Massage Therapy Training in Oregon
What can you expect from taking the massage therapy program at Oregon's School of Massage?
Jul 19, 2006
I welcome my guest, Dr. Jill Stanard, Director of Education at the Oregon School of Massage, with two locations - in Portland and Salem.
Why should prospective students of massage choose your school to train as a massage therapist or massage practitioner?
Oregon School of Massage has been training massage practitioners for over 22 years, and our school has helped set the standard for massage training. Our training was used by the state massage board to develop a model curriculum for other schools to follow. Our instructors bring over 250 years of teaching and practice experience to our classrooms. And practically speaking, our students have a high pass rate on board exams.
Also, we offer a flexible schedule, allowing students to do the training at their own pace. This allows students to maintain other commitments to jobs and family while going to school.
What type(s) of massage therapy do you teach at your school, and can you give a brief definition and background information on this particular type of massage modality?
We offer a Western, Swedish based focus and an Eastern Shiatsu focus in massage. The Swedish massage is based on western models of anatomy and physiology and is what is usually thought of when we talk about massage. Techniques in Swedish can be used for relaxation or therapeutic purposes.
Shiatsu is a type of Japanese massage with roots in Chinese medical philosophy. Students learn several Shiatsu sequences and a significant amount of Oriental medical theory. Also in included in the training is foundation in personal care practices such as Tai-ji, Qi-gong and Dao yin. The goal of a Shiatsu session is to support the flow of qi or energy throughout the body.
What makes your massage school different than the rest?
OSM is committed to providing a holistic education that integrates body, mind, heart and spirit. Massage training is much more than learning a set of strokes and human anatomy - it is the subtle integration of emotion, knowledge, technical skills and intuition, At OSM we ask students to look at their massage education as a period of personal growth as well as training for a new and rewarding career.
Our program offers a flexible schedule, with two campuses, designed to suit adult students who want to individualize their learning program.
How long is your massage program(s) and what kind of commitment is required?
Our program is 555 classroom hours in length. A full time, dedicated student can finish the program in a year.
Classes meet once a week in three hour blocks. Students are required to complete practice massages each week. Practice massages, homework and study/reading time vary from class to class, and we counsel students to plan time for outside class work.
What educational prerequisite is required for admittance to your massage school?
Our enrolment requirements are a high school diploma or GED plus experience receiving professional massage.
Do students have a choice about the types of massage they wish to learn at your massage school, and do you also teach other holistic practices?
Students can enrol in either the Western or Eastern focus. Both tracks prepare students to apply for licensure in Oregon and Washington state.
In addition, OSM has an extensive array of elective and continuing education classes that we offer. We have certification programs in hospital massage and pregnancy massage. We teach classes in Reflexology, Reiki and Polarity, Sports massage and neuromuscular. As part of the Western focus, a student chooses elective classes to supplement their basic Swedish training.
And finally, in your opinion, what makes a good massage therapist?
For me, what makes a good massage therapist is the integration of technique and intuition, allowing the therapist to be present and responsive to the needs of each individual client. Picasso had to learn to paint a simple landscape before creating his greatest works. A pianist learns scales and arpeggios before tackling a Mozart concerto. In the same way a massage therapist learns the anatomy and physiology and hands on techniques that can then be applied in a unique creative way with each client.
Thank you, Dr. Stanard.
For more information, contact Oregon School of Massage.
