How to Pick a Massage Therapist Course near Altadena California

Enrolling in the best massage therapy school near Altadena CA is a critical first step to launching a rewarding first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is imperative.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When evaluating your options, it’s vital that you research all aspects of the schools you are considering and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are some basic tips that you should incorporate into your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Altadena CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage.  However, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus.  Below are some of the more popular examples.

• Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Massage
• Shiatsu Massage
• Thai Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Pregnancy Massage

Practitioners that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these names generally have a negative connotation among Altadena CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.

Massage Therapy Education Requirements

Most Altadena CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed.  Some states require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics. 

Massage Therapy Licensing

After your graduation from an accredited Altadena CA massage therapy program, the next step is to obtain your license in the State where you will be practicing.  The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as a portion of the licensing process.  There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As earlier mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal.  And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there. 

Massage Therapy Schools Online

Since massage therapy by nature is a hands-on profession, programs generally require a good deal of clinical or physical training. This means that online programs are not available (or should not be available) that are offered solely online. However hybrid programs are available in Altadena CA that allow students to complete their general education requirements remotely, and then attend classes on campus for their clinical massage therapy training. These programs can often have lower tuition fees and give students more flexibility by allowing them to complete some of their classes at home at their convenience. It is important, however, that students make sure that they can attend the scheduled portions of the program, such as for clinical training or online seminars prior to enrolling as they would with a more traditional program.   

What to Ask Massage Therapy Schools

Before you choose a massage therapy school, there are some important questions that you need to ask about the programs you are considering.  As previously mentioned, the location of the school is important, particularly if you will be commuting to classes from Altadena CA. And of course the total cost, including tuition, books and all training materials will also be an important factor.  But beyond those basic qualifications, following are some questions you should ask so that you have all of the facts before choosing a massage therapist training program.

• Is the School Accredited? Accreditation may be required for licensing as well as student loans or financial aid. It also helps to ensure that the program meets acceptable levels of quality.  Some Altadena CA employers also prefer job candidates from accredited schools.
• Does their Curriculum Comply with EALP Standards? Entry-Level Analysis Project (EALP) standards were created by an association of massage organizations to define minimum standards for preparing massage school graduates for entry-level professional work.
• What Massage Therapy Programs are Available? Find out if the type of program you are interested in is available, such as an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy. Also, if you need to attend evening classes make sure that they are offered near Altadena CA as well.
• What Types of Massage Therapy are Taught? As previously mentioned, most massage therapy schools teach Swedish Massage. However, the better programs include multiple types of massage therapy.  Make sure that the program you choose includes those you are most interested in.
• Is Financial Aid Available? To qualify for federal financial aid or a student loan, the school will need to be accredited by a national accrediting organization.  Find out from the schools you are considering what they offer in aid or if they assist students in obtaining funding from other sources.
• How Long has the School Existed? One indication that a school provides a quality education is longevity.  However, all schools had to start from day one, and many fine schools are relatively new.  So use this as one of several qualifications when comparing schools.
• Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Find out if the schools have job placement programs in the Altadena CA area and what their placement rates are.  Ask if they assist with such skills as how to interview for a position and how to prepare a resume.
• Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? This includes classroom training as well as placement in Altadena CA internship programs.  The best massage therapy schools make sure that students have plenty of time to practice what they learn so they can develop their skills and be corrected when necessary.
• What is the Background of the Faculty? Find out what the experience and credentials are of the teaching faculty.  Speaking with schools’ faculty in person can also provide valuable information. Before applying, arrange to take a tour of the school and talk with staff members and students if permissible. Schools may also have Open House events for prospective students.

Find Out More About Altadena Therapeutic Massage Colleges

Enroll in the Best Massage Therapy Program

Good luck as you embark on your journey to begin a career as a professional massage therapist.  As with all things worth achieving, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed.  And by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right school and training program.  With the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing Altadena California.