How long do you have to go to school for a massage therapist?

Answer 1

It really depends on your definition of "therapist." Assuming you mean "psychotherapist", here is a general idea:

All therapists (counselors, social workers, marriage & family therapists, and psychologists) pursue a traditional undergrad degree which is usually 4 yrs.

Here's where it gets tricky! After undergrad one has some choices. Of the choices, you could pursue a masters degree in (counseling, social work, marriage & family therapy, or psychology.) All of these are usually 2-3yrs. BUT!It doesn't stop there. Once you get a masters, then you typically have to work about 3,000 hours(or about 2 years) of supervised work under a licensed practitioner. From here, then you should be eligible to take a state (and in some cases a national exam) to be licensed as a "whatever your degree is in therapist." (If you pass).

Now the other route one can take is to get a doctorate. Most are in Psychology(Phd or PsyD), but there are some in social work and education. In getting the doctorate, one should expect to commit 4-6 yrs of study to complete it(depending on if you have a masters degree). Also, most psychology doctorate grads must complete a 1 yr internship after graduating, which enables one to take the licensing exam to be a psychologist.

So in all, if you go to undergrad that's 4yrs+ A masters degree 2-3yrs+ Depending on if you have a masters degree 4-6 yrs of doctoral work

=about 10-12 yrs in school(+ 1yr for internship if you get a doctorate in psychology) , if you go all the way for a doctorate. If you just want to get a masters and be a therapist then figure about 6-7 yrs+ 2yrs for licensing.

Answer 2

2 years in NYS-for NYS licensing purposes **** It varies from state to state. Generally there is a minimum of 500 hours of school (NY is over 1000 hrs). It will usually include Anatomy and Physiology, Kineseology and Musculoskeletal Pathology, hands on technique, body and hand mechanics, ethics and professional practices and a list of other topics. There is usually some form of Eastern Medicine introduced into the cirriculum such as accupressure, etc. A 700 hour course will take about a year and a half to complete and then you must complete a certain number of continuing education hours during your career to maintain your professional association/insurance, license and certification.

Answer 3

It takes about three or four years at the most but five times out of ten you wont graduate until your about 22 if you go straight to college out of high school but if you don't then it would take about the same amount of time but you would probable graduate around the age of 24 if you ask me

Answer 4

Currently, in most states in the US, you need only about 500 hours of training at an accredited school to get a Massage Therapy license. This can be achieved by going to school full time for six months.

Answer 5

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for Massage Therapist.

In 2009, 42 States and the District of Columbia had laws regulating massage therapy in some way. Most of the boards governing massage therapy in these States require practicing massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass an examination. As of 2009, States without licensure requirements were Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wyoming. In these States, massage therapy may be regulated at the local level. Because laws often change, it is best to check information on licensing, certification, and accreditation on a State-by-State basis.
Education and training. Training standards and requirements for massage therapists vary greatly by State and locality. Education programs are typically found in private or public postsecondary institutions and can require 500 hours of study or more to complete. A high school diploma or equivalent degree is usually required for admission. Massage therapy programs generally cover subjects such as anatomy; physiology, the study of organs and tissues; kinesiology, the study of motion and body mechanics; business management; ethics; and the hands-on practice of massage techniques. Training programs may concentrate on certain modalities of massage. Several programs also provide alumni services such as post-graduate job placement and continuing educational services. Both full-time and part-time programs are available.
Massage therapy programs vary in accreditation. Generally, they are approved by a State board, and they also may be accredited by an independent accrediting agency. In States that regulate massage therapy, graduation from an approved school or training program usually is required in order to practice. Some State regulations require that therapists keep up on their knowledge and technique through continuing education.
Licensure. In States with massage therapy regulations, workers must obtain a license after graduating from a training program and prior to practicing massage. Passage of an examination is usually required for licensure. The examination may be solely a State exam or one of two nationally recognized tests: the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Massage therapy licensure boards decide which certifications and tests to accept on a State-by-State basis. Therefore, those wishing to practice massage therapy should look into legal requirements for the State and locality in which they intend to practice. A fee and periodic renewal of licensure also may be required.
Other qualifications. Strong communication skills and a friendly, empathetic personality are extremely helpful qualities for fostering a trusting relationship with clients and, in turn, expanding one's client base. Massage can be a delicate issue for some clients, and because of this, making clients feel comfortable is one of the most important skills for massage therapists.
Advancement. Because of the nature of massage therapy, opportunities for advancement are limited. However, with increased experience and an expanding client base, there are opportunities for therapists to increase client fees and, therefore, income. Therapists also may become managers of the office in which they work and may teach in a training program. In addition, those who are well organized and have an entrepreneurial spirit may go into business for themselves. Self-employed massage therapists with a large client base have the highest earnings.



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Answer 6

It takes about 6 months or less, depending on your state.

Answer 7

it takes you 4 years to be a massage therapist...