How to Choose a Massage Therapist Course near Lower Makefield Pennsylvania

Picking the best massage therapist school near Lower Makefield PA is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of locations, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is imperative.  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 make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  We will provide a few basic tips that you should include in your review process when choosing a massage therapist school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic 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 clients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and almost all Lower Makefield PA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage.  But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their syllabus.  Below 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. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage professional. However, these titles generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and Lower Makefield PA professionals alike and are better avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

The majority of Lower Makefield PA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has 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 education 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

Once you have graduated from an accredited Lower Makefield PA 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 the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process.  There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee.  Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As earlier stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in 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. 

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 Lower Makefield PA 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 Lower Makefield PA. 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 Lower Makefield PA 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 Lower Makefield PA 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 Lower Makefield PA 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 Lower Makefield PA 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 Lower Makefield Massage Therapist Programs

Pick the Right 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 Lower Makefield Pennsylvania.