US-based spa franchise Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has begun offering free courses for continued education requirements for all licensed massage therapists – including those not employed by the brand.

The educational lectures, training programmes and learning and development courses are now available on Hand & Stone's brand new Learning Management System (LMS).

The LMS is designed to support massage therapists' professional growth by providing flexible, accessible education at no cost.

“We’re excited to offer this resource to the broader massage community,” said Nathan Nordstrom, senior director of training and industry relations at Hand & Stone.

“Our goal is to provide high-quality educational opportunities that support professional development for all licensed massage therapists. By making these courses available for free, we hope to create an environment of continuous learning and improvement in the industry.”

What’s on offer?

The site currently features a range of continuing education courses worth one credit each, including:

• Adapting Techniques: Working Within Your Limitations. • What Comes Next: Paths to Advancing Your Career.

• Client-Based: Prejudicial Judgement.• Good, Better, Best in Massage Therapy: How to Work Smarter and Not Harder.

• Hot Stone Essentials. • Work Environments: How Different Can They Be?

• Work Settings in the Industry of Massage.

The bigger pictureHand & Stone notes that these free courses represent just a portion of the range of training available to its spa employees who are eligible for 12 continuing education hours with completed new-hire training.

The brand also offers a series of live quarterly webinars and a secondary learning system for employees to enhance their understanding of company protocols and industry knowledge.

By offering these educational resources, Hand & Stone aims to equip its franchise owners with tools for long-term success, enabling them to attract and retain top talent, boost employee satisfaction, and enhance the overall customer experience. This focus on training is designed to lead to repeat customers and increased spending through service upgrades.

About Hand & Stone

Hand & Stone is a more than 600-unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to deliver premium spa services to the middle market in a professional, affordable and convenient manner.

Launched in 2004, Hand & Stone has locations across 36 US states and Canada.

Available for women, men and teens, a wide range of services are tailored to each individual's needs or skin concerns.