While taking a complete and highly regarding massage therapy program is important, it is also important to consider how much beyond the requirement makes sense financially. Most students take the basic training initially from a massage therapy school and then further specialize by attending specific massage therapy trainings as part of their continuing education requirements.

Massage therapists must have basic medical understanding to be able to communicate with doctors and other health care providers as part of the patients health care team. Medical terminology and procedures should be covered in massage therapy classes.

A significant number of massage therapy schools also offer acupuncture, reflexology and holistic treatment classes, certificates or degrees. It is often possible for students to complete additional training in these areas in conjunction with the massage therapy training.