Tuesday 9 July 2013

How Attending An Accredited Massage Therapy Program Can Help Enhance Your Career

Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing holistic therapies in the United States, followed by Acupuncture and Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy is projected to grow 20% between 2010 and 2020. As an increasing number of people are seeking natural complimentary therapies to help with their health problems, professionals such as licensed massage therapists are in high demand. Currently, over 80 types of massage therapy techniques are being taught in the United States, some with specializations in areas such as stress relief, sports massage and pre-natal massage. This variety allows individuals interested in becoming licensed massage therapists to be a part of a growing industry, while specializing in a specific field they are most interested in.

Although the therapeutic qualities of massage date back to ancient Eastern cultures, massage therapy did not become popular in Western civilizations until about the 1980’s. Due to lack of recognition by governing bodies in the health care industry, education at that time was limited to private courses and workshops. Today, massage therapy education is regulated by the government in 38 states, ensuring that the standards of health care are upheld and that all safety measures are met.

In combination with the rapid growth and the many modalities of massage therapy, numerous educational massage therapy programs are forming nationwide. Some programs specialize in specific modalities such as Swedish massage or Shiatsu, while others add courses such as business management for individuals that are interested in opening up their own massage therapy business. Whether you choose to specialize in a specific modality or you prefer to learn a variety of techniques, make sure that the program you attend if accredited.

Accreditation is important to secure the investment of your time and money that you are putting into your education. Massage therapy programs that are institutionally accredited by nationally recognized, non career school accreditation entities, have been reviewed thoroughly for both organization of the school and the quality of education. Furthermore, accredited establishments meet the educational requirements set forth by the state, ensuring that the student complies with them prior to being able to be licensed and furthermore, work in the field.

New York College offers an institutionally accredited massage therapy degree program, during which students study Asian Bodywork, Medical Massage and Swedish massage, Oriental anatomy and physiology as well as Western health sciences. Students are also required to gain hands-on practice during clinical internships at the school’s on-site clinic and take classes in T’ai Chi Chuan, Yoga and Qi Gong to help them better understand their own body’s movements.  Graduates of this program receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree. With its campus in Syosset, New York and 3 locations in New York City, New York College is conveniently accessible to most students residing in New York’s tri-state area.

No comments:

Post a Comment