In This Episode You Will Learn: 

1. How to find inspiring teachers.
2. Why you should pay close attention to the amount of clinical hours prospective schools offer.
3. What a massage schools鈥� website can tell you about the quality of their program.

Look Inward First

Bob McAtee, massage therapist, educator, and author, offers advice on how to choose a massage therapy school that enhances your strengths and promotes your health.

Bob has been practicing massage for 40 years and emphasizes how critical it is for prospective massage therapists to reflect on their personalities and needs before starting their search for a massage school. 

He recommends considering prompts like:

• What is my personality like?
• Am I good with people?
• Do I like working with my hands?
• Do I have issues with my hands, arms, or shoulders that might be problematic?

[6:51] 鈥�Injury rates for massage therapists are probably higher than they need to be. I have a general sense that massage training programs don鈥檛 focus on the strength and conditioning aspect of being able to do the work.鈥�

Most massage therapists only last three to five years in the profession. It鈥檚 essential that students determine ahead of time whether they are cut out for the work.

Choose an Independently-Owned School

Bob prefers smaller, independently-owned schools to larger, corporate programs. He has noticed they tend to provide quality education and often are owned and operated by experienced massage therapists.

It鈥檚 a good sign if the school you鈥檙e interested in has a longer application process, an interview stage, or invites you to visit and attend a class. These traits demonstrate that it is strategic and intentional about accepting the right students.

Analyzing the websites of the schools you鈥檙e interested in is also a critical part of the discernment process. Bob says the best massage schools鈥� websites will:

• Have a social media presence.
• Give potential students a feel for what the school will be like.
• Have student testimonials.
• Publish graduation/certification rates.
• Provide information about its faculty.

Research Program Hours and Instructor Credentials

Look into how many practice hours your state requires for you to be able to practice massage legally. Then, choose a school whose program offers that amount, at a minimum. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have the foundation you need.

Bob believes that massage educators should have at least five years of professional experience. Seek out instructors who are well-versed in massage practice and pedagogy. If you feel stuck, ask a massage therapist in your town what school or instructor credentials they鈥檇 recommend.

A Strong Program Supports Holistic Health

Bob emphasizes to his own students the importance of ongoing education and self-care:

[20:42] 鈥�Staying mentally and physically healthy is important鈥� I also try to emphasize that massage therapy is an art and a science. The importance of having anatomical knowledge in our business can鈥檛 be overemphasized, but at the same time there鈥檚 no one right way to do work.鈥�

Great students and massage therapists are open to growth. Bob attests to how curiosity and a willingness to learn has enhanced his career and quality of life. 精东传媒 is a rewarding career, and Bob encourages students to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Learn More:

• 叠辞产鈥檚

Also Mentioned In This Episode:

• East West College of the Healing Arts

The post Bob McAtee | Strong 精东传媒 Programs Prioritize Mental and Physical Health appeared first on East West College.

My name is Kevin Faris I graduated from East West in October 2013

What drew you to massage therapy?

The Thing that drew me to massage was an old construction injury. I had some treatments and it was the most helpful thing.

Why did you select East West College?

I found East West by chance. I was searching good massage schools around the area and I knew some LMT’s and they said East West is the best.

Since graduation what has been your biggest professional challenge? How were you able to overcome it?

Since I have graduated from school my biggest professional challenge has been grounding. The way I have overcome it is by breathing exercises and stretching before each client and also making sure I eat enough food.

What words of advice would you give future students at East West College?

Some words of advice: while in school study everything that you can, ask as many questions as you can, and work on as many people as you can, and last but not least ask yourself how can you get better and what purpose it holds. For this reason you will succeed further in your career.

The post Interview With Alumni Kevin Faris appeared first on East West College.

My name is Vanessa Shumate, I was born and raised on a farm outside of Eugene Oregon.聽With constant manual labor in order to maintain the farm I found giving and receiving massage and body work to be vital in sustaining this lifestyle.

What drew you to massage therapy?

After years of interest in massage therapy, I started realizing how passionate I was about the intricate web that makes up the human body and the steps we can take to support our highest levels of functioning.

Why did you select East West College?

I was drawn to East West College due to the supportive community and greater level of training than required. One of the greatest challenges as an LMT is creating a sustainable successful business and East West College goes above and beyond to provide聽the resources and support that is needed to begin a career.

Since graduation what has been your biggest professional challenge? And how were you able to overcome it?

One of the greatest challenges as an LMT is creating a sustainable successful business and East West College goes above and beyond to provide the resources and support that is needed to begin a career.

Since graduation what is the best part of your professional career?

I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Our 精东传媒 Clinic at East West. Upon graduating I聽was overwhelmed with all the different avenues, the clinic has been a wonderful place to gain confidence and find direction before entering the vast world of massage.聽Throughout my time at East West I have found each treatment experience to be unique and full of lessons to carry with me in my practice. 精东传媒 therapy so far has surpassed my expectations as a rewarding career and I only look forward to the ability to grow and contribute what I learn to my community.

The post Alum Interview 鈥斅燰anessa Shumate appeared first on East West College.