How to Choose a Massage Therapy Course near South Lake Tahoe California

Picking the best massage therapist school near South Lake Tahoe CA is a critical first step to starting a rewarding new career as a massage therapist.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t want to work in a profession where the sole purpose is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of locations, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, receiving the right training and licensing is essential.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s vital that you research all aspects of the schools you are reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are a few fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most South Lake Tahoe CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage.  But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction.  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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a derogatory connotation among South Lake Tahoe CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.

Massage Therapy Education Requirements

Almost all South Lake Tahoe CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two 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 may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day 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.  After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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 Therapist Licensing

After your graduation from an accredited South Lake Tahoe 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 a portion of the licensing process.  There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee.  Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As previously stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal.  And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. 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 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe Clinical Massage Therapy Programs

Pick the Best Massage Therapy 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 South Lake Tahoe California.