FAQ for Lakeside's Core Diploma Program
Open houses are a great way to have your questions answered and to meet faculty and staff as well as tour the school. Open houses are held monthly – just contact our admissions coordinator at milw_info@lakeside.edu to find out when the next one is being held!
How much does the program cost?
Current tuition costs for the program can be obtained from the admissions coordinator at milw_info@lakeside.edu. Lakeside does offer federal financial aid for those who qualify in addition to no-interest payment plans.
How long is the program?
The core diploma program is offered in a 30-week full time day program, a 9-month day program, or a 52-week evening program.
What’s the difference between the different programs?
All of the programs at Lakeside, regardless of length, follow the same curriculum and include the same number of hours. The variety of lengths and times of day are of offered so that you can pick the schedule that works best for your life.
Does Lakeside offer financial aid?
Yes. Lakeside offers federal financial aid for those who qualify.
Does Lakeside offer payment plans if I don’t get financial aid?
Yes. Lakeside offers no-interest payment plan options to students.
What kind of massage will I learn?
Students will learn Swedish massage and be introduced to modalities including hydrotherapy, trigger point, joint mobilization, and connective tissue. In addition, therapeutic approaches integrating a variety of deep tissue techniques for common injuries are provided following the introductory material.
Are there any fees up front?
Prior to being officially enrolled, students must pay the $25 application fee and the $50 registration fee.
Are there many jobs opportunities for massage therapists right now?
Employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations, according to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
How much will I make as a massage therapist?
Income for massage therapists varies widely based on the type of setting, but the average wage is $39 per hour (including tip) according to the 2008 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet put out by the American Massage Therapy Association.
Will Lakeside help me find a job?
Lakeside cannot guarantee employment to any graduate, but works with each student to maximize opportunities in gaining employment. Because of our reputation, we are continually contacted by employers looking for massage therapists and post these job opportunities on our website in a password protected section with contact information accessible only to our graduates.
Is there a lot of homework?
The curriculum at Lakeside involves hands-on practice and studying will be required. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, study groups with faculty are available free of charge. These study groups give students a chance to receive help in specific areas as well as expand upon knowledge received in class. Lakeside also has a list of tutors who are available to students when they desire help on a one-to-one basis. Students are responsible for any costs incurred through tutoring.
Do you accommodate students’ learning needs?
People learn information in different ways, and we want you to succeed! Some students learn best by hearing, some learn by hands-on experience, and others need to see how it’s done. Lakeside presents class material in ways that work with various learning styles. Because some students have trouble interpreting things in written form, we also offer the option of oral testing.
Will I be certified when I’m done with the program at Lakeside?
Students take the national certification exam as part of the curriculum at Lakeside School of Massage Therapy. Passing this exam allows you to take the state exam online upon graduation to become a state licensed massage therapist through the Department of Regulation and Licensing.
How do I get my state license?
Lakeside will assist you in becoming state licensed by mailing your transcripts to the Department of Regulation and Licensing and providing support for the state exam. Having passed the national certification exam, you will then take the state exam online through the Department of Regulation and Licensing in order to become state licensed.
