Self-test: Is the "Classical Massage (Cert.)" course the right one for me?
Take our self-test to find out whether a job as a masseur / masseuse (certified) in classical massage meets your expectations and whether you are on the right path with a corresponding specialist training course leading to a "school certificate".
Are you interested in massage training with a federal qualification? Then you've come to the right place with this course:Medical masseur with a federal certificate (BP)
What does the day-to-day work of classical masseurs / masseuses (certified) look like?
There are many different types of massage. The classic massage is used for relaxation and general stress relief as well as to alleviate tension and minor injuries to the musculoskeletal system. The Tibetan massage is a very relaxing and body-strengthening full-body massage that is performed with warm oil. It can be used to treat joint problems or back pain, for example. In acupuncture massage, certain acupuncture points and energy meridians are stimulated with so-called therapy sticks. The aim here is to balance the energies in the meridian system. Reflexology massages are various forms of manual therapy in which the function of internal organs is influenced by massaging certain reflex zones.
Every treatment begins with a consultation to find out about the complaints and the current life situation. The masseur/masseuse will then get an idea of the posture, tensions and conspicuous features and form an idea of the possible causes and sensible treatment approaches. The massage treatment takes place in a lying position and the client may or may not be clothed, depending on the method. At the end of the treatment, a rest period is often prescribed during which the processes in the body can round off and settle.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a masseur / masseuse in classic massage?
Great!
Yes, if you like the actual job, you can assume that you are on the right track thematically. The next question is what type of training is right for you to acquire the relevant skills.
Do you like the activity in principle, but you are not sure which specific direction would suit you? Or would you like to work with your hands, but perhaps not so intensively with massage techniques, but rather with gentler forms of energetic treatment? Then take a look at the following similar training courses to see if there is a method that suits you even better:
Various forms of massage
- Fitness and exercise trainer (certified)
- Foot reflexology (certified)
- Hot stone massage (certified)
- Meridian massage (cert.)
- Reflexology (certified)
Other manual and energetic therapy methods
- Craniosacral therapy (certified)
- Kinesiology (Cert.)
- Progressive muscle relaxation (cert.)
- Shiatsu (Cert.)
- Yoga teacher / yoga therapist (certified)
If you don't like the whole job, you might want to reconsider what you would like to do.
Or take a look at various job advertisements. Perhaps you will find ones that only require the activities that interest you the most. If so, you are on the right track with this further training.
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Are you still looking for your vocation? OurGuide "Finding your own calling"can support you in this.
Target group and skills: Who is the classic massage training course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The classical massage training course with a "school certificate" is aimed at the following target group:
- People who are interested in massage
- Professionals from the health and wellness sector
- Career changers who would like to switch to the healthcare sector
- Alternative practitioners and physiotherapists who want to expand their methods
The following qualities are required for a successful career as a classical masseur/classical masseuse:
- Healthy, strong and dexterous hands
- No fear of contact
- Sense of hygiene, cleanliness and order
- Interest in medical issues
- Empathy and sensitivity
- Sense of responsibility and discretion
- Good manners, tolerance, sociability and helpfulness
- If you have your own practice: economic skills to run your own business
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! To the next step in the self-test.
- Are you already self-employed and/or do you have a broad and in-depth knowledge of massage? Would you like to treat people who have complaints? Then you probably belong to the target group for the following qualifications:
- Branch certificate OdA KT "Rhythmic Massage Therapy"
- Medical masseur / medical masseuse with federal certificate (BP)
- Complementary therapist with federal diploma (HFP)
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this job. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are suited to such a job, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Prerequisites for admission to the classical massage training course:
In principle, classic massage training courses leading to a "school certificate" are open to all interested persons. No specific previous training or professional experience is required.
Some schools require a completed basic vocational training (apprenticeship), Matura or similar training, a minimum age of 18 years and good written and spoken German (at least level B2).
Good to know about possible recognition:
As there are no protected professional designations or titles, it is important to provide appropriate proof of your own seriousness and professional competence. This is usually done by registering with the ASCA and/or the EMR and/or by becoming a member of an association.
- Admission to the Swiss Association of Professional Massage Therapists (SVBM / FSMP) can already take place via the school's own certificate / diploma in classical massage. Details can be foundhere.
- For inclusion in the ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary Medicine) and/or EMR (Empirical Medicine Register) register, at least 150 hours of conventional medical basic knowledge (also known as "Tronc Commun") are required.
Input: Why is registration in the ASCA and/or EMR registry important?
Both the ASCA and the EMR are quality labels for activities in complementary medicine. They both maintain a so-called list of methods, which specifies how many hours of basic medical training and specialist training (method) must be completed in order to be registered with the ASCA and/or EMR.
