Why Choose Sena
Choosing between a private college like Sena College of Massage Therapy and a public university program is a significant decision. While Sena may come with a higher tuition, it offers unique advantages that make it the ideal choice for students looking for a focused, efficient, and hands-on path to a successful massage therapy career.
Here’s why choosing Sena is a decision you won’t regret:
AAt Sena you’re not just a number!
A Student-Centered Environment Built on Accountability
Unlike public institutions with government funding, Sena College relies primarily on tuition to fund its program, meaning our students are truly at the heart of what we do. Research from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that private college students often report higher levels of satisfaction due to this student-centered focus. For us, that means building a supportive, welcoming atmosphere where we’re genuinely cheering you on every step of the way.
The ideal class size!
Small Class Sizes for Personalized, Hands-On Learning
Sena’s small class sizes—capped at 24 students—foster a focused and interactive learning environment. Instead of blending into a crowd of 100+ students, making individualized attention challenging, you’re getting to connect easily with instructors, ask questions, and receive personalized feedback. Research consistently shows that smaller classes allow for more meaningful engagement, leading to improved learning outcomes, especially among students who might otherwise struggle in larger, less personal environments (Finn & Achilles, 2005; Zyngier, 2014). In such a hands-on patient-focused field like massage therapy, these are important considerations.
Save yourself time (which = money).
Intensive Training Hours for Career-Readiness in Two Years
Sena’s program offers 2,500 hours of in-class learning over two years, providing nearly the same amount of contact time as a master’s degree, yet in a condensed time frame that allows students to enter the workforce more quickly. In comparison, traditional bachelor’s programs offer about 1,440–1,800 hours over four years. This intensive schedule provides Sena graduates with hands-on, real-world experience, bypassing the typical entry-level path that many university graduates face and heading directly into roles that put their skills to immediate use. Research from Georgetown University indicates that graduates who enter their careers sooner often have a higher lifetime earning potential.
We’re ready to innovate!
Adaptability for Up-to-Date Learning
Private institutions like Sena College can adapt their curricula to keep pace with current industry standards. According to the Center for Higher Education Policy Studies, private colleges often adjust their programs more quickly than public institutions, ensuring that students are learning the latest techniques and using the most relevant technology. For fields like massage therapy, which benefit from current best practices, this adaptability gives students the edge of being trained with the tools and knowledge that are most relevant and effective in today’s therapeutic landscape.
Nobody wants a teacher like this!
Instructors Focused on Teaching and Mentorship
At Sena, our instructors are selected not only for their expertise but for their dedication to teaching and mentorship. Unlike traditional university faculty who may prioritize research over classroom instruction, Sena’s instructors are focused on helping students succeed. The National Survey of Student Engagement found that students learning from teaching-focused instructors report higher comprehension and skill acquisition, enhancing their readiness to transition confidently into their careers.
In short, investing in Sena College of Massage Therapy is an investment in your future. You’re getting a high-quality, hands-on education in a place that truly values its students. Choose Sena, and you’ll graduate not just with a diploma but with the skills and confidence you need to thrive in your career.
References
Center for Higher Education Policy Studies. (2019). Flexibility in higher education: Adapting curricula to meet industry needs. Center for Higher Education Policy Studies.
Finn, J. D., & Achilles, C. M. (2005). Tennessee's class size study: Findings, implications, misconceptions. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 27(4), 247–265.
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. (2015). The economic value of college majors. https://cew.georgetown.edu/cewreports/valueofcollegemajors/
National Center for Education Statistics. (2021). Private and public college comparison: Student satisfaction and engagement rates. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). (2021). Engagement insights: Survey findings on the quality of undergraduate education. National Survey of Student Engagement. https://nsse.indiana.edu
Zyngier, D. (2014). Class size and academic results, with a focus on children from culturally, linguistically and economically disenfranchised communities. International Journal of Learning and Development, 4(3), 11–35.