How to Choose a Massage Therapist School near Knoxville Tennessee

Choosing the right massage therapist school near Knoxville TN is a critical first step to launching a rewarding first or second 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 variety of settings, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When making your evaluations, it’s important that you research all aspects of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are some fundamental tips that you should include in your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Knoxville TN massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage.  But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include as part of 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. However, these terms typically carry a negative connotation among Knoxville TN professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

Almost all Knoxville TN massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based 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 at night.  In addition, 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 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 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 Knoxville TN 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 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 their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee.  After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As previously mentioned, 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 also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there. 

Massage Therapy Online 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 Knoxville TN 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 Knoxville TN. 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 Knoxville TN 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 Knoxville TN 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 Knoxville TN 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 Knoxville TN 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 Knoxville Massage Therapist Schools

Pick the Best Massage Therapy 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 Knoxville Tennessee.