubs and massage parlors will allow its students to go to these parlors or clubs and get to experience what a real hands on practical massage feels and they will also get to listen to honest feedback from the clients. This is why a good massage therapy school Chicago will provide its students with both, theoretical studies and hands on training.

There are endless opportunities in the massage therapy industry that are easily accessible if you take the right steps, especially with the accreditation and approval that this industry is getting from the medical community in specific, and the general community as a whole. So if you have a passion for massage, then you should pursue a career in that industry, but having the passion is just one of the many needed things so you can become a successful massage therapist.

Choosing a massage school in Chicago is the second step, as this school will enable you to get the knowledge that you need so you can become a licensed and a certified therapist, so you can work legally in the US.  Due to the great demand on the massage therapy, there are many massage therapy schools in Chicago.  These massage schools run a business, and they have to build a reputation for themselves. In order to be able to uphold this reputation, they will not accept anyone who applies; as they have to make sure that the students that graduate turn out to be successful and professional therapists, as they will represent the school, which will maximize their income. This is why they only accept the best of the candidates that apply for the school every year.

For example, the schools will ask you for proof that you have an academic capability so you can be able to absorb the techniques and the massage knowledge as well as the theories that will be taught at the massage school. This is because the topics that the curriculum covers at any massage school Chicago are not simple, as they include anatomy, pathology, endocrinology and other topics that can be even more complicated.  Other topics include massage theories, ethics and history. This is why most massage schools require its students to present their high school diploma at least. Also, these schools can specialize in a type of massage, such as Indian Massage, Japanese Massage, or they can offer general knowledge regarding different types and massage techniques.

Apart from the academic requirements, they will also look for candidates who are well presented, have a friendly character and have great communication skills. This is because these three things are essential and have to be present in a massage therapist in order for him to become successful. This is why massage schools do not only teach massage related courses, as they also teach client handling. This course helps students in knowing what to do, and what not to do while dealing with a client. It teaches them how to make the client feel that they are the number 1 priority. This is essential because this industry thrives on repeat business, so if you make the client feel comfortable, he is more likely to come again, and if that happens with all the clients, your career will thrive.

If you feel that you have a great passion for massage and the well being of others, and feel that you are gifted with the healing touch, then it is only logical for you to pursue a career in massage therapy and enhance your skills so you can be a massage therapist, because there is nothing better than doing what you love while getting paid to do it. The massage industry is a growing one that has a lot of demand on it, this is why it is the best time to enroll in an esthetics school Chicago so you can get certified and get the skills and techniques that you need to build a career for yourself and become a successful massage therapist.

Some might argue that training, licensing, certification and formal educations are not needed to become a massage therapist. Although many self taught therapists might be very good at what they do, but they are not certified, which means that they do not have the needed permits to work legally in the US, which might cut down their chances to finding a job. In order to get certified, according to the laws that govern massage therapy, you will have to get a formal education at an authorized and a certified school.

Some Facts about Massage Therapy that you need to Know

With every passing day, a great number of people are entering the industry of massage. For instance, in the US, there are more than three-hundred accredited schools, with many of them located in Chicago and there are over 91,000 certified therapists. In order to become one of them, you have to attend courses at a massage school in Chicago that will enable you to undergo the NCBTMB (National Certification Exam), so you can be a certified therapist in your state.

A medical esthetics school Chicago will provide its students with 250 up to 500 hours of education, which will help the students in learning more about massage therapy in general, and about the different techniques of massage so they can earn the needed skills to build themselves a lucrative career in massage therapy. This is why it is important to check the curriculum of each school before applying for one.

It is not only about Massage Techniques and Skills

That is not all, as a massage school Chicago will also enable its students to run a business because building a career in massage therapy does not only include giving a massage. They will learn how to run a business, how to deal with clients to make sure that they become regular customers. So apart from the professional and technical aspect of the business, the schools also provide the student with knowledge about the managerial aspect of the business. This would also help increase their job opportunities because most massage parlors or spas would rather hire managers who know a lot about massage therapy so they can successfully run and manage the place.

Once you have made a decision to pursue a career in massage therapy, the first thing you will have to do is to find a massage school in Chicago to enroll in, which will help you on your path to become a massage therapist. This is why it is important to make sure that you choose a massage school that will provide you with what you need, so conducting research prior to enrolling in one of the many massage therapy schools in Chicago is important.

There are many things that you will have to consider when you are choosing a massage school. These factors include the following:
The Experience of the Teaching Staff:

You should never hesitate to go pay the school a visit so you can meet its instructors so you can see if they will be able to provide you with what you are looking for. Check their credentials, their experience and for how long have they been teaching. In order to check their teaching methods and techniques, you can sit at the back of the class during a lecture, which is something that most massage schools permit. You can also talk with the teachers to get to know them more. You can also talk with the students and get an inside opinion regarding the school and the teachers.

Location, Location, Location:

The location is very important, because you will have to spend a lot of time in commute if it is located far away. On the other hand, some might argue that good teachers and the quality of the massage school’s curriculum might make these longer commute worth it. This is why it is advised to balance between the two things, quality and the location.

The Courses You will get to Study:

Most massage therapy school in Chicago offer the same courses, but still, they might vary. Some might cover specific massage techniques while others give you general knowledge regarding different techniques. It is essential to check the courses and see if they fit the bill of what you are looking forward to studying.

Authorization from the State:

You have to make sure that the governing massage therapy board of the state recognizes the massage therapy school. This is because for a legit school to operate in any US state, it will have to be authorized by its board. This is why during your visit, you should ask for the documentation that proves its state authorization.

The Cost:

You will have to be practical, so you do not end up in debt that you can’t pay back. The price of attending massage therapy schools in Chicago varies greatly. This is why you should always pick a school that is affordable, depending on your income. These are only some of the things that you should put in mind when you are looking for a massage school so you can pursue and build yourself a successful career.