1. Why should I pick the Central Pennsylvania School of Massage?
The #1 reason students choose this school is the opportunity to obtain actual experience on real clients with genuine health concerns. There's an added convenience factor of getting your materials, books, and your own massage table included in one easy bill. And, with 1,260 certification hours, you will have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

2. What is the schools' general philosophy?
The program is fundamentally medically based, and yet is offered in a holistic, health focused environment. All instructors are qualified, experienced professionals. Massage therapy students receive instruction and training in traditional massage, as well as in Eastern and complementary therapies.

3. How long does it take to complete training at CPSM?
Full time students can graduate in only 50 weeks - just under 12 months. Part time students attending in the evenings can graduate in 24 months, while those attending part time on the weekends can graduate in 36 months. Required instructional hours for massage therapy students at the Central Pennsylvania School of Massage Inc. are 1,260 hours, more than double the norm and 175 for massage practitioner students. Classes form every seven weeks, and course schedules are flexible, with classes offered six days a week.

4. What are my chances of finding a job upon graduation?
The school has a 100 percent placement rate for graduates and a 97 percent graduation rate.

5. Where will I be able to find a job?
You will find that the Career Services Center at the school includes jobs that are numerous and diverse. They range from hospitals to wellness centers to resorts all over the country. Some graduates establish a private practice while other graduates will gain employment in group practices, salon and day spas, chiropractic clinics, corporate offices, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and within integrative therapy clinics.

6. How much money can I earn as a professional massage therapist?
The average annual starting salary in the United States is estimated at $35,000.00. Of course, a professional working full-time can earn more.

7. Is CPSM affiliated with any professional organization?
Yes. CPSM is a member in good standing of The American Massage Therapy (AMTA) Council of Schools and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).

8. What is the difference between certification and licensure?
Certification is a professional designation issued by academic institutions to individuals who have successfully completed training in required areas of instruction. Licensure is a government-sanctioned regulation of certified professional. CPSM is one of the state approved institutions licensed to offer certified massage therapy education.

9. Will I need to take a certification exam at the completion of my training at CPSM?
NO. CPSM examines and/or evaluates students after each individual course requirement has been completed.

10. Will CPSM teach me how to establish myself professionally?
Absolutely. The success of CPSM graduates has been defined by it percentage of successful graduates. Currently, the school boasts a 100 percent placement rate. That means that 100% of all graduates were either working in the industry immediately after graduation. Some work full time, some work part-time and some are self-employed. Your success can be a large or as small as you make it.

11. How many students are in a class and what is the student to teacher ratio?
Because of CPSM's strong belief that every student has the ability to learn in a supportive environment, our class size for our beginning massage class is always held to twelve students. That means while you are practicing basic massage the student to teacher ratio is 6/1. Small classes are the hallmark of CPSM and one of the reasons we believe our graduates are so successful.

12. May I contact any of your students and inquire about their experience while enrolled at CPSM?
Yes. As part of your application process we invite you to receive a massage in our student clinic - at no charge to you! After your massage, you may discuss the learning environment, classes, and student experience at CPSM. In addition, you are invited to sit in on a class. Please contact your admission representative to schedule your FREE massage.

13. How much of a course load should I register for?
This is an individual decision based on upon your personal and work schedules. CPSM strongly recommends that a student register for a course load that assists their freedom from personal and work pressures. We want your massage education to be as pressure free as possible. After all, it's massage! Your academic track will be determined with your admission representative and the Director of Education.

14. Are all classes held at the school?
Yes. With the exception of field trips to the local hospital. CPSM is proud to have been invited to be a part of Centre Community Hospital and The Penn State Cancer Institute's cancer treatment center. We provide massage to cancer patients while they are waiting for their Oncology treatments (pre-requisites apply).

15. Does CPSM accept transfer credits from other schools?
Yes. If you have an educational background that includes anatomy or massage training, please talk to your admission representative. The Director reviews transfer credits on an individual basis. Transfer credits will be accepted providing the education was received at a licensed school, was successfully completed, is documented, and meets the requirements of a comparable class at CPSM. Tuition credits will be pro-rated for transferred credits.

16. What is the graduation rate of CPSM students?
Over 97 percent! CPSM staff and faculty believe in the integrity of their students and are committed to their success - and it shows in the graduation rate. You'll be welcomed into a supportive and caring school.

17. Does CPSM offer payment plans or student loans?
Yes. CPSM offers guaranteed financing for all students. Interest rates for payment plans are determined by the amount financed. The Bursar's office can help you obtain financing.

18. Can I defer my other student loans while I'm attending CPSM?
Sometimes. If you have a student loan from another academic institution you may be able to consolidate it with your CPSM student loan and defer the payments until after you graduate. The Bursar's office can assist you with the deferment and/or consolidation program.

19. How does the community support student life?
The school is conveniently located in downtown State College, consistently one of the safest and most attractive communities in the country. Due to the presence of neighboring Pennsylvania State University, a vast network of support already exists to facilitate learning, housing, transportation, dining, entertainment, and a generally rewarding student experience.

20. Do I need a license to practice massage in Pennsylvania?
Yes.  Pennsylvania's Massage bill was signed into law in October 2008,  It should take about 2 years for the Massage therapy board to be set to start accepting applications for licensure.  The requirements for licensure are that you graduate from at least a 600 hour massage therapy course, are of good moral character, and pass one of the licensing exams.  

Have a question that isn't answered on here? Email us or call toll free 888-649-3337.