How to Enroll in a Massage Therapist Course near Bedford Michigan

Selecting the right massage therapy school near Bedford MI is an important first step to beginning a fulfilling first or second career as a massage therapist.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t enjoy working in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of locations, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When evaluating your options, it’s important that you research all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide some fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic 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 type of massage that most of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Bedford MI massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage.  However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to 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

Professionals that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these titles generally have a negative connotation among Bedford MI professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Training Requirements

The majority of Bedford MI massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening.  In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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 Therapy Licensing

After your graduation from an accredited Bedford MI 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 a test 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 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 your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam 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 should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. 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 have satisfied 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 Bedford MI 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 Bedford MI. 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 Bedford MI 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 Bedford MI 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 Bedford MI 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 Bedford MI 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 Bedford Massage Therapist Schools

Enroll in the Best Massage Therapist 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 Bedford Michigan.