How to Pick a Massage Therapist School near Mission Viejo California

Selecting the best massage therapist school near Mission Viejo CA is an important first step to launching a fulfilling new career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the primary goal is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of locations, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When making your evaluations, it’s important that you look at all aspects of the schools you are considering and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are a few basic tips that you should incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare 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.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Mission Viejo CA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage.  But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus.  Below are just a few examples.

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

Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these terms generally carry a derogatory connotation among Mission Viejo CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

Most Mission Viejo 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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 Therapy Licensing

After your graduation from an accredited Mission Viejo 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process.  Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee.  After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. 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. 

Online Massage Therapy Schools

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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo Clinical Massage Therapy Programs

Pick the Best Massage Therapist 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 Mission Viejo California.