How to Pick a Massage Therapist Program near Lower Paxton Pennsylvania

Choosing the right massage therapy school near Lower Paxton PA is a critical first step to launching a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t enjoy working in a profession where the sole purpose is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of settings, 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 proper training and licensing is imperative.  And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When evaluating your options, it’s vital that you look at all facets of the schools you are considering and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are some basic tips that you should include in your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapist school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and almost all Lower Paxton PA 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 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. However, these names often carry a negative connotation among Lower Paxton PA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Most Lower Paxton PA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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

Once you have graduated from an accredited Lower Paxton PA 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 their own or additional exams, 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 re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As earlier stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal.  And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 legally practice there. 

Massage Therapy Online Schools

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 Paxton 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 Paxton 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 Paxton 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 Paxton 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 Paxton 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 Paxton 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 Paxton Therapeutic Massage Schools

Pick the Right 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 Lower Paxton Pennsylvania.