Business Education? Where????

If you're like me, you were launched into massage therapy without sufficient business education. I love and respect my alma mater (and they've definitely expanded the biz education since I graduated) but I came out with very little practical knowledge about business.

When I begin one of my business classes I admit I am entirely self-taught, which means all I can give anyone is practical information. Not much on the academic side (find an MBA for that). But where does one get practical, useful business education?

Thankfully, the picture has improved a lot in the last 15 years. Here are some you've probably thought about and a few you might not have.

The Healing Core

OK, this is blatant self-promotion since this is the small training company I co-own and through which I teach Business, Bite-Sized. Right now our courses are only available in Washington DC, though if you'd like to sponsor us, we love a good road trip!

American Massage Therapy Association or Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals

Both offer online courses. ABMP has more practical information in their magazine. AMTA has an annual convention that offers business courses (taught by MTs to MTs). I especially love the class taught by Margo Bowman (bookkeeping and taxes). She'll be at the convention in Denver in September.

At Peace Media

They are developing quite the library of online videos and webinars, including a growing list about business subjects. I did my first webinar with them in March on how to assess the health of your practice (how are you really doing?). When you have an option to search their listings by modality, enter "business".

Community colleges

If you'd like to get a basic academic understanding of business, look for a 100-level class in their business or business administration listings. Check to see what their policies are for people who want to take a single class rather than pursue and AA degree. Check whether courses are in-classroom or online. You may not have to live near the college to take advantage of what they've got to offer.

Your local college / university

I just discovered that UDC (University of the District of Columbia) has their own continuing ed offerings (though they don't fulfill MT licensing requirements) on very practical business skills. I'm taking a 6-week online course this summer on building a WordPress website. They have several other offerings that look good to me too and they're all online and very affordable.

Colleges and universities may also have special deals for locals who aren't pursuing a degree but want to take a class here and there.


There are more and more places you can get practical business education and a lot of it is online. Dig a little and see what's out there that can help you.