How to Enroll in a Massage Therapist Course near Brownsville Texas

Choosing the best massage therapy school near Brownsville TX is an important first step to beginning a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of locations, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must.  And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s important that you look at all facets of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide a few basic tips that you need to include in your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most Brownsville TX massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage.  But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their syllabus.  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. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage professional. However, these names generally carry a derogatory connotation among Brownsville TX professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Training Requirements

The majority of Brownsville TX massage therapy programs require enrolling students have 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 to earn an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night.  Also, 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 earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop 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 Therapist Licensing

After your graduation from an accredited Brownsville TX 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 part of the licensing process.  Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee.  Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As earlier 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 legally practice 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 Brownsville TX 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 Brownsville TX. 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 Brownsville TX 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 Brownsville TX 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 Brownsville TX 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 Brownsville TX 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 Brownsville Massage Therapy Programs

Pick the Best Massage Therapy 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 Brownsville Texas.