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In a time when the economy continues to be difficult to navigate and many people are considering their career options, you might be wondering if it’s the right time to start massage school. While there is always a benefit to increasing your education....
One of the best ways to pay for massage school is to earn a scholarship (or several scholarships) to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and supplies. Scholarships, which don’t have to be repaid and are usually offered based on financial status and personal....
The Manchester campus of Seacoast Career Schools is one of two locations where students can seek vocational training in the fields of medical assisting, health claims specialist work, and massage therapy. The massage therapy program is designed to provide students with an education for entry-level massage work, and culminates in a school-issued certification. Externship programs and a focus on the real-world setting help round out this experience.
Seacoast Career School is a medical career training center owned and operated by Premier Education Group (PEG). PEG is a privately owned and operated career training organization with 25 campuses spread throughout the Northeast. Other schools under the PEG name include Branford Hall Career Institute, Salter College, The Salter School, Suburban Technical School, Harris School of Business, Hallmark Institute of Photography, and Salter School of Nursing.
As its own institution, Seacoast Career School was established by Career Directions, Inc. in 1995. The goal was to provide computer and business training. When PEG purchased the school in 2001, the emphasis and name were changed to reflect a healthcare focus.
Seacoast Career School 670 North Commercial St # 104 Manchester, NH 03101-1133
The massage therapy program is taught using a combination of hands-on learning and more general classroom studies. For hands-on learning, students learn specific massage modalities like the popular Swedish massage. The general studies include anatomy and body mechanics as well as business development, communication, and human relations. Seacoast Career School feels that this well-rounded approach provides the “knowledge and competencies necessary to become a professional massage therapist.”
Massage students round out their education with a non-paid externship at area massage or healthcare organizations. The school’s Career Services Department will help place students in this real-world working setting, at which time you are expected to meet a minimum number of work hours. Some of these externships go on to become job opportunities, though this isn’t guaranteed.
Faculty members at Seacoast are hired for their real-world experience and ability to share that experience with students. Because it is small school, the list of instructors is equally limited, and students can expect to share a close relationship and plenty of one-on-one time with the massage therapy education staff.
Facilities exist in both Manchester and Sanford. The Manchester campus was designed to create a welcoming learning atmosphere. The equipment in use is updated and consistent with industry standards. Much of the hands-on learning is done in the externship environment for even greater access to the most up-to-date tools of the trade.
The Seacoast group of schools is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). It has further recognition from the State of New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission and the New Hampshire State Agency for Veterans Education. These allow the school to accept federal funding options and ensure that standards in education are in keeping with vocational-level training in the United States.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Most students are asked to meet with the financial aid department to fill out the FAFSA and to determine how much money will need to be borrowed to cover tuition costs. Federal grants and loans, veteran programs, and private loans are all options but come with their own terms of repayment and interest. School payment programs may also be available, but are dependent on credit rating and financial background.
As the largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester is a great place to enjoy a career in northern New England. The city is regularly ranked in CNN’s list of Best Cities to Live and Launch a Business, and there are great tax benefits that make it appealing for those hoping to open their own massage therapy practice. Because of the Manchester’s proximity to other metropolitan centers in New England, there are also employment opportunities close to home. Many students choose to stay on in the mid-sized city for the great economy and outdoor recreation opportunities, while others seek more activity in nearby Boston.
© 2012 Massage Schools Guide