What is the difference between massage therapy schools?

There are an estimated 350 accredited massage schools and programs in the United States for you to choose from, giving you plenty of opportunities to find a program best suited for you.  These schools will offer you roughly the same curriculum and will consist of massage therapy techniques, anatomy and physiology, pathology and kinesiology.  Most will also offer extensive education in business management to prepare you to work in both an established massage therapy setting or to open your own salon.

One of the main differences in massage therapy schools is the time it will take to complete the program and the student size. Depending on the state in which you wish to attend a massage therapy school, the required number of hours you must complete will vary considerably.  Also, consider if you wish to attend school full-time or part-time as most massage therapy schools offer the option for both.  Massage therapy programs can be between 350 and 1,000 hours and will range between a month to over a year to complete.  Start your search for a massage therapy program!

What are the prerequisites for getting into a massage therapy school?

Typically, you will not need to have any prior experience in the massage therapy industry in order to be accepted into a program in your area.  However, you will have to have received a high school diploma or your GED before applying.  In addition, some schools require that your cumulative GPA be at or above an agreed upon standard, but this is not as common.

Do different massage therapy schools cost different amounts?

The cost of massage therapy schools vary depending on which state you wish to enroll in to complete a massage therapy program.  This is because most schools base tuition cost on the number of hours of training you are required to receive in order to become licensed in that state.  As of 2012, the majority of massage therapists completed an average of 619 hours of initial training.  Typically, massage therapy schools will charge between $6-$17 dollars per hour of training.

What is the difference in becoming licensed and becoming board certified?

Currently, there are 43 states that will require you, as a massage therapist, to become licensed upon completion of a massage therapy school program.  Each state holds its own standards for measuring an applicants knowledge and skills as well as different criteria one must meet.  Be sure to check your state’s individual massage therapy licensing requirements prior to completion of your massage training.

To receive the Board Certification is the highest obtainable credential in the massage therapy industry.  Although not required, massage therapists who choose to seek this level of certification will complete additional continued education and hands-on training in addition to a background check.  According to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, massage therapists who take this extra step will have a more competitive edge in the field, see an increase in employment opportunities and be seen as more credible by both clients and companies.

Find A Massage Therapy School Near You!

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How much is cosmetology school?

It’s not a surprise that often times the first thing most people ask about when they’re thinking of going to cosmetology school is “how much will this cost?” Fortunately for you, beauty school is usually much less expensive than a traditional four-year college or even a technical college.   On top of that, it could lead you to a fast-paced and rewarding career in the beauty industry.

In general, schools on the east and west coast, in addition to schools in urban areas, will tend to be more expensive than schools in suburban or rural areas. On the east coast, it’s typical for a beauty school to cost $11,000-$20,000, while in the Midwest and other more rural areas it, on average, can cost $7,000 or less.  Take the first step now.

Do different programs cost different amounts?

The overall cost of your program can also depend on what kind of course you’re taking as well. A comprehensive course that covers nails, hair, and facial treatments is usually more expensive than separate programs such as esthetics, electrolysis, makeup or massage therapy.   Studying just hair design, for example, could cost $4,000 versus a full beauty school program of $11,000.

The good news is that you don’t have to come up with any money upfront when you apply to beauty schools because the vast majority of them do not have application fees.  This means you can explore numerous options and find the most compatible fit for you without any financial risks.

Search different beauty programs to find the one right for you.

Are there any other cosmetology fees to be aware of?

Cosmetology school involves a great deal of supplies, including scissors, books, practice kits, and more. Schools typically ask that you use a specific brand so that it is guaranteed you are learning on high-quality products. While many cosmetology schools, especially national chains, include the cost of materials in their tuition, others do not so make sure you ask when looking at programs so no unexpected costs sneak up on you.

Learn how to pay for cosmetology school

There are a number of cosmetology scholarships available both nationally and state wide.  In addition, you can receive financial aid for beauty school as well.  Find out what opportunities you have to help for the costs of the programs.

What are you waiting for?  Find a school today!

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How do I pick the best cosmetology program?

It’s important to evaluate your beauty school options early on in the process to give you ample time to choose the right program for YOU!  This will allow you to look  at the requirements and make sure you’ve completed all of them before filling out applications to different programs. Almost all beauty schools require you have a high school degree or GED and pass an entrance exam but there are schools however that will accept you if you are finishing up your high school degree, on the grounds that you earn your degree on time. For instance, Empire Beauty School accepts high school seniors into their program. 

Once in a program, if you decide it’s not for you, you have the option to transfer to another school in your area.  The thing to be aware of though is that not all of your completed coursework may transfer.  Different schools have different teaching techniques, so they may not accept credits from other beauty programs.

When should I apply for cosmetology school?

Cosmetology programs start several times throughout the year, usually in January, March, June, August, and October. You should plan on having all of your application materials submitted no later than 30 days before your start date. The length of your course will depend on your state’s requirements and whether you go to school full-time or part-time.

We recommend receiving information and touring as many beauty schools as possible before enrolling in one.  This will give you the chance to compare the cost of multiple programs, the teaching style, and observe their students in action. Even if you feel sure about your choice, seeing other schools can cement your decision and let you know that you’ve made the right choice.  Ready to start your cosmetology application process?

What questions should I ask while touring different cosmetology schools?

As you decide which beauty school is right for you, keep some thoughts and questions in the back of your mind.

• Is the school accredited?
• Does it offer financial aid?
• Are the instructors interacting with students and helping them to ensure they are salon ready after graduation?

We think it’s also a great idea to talk with salons in your area to hear what their general impressions are of students who have graduated from that particular program to get a feel for if the program can help you be successful.  Talking to other cosmetologists will also help you get a feel for how their experience while in cosmetology school prepared them for the industry. Often times they’ll be able to tell you what schools have a good reputation and which ones to avoid.

Are you ready to take the first step?  Find a school today!

Featured Cosmetology Schools

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