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How to Select a Massage Therapy Program near Amherst New York

Amherst New York massage therapist with arm on patientPicking the best massage therapist school near Amherst NY is an important first step to starting a rewarding first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in a profession where the primary goal is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work 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 proper training and licensing is imperative.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When evaluating your options, it’s vital that you research all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your review process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Amherst New York medical massage therapist treating female patientAs mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Amherst NY massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage.  But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus.  Following 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles typically have a negative connotation among Amherst NY professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Amherst New York massage therapist massaging female patient's backMost Amherst NY schools offering massage therapy 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 vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day 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.  After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end 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 Therapy Licensing

Amherst New York massage therapist rotating man patient's armOnce you have graduated from an accredited Amherst NY massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed 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 a portion of the licensing process.  Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee.  Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As earlier mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal.  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 it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally 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 Amherst NY 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

woman wondering what to ask Amherst New York massage therapy schoolsBefore 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 Amherst NY. 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 Amherst NY 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 Amherst NY 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 Amherst NY 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 Amherst NY 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 Amherst Massage Therapist Colleges

Pick 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 Amherst New York.