How to Select a Massage Therapist Program near South Miami Heights Florida

Picking the best massage therapist school near South Miami Heights FL is an important first step to beginning 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 feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before starting a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper training and licensing is imperative.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s vital that you look at all aspects of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are some fundamental tips that you should incorporate into your review process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Massage Therapy?

As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all South Miami Heights FL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage.  But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their syllabus.  Following are some of the more popular examples.

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

Professionals that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles generally carry a derogatory connotation among South Miami Heights FL professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Most South Miami Heights FL 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening.  In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance. 

Massage Therapy Licensing

Once you have graduated from an accredited South Miami Heights FL 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 most States as part of the licensing process.  Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As previously stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 South Miami Heights FL 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 Miami Heights FL. 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 Miami Heights FL 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 Miami Heights FL 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 Miami Heights FL 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 Miami Heights FL 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.

Learn More About South Miami Heights Clinical Massage Therapy Colleges

Pick the Best Massage Therapy 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 South Miami Heights Florida.