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Step 1
Find a school in your state that teaches massage therapies if you want to use it as a career. The website Natural Healers lists schools throughout the United States. If you just prefer to study for your own benefit, some local therapists may provide training for those that wish it.
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Step 2
Request information from the school of your choice. Ask to see all the costs involved.
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Step 3
Estimate the cost. There may be an application fee, books, tuition and living accommodations. While costs may vary from school to school, anticipate that it may run you several thousand dollars, depending on the school you're attending.
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Step 4
Learn about prerequisites to a study program. Many of the schools require that some human anatomy and human physiology courses be taken. If you're aren't interested in science and biology, rethink the official study courses and learn from a local massage therapist. However, this approach may not allow you to become certified.
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Step 5
Think about the physical requirement necessary to give a massage. You need to understand whether you are physically capable of the standing time, and muscle strength in giving massages. Talk to a local massage therapist to see what is required.
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Step 6
Expect courses that are of college level. The courses they provide not only help you understand the physiology of the body, but also aid you in recognizing health issues that should be referred to a doctor. The hours of study can vary, but usually about 300 to 400 study hours are the norm. A specialty, such as sports massage, may require more.
