NHI Student, Barry Crane’s Review of the Core 900 Hour Massage Therapy Program
I am Barry Crane. I am a certified massage therapist and am graduating from the NHI 900 Hour Core Program in April of this year. I became interested in massage when a friend invited me to join his Burning Man camp that provided therapeutic massage. I went and discovered that I had a gift for massage. I also discovered how happy it made people – and in turn how that made me happy too. From then on I was hooked! Prior to becoming a massage therapist I had many other careers. I was a furniture designer and maker, an aviation research psychologist and a computer interface designer – which I still currently do at Yahoo.
What has been your favorite class so far?
I don’t know that I have a favorite class. I just love the 900 hour program overall. There is so much material covered and we learn so much across many subjects and modalities. If I had to pick something, I would say myofascial therapy. It is focused work on particular problem areas that shows quick results.
What do you love the most about NHI?
The people! The faculty, my classmates – all are wonderful people to go on this journey with. The faculty is comprised of talented, knowledgeable and compassionate professionals who love the massage profession and are passionate about teaching and helping students develop into successful massage therapists and professionals. My classmates are from widely varied backgrounds all dedicated to learning and doing work that is deeply satisfying. This creates a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow as a massage therapist.
What has been the hardest class so far – and what was challenging about it?
The hardest classes have been the Eastern modality classes like Shiatsu and Jin Shin. They challenge my Western science way of thinking and encourage me to see the body differently – as more of an energy system than this solid collection of mechanical parts. Once I saw the powerful results of these modalities, I was better able to think and perceive the body in that way.
Overall what’s your impression of NHI’s Core 900-Hour Program?
It is a wonderful program with great breadth and depth of subject matter. I feel it has help me grow into a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate massage therapist.
Would you recommend NHI to someone interested in massage – if so why?
I highly recommend NHI to anyone interested in becoming a massage therapist. NHI provides an excellent and comprehensive curriculum taught by knowledgeable and passionate teachers who love what they do and really care about their students and their success.