How to Pick a Massage Therapy School near Charlottesville Virginia

Choosing the right massage therapist school near Charlottesville VA is an important first step to launching a rewarding first or second career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help patients 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!  However prior to starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the right training and licensing is imperative.  And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When making your evaluations, it’s important that you look at all aspects of the schools you are reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you should incorporate into your review process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when researching massage therapy, and almost all Charlottesville VA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage.  However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction.  Following 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. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Charlottesville VA professionals alike and should be avoided.

Massage Therapy Education Requirements

Almost all Charlottesville VA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night.  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 received your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 Therapist Licensing

Once you have graduated from an accredited Charlottesville VA massage therapy school, 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process.  There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As previously stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 practice legally there. 

Massage Therapy Schools 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 Charlottesville VA 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 Charlottesville VA. 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 Charlottesville VA 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 Charlottesville VA 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 Charlottesville VA 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 Charlottesville VA 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 Charlottesville Therapeutic Massage Schools

Enroll in the Best 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 Charlottesville Virginia.