How to Choose a Massage School

What a headache! Deciding on a training course is quite confusing isn’t it! So many choices: different exam boards, course content, course length, locations and price - where on earth do you start?!

These factors should help you decide:

The... helpfulness of the staff on the end of the phone and at the end of the e-mail
If they were helpful, friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and informative in the office and via their website, the chances are they are also that way in the classroom.

The availability of the staff on the end of the phone
Did you get through to a real live person or was there only an answer phone? Some schools of therapy are very small and do not have an office or office staff. If they are doing it all themselves, the chances are they are rushed off their feet and may not be able to respond to queries and any issues you might have quickly throughout your course.

If you did have to leave a message, how quickly did they come back to you? An hour, a day, a week?

The qualification and experience of the teachers
I would suggest that you don’t want to be taught by someone who has only just qualified themselves, or be taught by someone who only has the qualification you are about to study. Ideally you want to be taught by an expert. Someone who has great knowledge they are willing to share both of the subject you are learning, and of what the job market is like once you’re qualified. And don’t just think of your massage teachers... what about the business studies teacher? And the A&P teachers? I would also recommend that you choose to be taught by someone who has trained as a teacher. It is one thing to know a subject, teaching it in an inspiring, creative and fun way is an entirely different matter!

The location
Is the venue, clean, light, bright, airy, modern, spacious and conducive to learning? Are refreshments and water available for you, on tap?

The track record of the company
Choose to be taught by a company that is hugely experi...enced, has a proven track record over several years and a great reputation within the industry as being a quality training provider.

The qualification offered
It is important that the qualification offered is recognised here in the UK. There are some overseas companies now operating in the UK whose qualifications are not recognised here, so be careful. If you want to work abroad, make sure the qualification will travel across.

The course content
Whilst it is important to get value for money, question whether a short massage course is going to short change you and make you feel you are missing out on content. The last thing you want to be doing is wondering for the rest of your life- what would I have learnt if I’d done a longer massage course? How much more confident would I feel? What knowledge have I not gained? In some circumstances, cheap is expensive if it means having to do the course all over again. And is it all taught in class, or is there some online learning you can do?

The timing of the course
Do you want a course that is weekend or fast-track, maybe part-time vs full-time? Do you have to attend everything or is there the flexibility to catch up or study online for part of the course?

The number of students on the course
When I study, I actually learn from others in my class as well as the teachers and I enjoy the social aspect and possibility of new friendships, so I felt happy to be in a group of 20- 30 people. I also like having lots of different people to practice on to build my confidence and experience. I know as a teacher that small groups of 5-8 people just don’t have the same energy and are not as enjoyable. If one or two people don’t get on, it can really spoil a course. In a larger group they can avoid each other!

Recommendations and testimonials
Ask for the e-mail of a past customer of the school and/or check for testimonials. A good school will have video testimonials on their website.

Meet the school before you commit
Go along to an open day, visit a class in action, do an introductory workshop or give them a call and talk it through with someone. Any good school will have put their staff through some of the courses at least so they really know what they’re talking about. Ask all your questions, get a feel for them and put your mind at ease.

What are the graduates of the school doing?
Find out how successful the school’s graduates are in their therapy careers and whether the school assists in informing their graduates of vacancies and supports them in their careers once the course has ended.

Is there a money back guarantee?
Any school that has complete confidence in the quality of what they offer, will be happy to provide you with a money back guarantee. If they are uncomfortable or not able to give one, question the quality of what they do.

What support does the school provide after the training?
Your relationship once you have finished your training with the school should not end there. There should be ongoing business support for you to become a successful therapist – what else do they offer?

The price
Now if all of the above is satisfied you’ve got it! You don’t want to be spending the time until your course starts worrying about whether you have done the right thing. You want to be excited and certain. Choose quality and value over price for the peace of mind you get from choosing a course with a highly professional and successful school.

Gill Tree, Managing Director of Essentials for Health
www.essentialsforhealth.co.uk