Did you know that massage therapy employment is projected to grow an impressive 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations?[1] Choosing an ABHES accredited massage therapy school can make all the difference in your career journey, and by the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly why accreditation matters and how it can open doors to your future success.
What ABHES Accreditation Means for Your Massage Therapy Education
The Master of Massage Therapy Program at WellSpring School of Allied Health offers a quality education pathway that’s recognized by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a nationally recognized accrediting agency that’s been acknowledged by the U.S. Secretary of Education since 1969.[2] This 16-month program* provides you with essential skills and knowledge in massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, and specialized therapeutic approaches that prepare you for a rewarding career in the wellness industry.
Let’s explore the core skills and competencies you’ll develop through this accredited massage school in Missouri that will set you apart in the growing healthcare and wellness field.
Essential Skills You’ll Gain Through ABHES Accredited Training
When you choose an ABHES-accredited massage therapy school, you’ll receive training that meets national standards established to prepare you for professional success.
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- Hands-on Clinical Expertise: At WellSpring School of Allied Health, you’ll develop practical skills through extensive hands-on practice of massage techniques, moving beyond textbook learning to real-world application that employers value.
- Scientific Knowledge Foundation: Your coursework includes deep study of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology – the required sciences that ABHES-accredited programs must include to meet national standards.[3]
- Professional Ethics and Business Skills: Beyond techniques, you’ll gain essential knowledge in business practices and ethical considerations, preparing you to work professionally in various healthcare settings while adhering to industry standards.
- Specialized Therapeutic Approaches: Students learn advanced techniques that qualify them to work in diverse settings, reflecting the industry’s growth beyond traditional spa environments into medical massage in hospitals, hospice centers, and rehabilitation facilities.
Now that you understand the valuable skills you’ll develop, let’s look at the specific educational advantages of the Master of Massage Therapy Program at WellSpring.
WellSpring’s ABHES Accredited Massage Therapy Program
The Master of Massage Therapy Program at WellSpring School of Allied Health stands out as a premier massage therapy accreditation Kansas and Missouri option that prepares you for success in just 16 months* while meeting the highest industry standards.
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- Associate of Occupational Science Degree: Unlike certificate programs, WellSpring School of Allied Health offers an Associate degree that qualifies graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and become licensed in most states and municipalities, giving you greater career flexibility and mobility.
- Additional Certification Opportunities: Students are also eligible to sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine certification exam to earn the Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) title, adding valuable credentials to your resume that can expand your career options.
- ABHES Accreditation Advantage: WellSpring’s program meets the rigorous standards set by ABHES, which as stated by the agency itself, “enhances the quality of education and training and promotes institutional and programmatic accountability through systematic and consistent program evaluation.”[2] This ensures your education meets nationally recognized standards of excellence.
With these strong educational foundations, let’s take a look at the exciting career paths that open up for graduates of this ABHES accredited massage therapy school.
Diverse Career Opportunities for ABHES Accredited Graduates
Graduates of the Master of Massage Therapy Program enter a field that has become increasingly diversified, moving well beyond traditional settings into healthcare environments where therapeutic expertise is highly valued.
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- Medical and Rehabilitation Settings: Your ABHES-accredited education prepares you to work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, and rehabilitation centers, where massage therapists collaborate with healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
- Sports and Fitness Environments: With specialized training, you can pursue opportunities in sports medicine facilities, athletic departments, and fitness clubs, helping athletes recover from injuries and optimize performance.
- Wellness and Hospitality Industry: Traditional settings like spas, resorts, and cruise ships continue to offer rewarding career paths for massage therapists seeking to focus on relaxation and stress reduction techniques.
Graduates with ABHES-accredited credentials often find they have greater career advancement opportunities, as many employers specifically seek therapists from accredited programs that meet national standards. As the massage therapy accreditation Kansas and Missouri landscape continues to evolve, your career path can lead you toward specialized certifications, teaching roles, or even opening your own practice.
Why Massage Therapy Is a Rewarding Career Choice
Choosing an ABHES accredited massage therapy school opens the door to a profession that offers both personal satisfaction and professional stability in today’s health-conscious world.
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- Diverse Career Pathways: The massage therapy field has expanded far beyond traditional settings, with graduates now finding opportunities in hospitals, hospice centers, chiropractic offices, fitness clubs, and sports medicine and rehab centers, creating numerous specialized career paths for those with proper accredited education.
- Meaningful Client Impact: As a massage therapist, you’ll directly improve people’s quality of life, helping them manage pain, recover from injuries, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellness—fulfilling the desire to make a positive difference that many in our community value.
- Work-Life Flexibility: Many massage therapists enjoy the ability to create flexible schedules that accommodate personal responsibilities, whether you’re working part-time while raising a family or seeking full-time employment in a healthcare setting.
This career path particularly resonates with individuals seeking hands-on, meaningful work that makes a tangible difference in others’ lives while providing stable employment—exactly what many of you have shared you’re looking for in your career journey. Let’s wrap up with some key points to remember as you consider taking the next step toward your massage therapy education.
Key Benefits of ABHES Accreditation for Your Massage Therapy Career
Before you decide on your massage therapy education path, keep these important advantages of ABHES accreditation in mind.
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- Quality Assurance: ABHES accreditation ensures your program meets rigorous standards that are recognized nationally, giving you confidence that your education prepares you for professional success.
- Career Readiness: Graduates of ABHES-accredited programs like WellSpring’s are prepared to sit for national certification exams and meet licensing requirements across most states, maximizing your employment opportunities.
- Employer Recognition: Many healthcare employers specifically seek therapists from accredited programs, knowing these graduates have received education that meets established industry standards.
With these benefits in mind, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision about your educational journey toward becoming a massage therapy professional.
Begin Your Massage Therapy Journey Today
Take the first step toward a rewarding career by exploring the Master of Massage Therapy Program at WellSpring School of Allied Health, where ABHES accreditation ensures you’ll receive quality education that meets national standards and prepares you for a successful future in this growing field. Learn About WellSpring’s Accreditation.
Footnotes
[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm
[2] https://www.abhes.org/about-us/
[3] https://www.amtamassage.org/state-regulations/credentials-massage-therapy-profession/
[4] https://www.chea.org/accrediting-bureau-health-education-schools
*Program length when completed in normal time.