Hey Andrea, I'm Heather. I'm from Wichita and I moved to Colorado Springs to go to the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy about a year ago. I don't feel like it really matters if you get a degree or a certificate. Personally I would choose the degree...just to have it you know, it always looks better. Sounds like you are planning on going to Butler for this, I looked into it also. I've heard it is a pretty good program, just wasn't what I personally was looking for. If you don't go for the degree you should check into some of the other schools around also. There is Body and Soul on Hillside close to Central, give them a call and see what they have to offer. You may get better anatomy training at Butler, which, in my opinion is one of the most important things. I think you have made a wonderful decision and you will not regret it. You are going into this for all the right reasons, you care. Working at a Hospice is going to be so rewarding for you. I'm about to begin an internship at Hospice here in Colorado Springs. It's an experience I know will be challenging, but the rewards will far outweigh the challenge. Hope I've been helpful, let me know if there is anything else, any other questions. I examined all of my options in Wichita before I decided to come out here so if you don't feel like doing the research yourself I probably already have. Good luck and congrats on the best decision you have ever made.