Exploring Curriculum: What You Learn In Massage Therapy School

June 21, 2024

If you are looking for a rewarding career that allows you flexible hours while helping people feel their best, a massage therapy course is a fantastic option. As times evolve, people are learning the value of a multi-faceted approach to caring for themselves, which has seen the demand for skilled and professional massage therapists climb. Before you embark on your new journey, let’s discuss what training to be a massage therapist entails.

Comprehensive Training in Massage Therapy

A woman is getting a massage on her back at an institute.

There is much more to accredited massage therapy courses than just learning how to massage. The combination of practical skills, theoretical skills, and education allows practitioners to offer a holistic approach to improving the health of their clients. Students work through a program that covers a wide array of modalities to help them provide the best services to their clients and to prepare them for the future of real-world practice. Students will learn skills to promote proficiency and professionalism while meeting the needs of a diverse clientele.

Core Techniques and Practices

Massage therapy is a layered profession, and massage therapy education lays the groundwork for those layers. Students who study massage therapy have the tools to address a variety of client needs, from the soothing strokes of Swedish massage to the targeted pressure of deep tissue work. Massage therapy courses like Kansas City Massage Institute utilize both guided instruction and hands-on practice, preparing students to meet a wide range of customer needs as they start their careers. 

Anatomical and Physiological Foundations

Muscles and tendons are integral to the human body; they can lift heavy items and enact movement. They are a complex element of mobility, so it is necessary for a massage therapist to have a firm understanding of human anatomy. Massage therapy education helps students have a detailed understanding of the physiological responses to touch. This equips students with the knowledge of how to manage the massage expectations and needs of their clients. This improves the effectiveness of treatment and protects the safety and well-being of their clients.

Business Skills and Professional Development

A complete massage therapist course also puts emphasis on business skills so that students are prepared with skills in client management that include:


  • Scheduling 
  • Billing 
  • Client Communications


A well-rounded study of massage therapy, such as the one at the Kansas City Massage Institute, also promotes the skills of professionalism, the importance of ethics, boundaries, empathy and maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. Graduates should feel empowered to build thriving practices and establish trusted relationships with their clientele.

Specializations in Massage Therapy Education

Massage therapy courses. not only offers a foundation for massage therapists, but some programs also offer the opportunity for specialization. Just a few of the most in-demand specializations include: 


  • Prenatal Massage 
  • Athletic Sports Massage 
  • Oncology Massage for cancer patients 
  • Post-surgical Message Therapy
  • Cranial Sacral Therapy 


Learning to do massage in a variety of specializations allows you to fit into a niche market or care for a diverse customer base. 

Preparing for a Career in Massage Therapy

Whether you are a recent graduate looking for an educational and rewarding career, looking for a mid-life career change, or looking to further your skills as a caregiver, you will have many questions. Where to start, do you need any prerequires, what to expect post-graduation regarding licensing and more. When researching accredited programs, finding one with responsive admissions counselors who take time to listen to your concerns before providing intended to steer you toward success and the ability to be trained by and connect with practicing therapists are strong indicators of a well-rounded and student-focused program.

Starting Your Journey in Massage Therapy

If you are ready to begin studying massage therapy, finding the right educational partner is key to setting yourself up for future success. Look for a massage therapy school that offers a diverse and comprehensive education. Look for accredited programs in your area, such as those offered by the Kansas City Massage Institute, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in massage therapy. Your future as a skilled practitioner awaits.


Contact Us.

An instructor leading a massage therapy class.
January 15, 2025
Discover the career benefits of massage therapy classes. Gain skills, flexibility, and financial growth. Enroll now at Kansas City Massage Institute!
A massage student is standing next to a massage table in a spa.
September 30, 2024
Explore the pros and cons of accredited vs non-accredited massage therapy schools to make an informed decision about your education.
masseuse training students to get their certification
March 19, 2024
Are you looking to become a massage therapist but unsure of the education level needed? Find out from MO's top school the difference between being certified and licensed in massage therapy.
massage therapist learning on patients at a hybrid massage therapy school
December 20, 2023
Discover the benefits of a hybrid online massage therapy school and find accredited options in Kansas City such as Kansas City Massage Institute (KCMI).
dice listing different health and wellness careers, including massage
September 22, 2023
Discover diverse health and wellness career paths: from nutrition to fitness, there are many ways to become a wellness professional. Find your passion today.
Students in massage therapy school learning techniques
June 22, 2023
Researching massage schools but unsure about massage therapy certification costs? Here is a guide to expenses to expect while attending massage schools in Missouri.
Message Therapy Student Working
March 4, 2023
Become a massage therapist and change your life! Kansas City Massage Institute has a successful program to help you get certified quickly and with extensive training.
student proving leg massage
September 23, 2022
Starting a career in massage therapy is relatively quick and should start with understanding the Missouri massage therapy requirements for education, licensing, and what is expected legally to start practicing massage on your own.
Certified Massage Therapist Giving Massage
June 27, 2022
What do you need to be a massage therapist? It is a central question for an aspiring licensed massage therapist, and the three-step answer is quite simple! Click to learn more!
Share by: