Q & A for Massage School students

Why should I study massage & bodywork?

If you are an independent, caring, compassionate person with a good sense of touch, massage & bodywork might be the perfect career for you. Jobs are open in a variety of environments, ranging from sports and athletics, to hospitals, to spas. Many practitioners are independent contractors, while others are employees of larger businesses. Common characteristics are the desire to help other people and a strong interest in health, nutrition, anatomy, and improving quality of life.em>

Why should I study at PSMB?

Philadelphia School of Massage and Bodywork offers a unique program combining course work with a hands-on clinic, providing students with a great opportunity to work side by side with seasoned professionals. Also, our curriculum is an adult education program so that students can expect to have a moderate workload during studies.

What will massage school cost me?

Massage therapy training is a very cost effective means of entering a career path that is both professionally satisfying and financially beneficial. At $10,000 for tuition and books, the cost is less than one year’s tuition at a private college and most public or community colleges.

How long will it take for me to become certified?

You will be employable in the massage therapy industry in less than one year, if you select the day program, and in 14 months, if you select the evening program.

What’s the career outlook for massage therapists?

According to Money magazine, “The increasing number of spas and massage clinics in recent years underscores a growing demand for massage services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects massage therapist employment growth of 22.6 percent between 2012 and 2022, adding 30,000 more professionals to this field.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for massage therapists was $35,920 in 2013. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made more than $71,020, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $18,280. The top-paying metropolitan areas for this occupation include Anchorage, Alaska; Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and Holland, Michigan.

What are the requirements for admission?

High School Diploma or GED
Must be physically able to perform massage
Valid Photo ID required
Must be 18 or older
Complete Application
Pay a $75 application fee
Two letters of reference
Interview with director
Tour the facility
Free of communicable diseases
Receive a massage or bodywork session either at PSMB or another practice
Be prepared to describe your experience during your interview

What else do I need to know to succeed at your school?

You should know that you get along well with other people, that you have the ability to understand medical and scientific terms, that you are kind and patient, that you have the physical strength to perform several massages a day, and that you are able to listen to your clients so that you fully understand their needs and concerns.

Who will be my instructors?

You can check the instructor page on our website to see our list.

What will be my typical day?

We understand that everyone’s schedule and time availability is different, so we have both a day full time program and an evening part time program. Most days will be a mix of lecture and hands on training with some test taking every so often.em>

Who makes up the student body?

Our students are a diverse group of people who are new to massage therapy as well as those who are onsite for continuing education.

Where will I live while I am in school?

We do not offer any housing.

What subjects will I study?

Fundamentals of Massage Therapy
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology
Anatomy of Musculoskeletal Kinesiology & Palpation
Advanced Massage Techniques
Complementary Modalities
Shiatsu for Massage Therapists
Business
CPR

You will also participate in the Student Clinic and in our Outreach program.

I am ready to enroll! How do I get started?

Go to our Admissions Page and scroll down to the orange bar that says “ENROLL NOW” and click on that to activate our online registration form. When we receive your info, we’ll call you to discuss your plans.