It is not necessary to be any sort of computer whiz to successfully complete an online course for your massage or bodywork continuing education requirements. Advanced online education, also known as distance learning, has streamlined the entire process, from enrollment and attending class to peer study groups and final exams.
If you are ready to begin your search for a continuing education course, certainly do not rule out online options, as one of these courses may be the best fit for you, even if you are used to the traditional classroom.
Those massage therapists and bodyworkers who might find a great fit in distance learning include those with incredibly packed schedules that could be tough to work around, even if it only means one day a week spent at class.
The great thing about taking a course online is students often are allowed to log in and “attend” these classes at any time, day or night. Therefore, earning one’s continuing education credits can happen on a flexible schedule, leaving plenty of “wiggle room” for other obligations.
If this sounds like the type of class that may be suitable for your busy lifestyle, be sure to check with the provider to make sure it’s an online course that can be attended at any time, at least for the most part. There are certain distance learning classes that need to be attended at set times each week, but these are far more rare than the more flexible courses.
Another segment of the massage and bodywork population that might find a fit in online continuing education are those practitioners who happen to live in more rural or isolated areas. In these cases, it can be difficult to find the desired continuing education course happening in a classroom nearby. With online education, though, it is highly possible to find the exact continuing education topic you have been searching for, and often you can learn from some of the top educators in the field.
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, continuing education taken online often is less costly than those classes offered in a brick-and-mortar classroom, especially once you factor in the cost of transportation and time to and from the class.
Of course, distance learning tends to be far less pricey than destination continuing education as well, as no airplane or cruise tickets are required, not to mention meals and boarding.
However, it is important to remember that each route toward earning continuing education credits offers its own benefits. Choosing the one that is right for you will depend on your specific needs and lifestyle.
For example, many massage therapists and bodyworkers prefer to take continuing education in person if the topic of the course is a hands-on technique. However, with such subjects as ethics or marketing, they may find distance learning to be the perfect method for taking the class.
Before you enroll in any form of continuing education, find out exactly what your state or region’s governing board requires when it comes to counting continuing education credits toward your license renewal requirement.
–Brandi Schlossberg