How to Choose a Massage Therapist School near Riverside California

Picking the right massage therapist school near Riverside CA is a critical first step to starting a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the primary goal is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide variety of locations, such as hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  But before starting a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When evaluating your options, it’s essential 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 a few basic tips that you need to include in your review process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Riverside CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage.  However, there are many 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. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and Riverside CA professionals alike and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Most Riverside CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few 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 vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance. 

Massage Therapist Licensing

Once you have graduated from an accredited Riverside CA massage therapy school, 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 required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process.  Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As previously stated, 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. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there. 

Massage Therapy Programs 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside California.