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How to Select a Massage Therapy Program near Seal Beach California

Seal Beach California medical massage therapist pressing forearm on patientChoosing the best massage therapist school near Seal Beach 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 primary goal is to help patients 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 beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s important that you research all aspects of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

Seal Beach California clinical massage therapist massaging woman patientAs mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Seal Beach CA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage.  However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools 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

Professionals that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles generally have a derogatory connotation among Seal Beach CA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Seal Beach California massage therapist rubbing female patient's backThe majority of Seal Beach CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED 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.  The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based 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

Seal Beach California clinical massage therapist manipulating man patient's armOnce you have graduated from an accredited Seal Beach CA massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing.  The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process.  Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty 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, 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 also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving 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 Seal Beach 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

woman wondering questions to ask Seal Beach California massage therapist 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 Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach Massage Therapy Schools

Pick the Best 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 Seal Beach California.