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How to Pick a Massage Therapist Program near Burlington Vermont

Burlington Vermont massage therapist with arm on patientChoosing the best massage therapy school near Burlington VT is a critical first step to launching a rewarding first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the primary goal is to help patients feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  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.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your review process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Burlington Vermont medical massage therapist massaging female patientAs previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Burlington VT massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage.  However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their course of instruction.  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 therapeutic massage 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 practitioner. Unfortunately, these names typically carry a negative connotation among Burlington VT professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapy Education Requirements

Burlington Vermont clinical massage therapist massaging woman patient's backMost Burlington VT massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent 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 be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night.  In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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 Therapy Licensing

Burlington Vermont massage therapist manipulating man patient's armOnce you have graduated from an accredited Burlington VT 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 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 your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another exam 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, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State also. 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally 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 Burlington VT 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 pondering what to ask Burlington Vermont massage therapist 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 Burlington VT. 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 Burlington VT 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 Burlington VT 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 Burlington VT 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 Burlington VT 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.

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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 Burlington Vermont.