Small school.
High standards.

What does “holistic” mean?  
According to the dictionary, “holistic means encompassing the whole of a thing, not just the part.”  We believe that massage and skincare (esthetics) education is not just about learning new skills and knowledge, but it encompasses the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Our focus is on health and wellness and no student can complete our “hands-on” education without changing something in their lifestyle.

Why do Massage Therapist and Estheticians LOVE their careers:
• They LOVE helping people.
• They ENJOY learning new skills/knowledge.
• They thrive on a FLEXIBLE work schedule.
• They NEED to make a good wage for the hours they work.

How much money can I make?
Obviously in a service-oriented business, salaries vary due to how many hours you work. Some practitioners work part-time and other full-time. The average wage per hour in Bend/Central Oregon in a private practice is approximately $85 per hour. With making a good income per hour, Moms can spend more time with their kids and family; practitioners can enjoy a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

What does “treatment” or “clinical” massage mean?
There are hundreds of massage and bodywork modalities that can be learned and practiced in our field and often practitioners use the same language and mean something completely different.  We believe that treatment or clinical massage is working the muscles of the body slowly and specifically so that the client gains mobility and is no longer in pain.  Our massage therapy programs focus on treating chronic pain, injuries, sports conditions and postural dysfunctions.

What is the difference between “sports” massage and “deep tissue” massage?
The only difference is who you are working on.  Athletes need “treatment” massage as explained above.  They need to get their muscles working as efficiently as they can and without pain so they can continue to perform optimally in competition or in their daily exercise routines.

What is the longevity of working in the industry of Massage Therapy or Esthetics?
Most articles that you read will say that a massage therapist or esthetician burns out in about 5 or 6 years.  Often this is because practitioners injure themselves and can no longer practice what they are passionate about doing.  At Sage we teach you in every class how to use proper body mechanics and how to take care of yourself not just physically, but your whole person.  One of our classes is called Self-Care where students learn how to eat nutritiously, exercise, mediate, rest and have fun.

What does the future hold for massage therapists and estheticians?
According to the US Bureau of Labor the demand for massage therapists is expected to grow 11% from 2012-2028 and the need for Skincare Specialist is expected to increase 11% within the same time frame (for more info http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm).
The Euromonitor International has identified trends that include “good health and wellness” at the center stage, mentioning the use of spa visits and anti-stress therapies as part the trend.  An organization called Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) are a population of 63 million Americans placing high value on health and personal development.  LOHAS experts say these consumers are likely users of health, wellness and personal development services.