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How to Select a Massage Therapist Program near Casa De Oro Mount Helix California

Casa De Oro Mount Helix California massage therapist with arm on patientPicking the best massage therapist school near Casa De Oro Mount Helix CA is a critical first step to starting a fulfilling first or second career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in a profession where the sole purpose is to help patients feel and function better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide variety of locations, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the right training and licensing is essential.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all alike.  When making your evaluations, 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 need to include in your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Casa De Oro Mount Helix California medical massage therapist massaging female patientAs previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their clients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Casa De Oro Mount Helix CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage.  However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools have the option to include within their course of instruction.  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 one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles generally have a negative connotation among the general public and Casa De Oro Mount Helix CA professionals alike and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Casa De Oro Mount Helix California medical massage therapist massaging woman patient's backAlmost all Casa De Oro Mount Helix CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening.  In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed.  Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics. 

Massage Therapist Licensing

Casa De Oro Mount Helix California massage therapist manipulating male patient's armOnce you have graduated from an accredited Casa De Oro Mount Helix CA massage therapy program, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing.  The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process.  Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee.  Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally 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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix 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

female wondering questions to ask Casa De Oro Mount Helix California massage therapy programsBefore 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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix 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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix 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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix 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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix 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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix 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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix Clinical Massage Therapy Programs

Enroll in the Right Massage Therapist School

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 Casa De Oro Mount Helix California.