Massage Therapy

When you major in massage therapy, most of your education will be hands-on and practical, providing you with direct career training. Students will study the musculature of the body and how to identify and work out points of stress and distress. You will receive instruction in the many varieties of massage styles, such as the rejuvenating Swedish massage, hot stone massage, sports massage and deep-tissue massage. The training is hands-on because in order to be certified, you must have a specific number of hours of actual massage experience. Many students practice their new skills on fellow students, friends and family, and actual clients. Students are also taught how to manage the business side of a massage company. Courses in massage therapy might include anatomy & physiology, pathology and kinesiology, especially as it relates to athletic injuries.

If you relish the idea of helping people relax tired muscles, as well as teaching people how to prevent injury and release stress, you may want to consider majoring in massage therapy. Massage therapy as a major will also equip you with the skills you will need for your future career. Not only will the major prepare you for licensure in your state as a massage therapist, but it can also enable you to incorporate massage therapy into a holistic nursing profession, a chiropractic practice or an acupuncture business. Students can also launch successful careers treating sports injuries, helping injured players get back in the game.