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Currently, training centres are offering different programmes of study for those who want to work as massage therapists – holistic massage, neuromuscular therapy and sports massage.
The massage course you should take depends on your interest or the career path you want to pursue. You also need to take into consideration the quality of the programme.
What kind of massages do you want to offer – therapeutic or relaxing? Answering this question is an excellent way of determining the right course for you.
Remember, each programme provides you with the qualification you need to offer a specific massage service.
For example, if you complete a holistic massage course, you would be able to provide holistic based and relaxing massages but not treat specific pain and injury sites. The latter requires a diploma or certificate in neuromuscular therapy or sports massage therapy.
What kind of clients do you want to help? Where do you want to work? These are the other questions which can help you come up with a decision.
Holistic massages are primarily for those who want to de-stress. Here, you are going to deal with a wide array of people from different age groups and backgrounds.
Meanwhile, for therapeutic therapies, the clientele is a specific set of people – those suffering from pain and injury involving the soft tissue or muscle. Athletes and chronic pain sufferers comprise the majority of this group.
You can opt to start your own practice or business after earning your qualifications in any of these massage programmes. Alternatively, you can work in spas, fitness clubs and beauty centres when you finish a holistic massage course. On the other hand, you can work for sporting teams or multidisciplinary clinics if you complete an NMT programme.
Once you know the kind, of course, you want to take, the next step is to look for one. What you need to keep in mind when doing this task is that quality matters.
Please do not choose a programme just because it gives you the credentials you need or it’s the cheapest one available. The primary consideration should be the kind of education you’d be getting.
Choose a course that is going to teach you everything you need to know to hit the ground running. It should equip you with the competencies essential in delivering effective and safe massages to your clients
How do you ensure this? Check if the course is recognised by a trusted regulating body. In the case of holistic massage and neuromuscular therapy, trusted accrediting organisations include the ANMT (Association of Neuromuscular and Massage Therapists) and the SMA (The Association for Soft Tissue Therapists).
When a course is accredited, it means that it adheres to standards set by a reputable organisation. Its content, learning outcomes and assessment processes have been audited and meets the required standards needed for students to work as massage or neuromuscular therapists.
But do not simply stop at checking if the programme is accredited or not. Find out if the course was designed by industry experts.
Why does this matter? You want a course that is going to give you a competitive advantage – one that is not just going to equip you with the fundamentals but also the latest and best practices in the field.
Well-designed courses like NTC’s Neuromuscular Therapy course produce sought after graduates. Knowing the high quality of training these therapists got, renowned health insurers aren’t apprehensive about covering their clients.
The massage course you take has an impact on your career as a therapist. So, ensure that you carefully pick the programme you enrol in so as not to waste your time, money and effort.
Want to become a massage therapist in Ireland? Choose from our top-rated courses – neuromuscular therapy (NMT), sports massage therapy and holistic massage therapy. Visit our website today or call us at 01 882 7777!
