Number of New Graduates Declining

This data is provided by the 2009 AMTA Massage Industry Research Report:
Traditionally, in poor economic times enrollment in educational programs increases as those displaced from the workforce go back to school. During the recession of 2001-2002 schools of all types, including massage schools, saw an increasing enrollment. With the current recession, this is not the case.

One reason that schools are struggling to increase enrollments is the lack of availability of credit in the form of government loans, grants, and privately funded school loans. Over 40 percent of massage school administrators stated that it is more difficult for students to receive financial aid than in year’s past.

According to the December 22, 2008 issue of Business Week, there has even been a 2 percent drop in graduate degrees, which increased dramatically during past recessions.

As a direct result, the number of new graduates coming out of massage therapy programs declined from 2007 to 2008. According to the 2007 AMTA Massage School Survey, the average number of graduates of 500-plus hour massage schools was approximately 49.5 graduates per year. In 2008, that number dropped to 43.8 graduates per year. This corresponds with observations made by school administrators (in surveys and at the COS 2008 Leadership Conference) about declining enrollment and graduation numbers.

While getting ready to graduate, some students may find it difficult to find a job in massage therapy, or find a job that will support their practice until they can build up a client base. This is one of the major reasons why new therapists leave the profession.

Roughly 31 percent of schools have a formal placement program for graduates. In these schools, over 80 percent of graduates find employment in massage therapy after graduation. Roughly 58 percent of schools provide only a job board or book that students can use to look for jobs, and about 10 percent of schools do not offer placement services at all.

I am happy to report that the CFMNH has successfully weathered the storm and we continue to exceed in graduating wonderful new therapists. Our lifetime job placement program helps to keep our graduates working and happy. We will also be able to offer financial aid and grants to our new students in the very near future.

Posted by Peggy M. Huff, President/Executive Director
Center for Massage & Natural Health-Asheville, NC

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