Top 5 Massage Therapy Colleges With Medical Focused Training

Massage therapy training is of course essential for a career in the discipline - but here’s the rub. These days, there are endless options on offer and it can be difficult to figure out which colleges tick all the right boxes for your needs. A great medical massage therapist needs to pack a lot under their belt, including clinical science, injury recovery and comprehensive care and so, in this article, we’re sharing our top five massage therapy colleges that cover all of these things.

What Sets Medical Massage Programs Apart?

Medical massage is so much more than providing a relaxing hour at the spa - it's about assisting patient recovery and recuperation through clinical methods. Practitioners of this type of massage will often be treating patients who have suffered traumatic injury and who require clinical treatment as well as sensitive communication and care. For this reason, it’s vital to choose a program that is grounded in medical massage and which covers physiology, pathology and anatomy training as well as patient care and business clout.

1. American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM)

Best clinical integration and hands on training

This well-respected college has been a Central Ohio institution for three decades, making it a veteran of the Ohio education scene. The school boasts an impressive clinic on campus where students work (under expert supervision) with real-life patients to gain real-world experience. Forward thinking and intensive, AIAM's Medical Massage Therapy course finds its strength in combining medical training on anatomy and physiology with traditional clinical massage techniques such as deep tissue and neuromuscular therapies.therapies.

Key differentiator: As well as having an impressive 30 years of training medical massage students, AIAM (pronounced I Am) has a rock-solid reputation for turning students into professionals through its industry partnerships and connections.

2. National Holistic Institute (NHI)

Best comprehensive network and advanced specializations

Spanning 10 campuses across California, this school does a lot more than set you up to treat surfing injuries. The outstanding Core Massage Therapy and Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Training Programs are what sets NHI apart from the pack and its graduates are actively recruited by top medical and physical therapy facilities. These intensive courses work on an East meets West deal when it comes to techniques and encompass clinical training including biopsychosocial pain management strategies and ancient Eastern methodology. For this reason, these programs are best suited to those already working in the field of therapy who are looking to focus on a specialty.

Key differentiator: NHI is by far California’s most intensive and extensive seat of learning for medical massage and its solid alumni track record and healthcare partnerships make this one a fast track to employment for graduates.

3. Cortiva Institute

Best specialized clinical modalities and career support

With a focus on sports massage, this American-based college scores a touchdown when it comes to training on clinical and deep tissue massage for sports injuries. Modules include pain management techniques and recovery and rehabilitation through a structured and strategic approach which combines foundational and advanced therapies.

Key differentiator: The first choice for sports therapy, Cortiva also gives students an advantage through its excellent career placement programs.

4. Pacific College of Health and Science

Best integrative healthcare approach

Choosing from The Big Apple, The Windy City or The City In Motion, Pacific College’s students learn clinical massage techniques as well as Eastern and Chinese medical principles for a comprehensive approach to massage. Ideal for those looking to practice in holistic or integrative healthcare environments, this fully accredited course also includes access to numerous career opportunities on graduation.

Key differentiator: As the only accredited health science institution of its kind, Pacific offers world-beating - and world-spanning - therapy training with hands-on collaborative opportunities.

5. Beckfield College

Best diverse modality exposure and practical applications

Based in Florence, Kentucky, Beckfield College marries medical training with alternative therapies including hot stone treatment and reflexology. Proving that Bluegrass Country is much more than bourbon and music, this school focuses on clinical reasoning skills, sports massage and diverse therapies and includes training in real-world environments in numerous locations.

Key differentiator: Beckfield College is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to diverse therapy training and its blend of academic and hands-on training is the perfect foundation for a career in medical massage therapy.

Launching Your Medical Massage Career

The schools mentioned in this article are the cream of the crop for medical massage training - and each has its own unique and innovative methodologies. When choosing a massage therapy college, there’s a lot to think about including location, duration, qualification and post-graduation support. Your decision, however, starts with figuring out where you want your career to be heading - whether that’s treating athletes or helping victims of traumatic injury with their long road to recovery. You can then choose the institution that best fits your requirements.

Ready to start your career? We’ll stop you right there!  That's because although this is a super exciting time, it’s important to read all of that boring fine print on the admissions page of each school to make sure that you’ve got what it takes to get inside.
By doing this, you'll be sure that when you make your move, it’s not only in the right direction, but headed to the right place!