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How to Choose a Massage Therapy Course near Twin Falls Idaho

Twin Falls Idaho massage therapist pressing arm on patientChoosing the right massage therapy school near Twin Falls ID is a critical first step to launching a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  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 can work 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 proper training and licensing is essential.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all alike.  When making your evaluations, 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 fundamental tips that you need to include in your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

Twin Falls Idaho massage therapist massaging female patientAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Twin Falls ID massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage.  However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their course of instruction.  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

Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage professional. However, these names often have a negative connotation among Twin Falls ID professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Twin Falls Idaho massage therapist massaging woman patient's backThe majority of Twin Falls ID 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 vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night.  In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance. 

Massage Therapist Licensing

Twin Falls Idaho clinical massage therapist moving male patient's armAfter your graduation from an accredited Twin Falls ID 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most 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 school.  If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee.  Once licensed, you will need to renew 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 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 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 Twin Falls ID 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

female pondering what to ask Twin Falls Idaho 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 Twin Falls ID. 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 Twin Falls ID 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 Twin Falls ID 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 Twin Falls ID 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 Twin Falls ID 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 Twin Falls Therapeutic Massage Schools

Enroll in 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 Twin Falls Idaho.