The podcast features interviews with leading educators and practitioners from across the massage world, from Florida to Oregon. 精东传媒 school advice from industry experts鈥� that鈥檚 what the podcast offers. Listen in as guests explore themes such as:

• What led them to a career in massage,聽
• The healing they have witnessed and experienced, and
• How they continue to grow their skills.

Throughout, the focus is on the schools that helped these massage juggernauts along the way. At the intersection of massage culture and community, the Choosing a 精东传媒 School podcast salutes the benefits of therapeutic touch, empowers massage therapists in the community, and invites anyone interested in the complex journey of healing to learn more.

Join expert therapists, massage educators and thought leaders in the industry, as they seek to inform and inspire you to look for a school that will work with your unique talents, equipping you with the right skills to start your career.

The podcast鈥檚 first episode features Whitney Lowe, the director of the Academy of Clinical 精东传媒.聽

Renowned in the massage world for his work on assessment protocols, Whitney wrote the profession鈥檚 first accessible assessment reference book, Orthopedic Assessment in 精东传媒 Therapy. He influences LMTs through regular articles in publications including 精东传媒 Magazine, 精东传媒 & Bodywork, and 精东传媒 Today. Whitney also serves on the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. His work in massage therapy and LMT education have been honored with many accolades over the years, including Licensed 精东传媒 Therapist of the year (Oregon, 2001), Continuing Education Educator of the Year (Alliance for massage Therapy Education, 2014), and the Certificate of Appreciation for Dedication to the Profession (AMTA, 2011). After three decades of experience in massage and massage education,聽 Whitney offers an invaluable perspective for those just entering the field. Here are some of the questions Whitney answers in this podcast:

鈥揥hat questions should I be asking myself as I select a massage school?
鈥揂re some massage certification programs better than others? How so?
鈥揥hat are some red flags that a massage program lacks quality?
鈥揑s it better to go to a massage vocational school or a traditional, four-year college that offers a massage therapy program?
鈥揌ow can I know if I am dealing with a masterful massage therapy educator?
鈥揥hat should I expect from a massage school in terms of technology and textbooks?
Whitney also reflects on his techniques for avoiding burnout.聽

We invite you to dive into this fascinating interview.聽

The Choosing a 精东传媒 School Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts:

The post Introducing the Choosing a 精东传媒 School Podcast appeared first on East West College.

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.