There’s no way of getting around your continuing massage education requirements. They are a part of your professional certification.

 

But you don’t need to spend the big bucks on travel, hotel reservations, crowded classrooms and inconvenient class schedules to meet your requirements. There are ways of making them more convenient for you and your day-to-day schedule through home study courses.

Before enrolling in your next continuing education class, take some time to consider the benefits of home study courses that can help to ensure your continuing education experience is as educational and hassle-free as possible.

10. Geographic access. For those living off the beaten path and far away from a major city, it can be hard finding live classes, workshops or seminars nearby. Home study courses bring the classroom to you no matter your locale. And that means you’ll have just as much access to continuing education offerings as your big-city brethren.

9. Mobility. Live classes, even if close to your home, can often be difficult to get to, especially if you are disabled or lack transportation.  Home study courses are delivered to your home or office, where it is convenient for you. The only travel you may need to do is from your front door to the mailbox.

8. Class size. Live classes often attract crowds, where you compete against other eager students for the best seat. If they beat you out in the rush, hope for a pair of opera glasses and a good P.A. system. In home study courses, however, you have a front row seat for every class and intimate access to all of the course materials. Not to mention, you’ll never have to languish in your car trying to find that ever-elusive open parking space.

7. Materials. A book and a study guide are often all a student receives in taking a live class. Any props, displays or visual aids the instructor uses are only able to be viewed during class. Because home study courses teach the same material without using live demonstrations, these courses generally include much more dynamic and visually engaging course materials. Home study programs often include DVDs filled with hours of hands-on demonstrations, along with detailed course books offering numerous photos and illustrations.

6. Scheduling. Live classes are often scheduled for a particular date and time. If you’re not able to make it, it’s your loss. But with home study courses, you make the schedule and do what works best for your situation. You also have access to the class materials at any time.

When you decide what courses might be right for you, make sure to check with your national and state licensing bodies to make sure the courses you select are acceptable for continuing education credits.

–Jeremy Maready