Many health insurance companies are based on the ASCA and EMR. This means that therapists who are registered with the ASCA and/or EMR can often work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies. But beware! This is not always the case.
More and more health insurance companies are demanding an industry certificate or a federal diploma from professional organizations (OdA AM, OdA KT, OdA MM, ODA ARTECURA, Swiss Association of Osteopaths FSO-SVO) in order to be able to work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies. This will continue to increase in the future.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for approval? With regard to recognition: With the association? With the ASCA / EMR?
Great! Now for the next question...
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter of classical massage training courses is compiled independently by the respective schools. There may therefore be differences.
The following topics are often covered:
- Basics of classic massage
- Anatomy and physiology (e.g. muscle theory, skin structure and skin functions)
- Effect and purpose of the massage
- Treatment structure (anamnesis, diagnostics, communication)
- Positioning of clients (supine and prone position) and treatment environment
- Massage techniques (grip types, massage products, etc.)
- Indicators and counter-indicators
Note: Courses that also include the "Medical Basics" (as a prerequisite for admission to the ASCA and/or EMR register) usually deal with these in a separate module.
Tip: In the yes-answer you will receive suitable help on the question: How do I find the right school and course?
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
Note: As already mentioned, schools with a classical massage training course leading to a "school certificate" determine the course content independently.
It is therefore advisable to compare the offers with each other. You can find the following assistance on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch:
- Evaluation tool with numerousEvaluations from former course participantsto various courses.
- Guide "How to choose the right education provider": Here you will find, among other things, a checklist with points that you can use to compare schools with each other.Hereyou can download the guide.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the classic massage training course, take a look at other training and further education courses in related areas. You may find a course that suits you better.
For example:
Various forms of massage
- Fitness and exercise trainer (certified)
- Foot reflexology (certified)
- Hot stone massage (certified)
- Meridian massage (cert.)
- Reflexology (certified)
Other manual and energetic therapy methods
Obviously the typical subject areas of classic massage training are not your thing. Take a look at other training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The schools decide independently on the costs of their classical massage training. They can therefore vary.
You can expect the following costs for a part-time specialist course lasting between 5 and 12 months:
- Course feesBetween CHF 4050.- and CHF 7636.-, as a rule this also includes theExamination feeincluded.
Note: There are courses lasting a few days (approx. 1 - 14 days) that cost between CHF 325 and CHF 1050. Caution is advised with such offers if your aim is to register with the ASCA and/or the EMR. You may not be able to complete the required 150 hours of specialist training.
- Some providers requireExtra costsfor
- Teaching aids
- Training documents
Please contact the provider of your choice directly for information on possible extra costs.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay for the course?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Course structure, duration of study, training options, teaching format and learning effort
- Classical massage training is generally designed to be part-time and has a modular structure. This means that each module is taken and completed individually. This makes it possible to progress at your own pace and according to your own abilities.
- The duration of specialist courses in the field of classical massage varies greatly and depends on the provider, course offered and level: As a rule, courses last between five and twelve months. As already mentioned, there are also courses lasting just a few days. In this case, however, it must be assumed that the required number of 150 hours for specialist training for ASCA or EMR registration is not given.
- The schools compile their timetables independently. There may therefore be differences in when the lessons take place. Some courses offer lessons two days a week and on selected Saturdays. Others only offer lessons one day a week. Still others also offer intensive variants, where the lessons are held half-day from Monday to Friday.
- Classical massage training generally takes place in face-to-face classes. Depending on the situation, theory lessons can be offered in an online format (e.g. online lessons or hybrid lessons).
- You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: It often helps to organize yourself into study groups. It also makes sense to stick with it right from the start and schedule fixed study times. Good learning effects can be achieved by creating summaries and mind maps. Flashcard systems help with memorization. There are many tools and ideas to make learning easier. You can obtain the guide "The personal learning strategy" free of charge if you register with a school via Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the training over more than the specified time.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
As already mentioned, most classical massage training courses are modular in design. Participants who have successfully completed each module are admitted to the final examination.
As a rule, the final examination consists of a theoretical and a practical part. In the practical part, a classic massage treatment must be performed on a customer in front of the experts.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates receive a certificate / diploma from the respective school: "Classical Massage Therapist [name of the school]" or "Certified Classical Massage Therapist [name of the school]".
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the classic massage training course?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, classic massage training doesn't suit you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
The classic massage training is probably not the right training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: classical massage training does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or doesn't fit well in terms of organization?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training in classical massage is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin