How to Select a Massage Therapist School near Evanston Illinois

Selecting the best massage therapist school near Evanston IL is a critical first step to beginning a fulfilling new career as a massage therapist.  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 settings, such as hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the proper training and licensing is imperative.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all alike.  When making your evaluations, it’s essential that you research all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are some fundamental tips that you should incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Evanston IL massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage.  But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs 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

Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among Evanston IL professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

The majority of Evanston IL massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned 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.  How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program 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 similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance. 

Massage Therapy Licensing

After your graduation from an accredited Evanston IL 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 part of the licensing process.  There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it 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 earlier 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 as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there. 

Online Massage Therapy Programs

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 Evanston IL 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 Evanston IL. 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 Evanston IL 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 Evanston IL 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 Evanston IL 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 Evanston IL 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 Evanston Massage Therapist 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 Evanston Illinois.